Microflora changes with an acute high fat diet (1037.13)

Activation of NF-κB signaling and ensuing protective gene transcription in the heart is the basis for cardioprotection in the murine heart following an acute (24h) high fat diet (HFD). This protection is strongest after 2wks of high fat feeding and declines thereafter. The exact connection between acute high fat feeding and NF-κB activation is not yet fully understood. Long-term fat absorption in the intestine is associated with increased vascular permeability, decreased numbers of gram-positive bacteria, and cytokine release into lymphatic circulation. We considered the novel hypothesis that an acute HFD affects the intestinal microflora. Bacterial DNA from stool samples, luminal flushes, and mucosal scrapings were isolated from 24h high fat fed mice and changes in the phyla Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Y-Proteobacteria measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Our data indicates a significant increase in Actinobacteria in stool post high fat feeding. No statistically signific...