Dietary modulation of metabolic endotoxemia: mechanistic insights from an in vitro human intestinal-immune cell model

This thesis was conducted within the framework of MOCIA (Maintaining Optimal Cognitive function In Ageing), a Dutch research programme focused on identifying dietary strategies that can prevent cognitive decline via the gut-brain axis. Given the central role of intestinal health in maintaining cognitive function, the primary aim of this thesis was to examine the effects and underlying mechanisms of specific foods, namely fats and fruits, on intestinal inflammation. To investigate this, we developed a novel in vitro laboratory model that mimics the structure and function of the human intestine. Using this approach, we observed that both the quantity and type of dietary fat distinctly influence inflammatory responses. Saturated fats, such as palm oil, induced higher levels of intestinal inflammation compared to unsaturated fats, such as fish oil. Notably, we also found that combining saturated fats with blueberries reduced this inflammatory response, suggesting a protective effect of the fruit. Overall, these findings contribute valuable insights toward developing targeted dietary strategies to mitigate intestinal inflammation and its associated cognitive decline.