EFFECT OF BROCCOLI AND CAULIFLOWER ON IMMUNE FUNCTIONS IN AGED RATS
Abstract: The elderly suffer a decline in immune function that increases their vulnerability to infections. Because antioxidants improve some age-related deficits in immune and cognitive function, our goal was to determine whether administration of broccoli and cauliflower in rats diet could enhance some aspects of innate and adaptive immune functions which showed to be declined with aging.
A total of 24 Sprague - Dawley aged female rats weighing 370 to 380g were divided into 4 groups (n=6), the first group fed on basal diet (control group), while the other three groups administered 7.5% each of raw broccoli, steamed broccoli and raw cauliflower substituted in the basal diet. Blood samples were taken from each rat and tested for parameters of innate immunity (monocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils). Parameters of adaptive immunity (IgM and IgG) were also measured. Glutathione reduced (GSH), hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit counts were studied.
From the present results it could be observed that aging caused deterioration in both types of immune functions. Administration of broccoli and cauliflower in rats diet resulted in an enhancement in parameters of innate and adaptive immunity. A significant increase in IgM and IgG was observed, while percentages of total circulating white blood cells including monocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils were significantly increased. Consumption of both vegetables caused significant increase in glutathione level which indicated an improvement in the antioxidant status that have been reduced in aged rats. We recommend that broccoli and cauliflower should be consumed regularly in order to enhance immune functions especially in aged populations.
Publication year 2008
Pages 199-173
Availability location معهد بحوث تكنولوجيا الاغذية - ش الجامعة -الجيزة
Availability number
Organization Name
City القاهرة
serial title المجلة المصرية للتغذية
Author(s) from ARC
Agris Categories Diet and diet-related diseases
Publication Type Journal
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