The short-term high fat diet-induced increase in %5-methylcytosine expression in peripheral blood T lymphocytes, is attenuated by low-dose aspirin

ObjectiveTo assess peripheral lymphocyte DNA methylation profiles in prediabetes using a high fat-diet-fed C57BL/6 animal model. We further evaluated whether low dose-aspirin, or low-dose aspirin in combination with metformin, could modulate global DNA methylation levels in peripheral blood lymphocytes.\n\nMethodsTwenty-eight (28) male C57BL/6 mice were used in two experimental phases. The first experiment involved animals (n=16) which were randomised to receive a low-fat diet (LFD) or high-fat diet (HFD) (n = 8/group) for 10 weeks. Whereas in the second experiment, HFD-fed mice (n=15) were randomised into 3 treatment groups, a low-dose aspirin (LDA), LDA and metformin group, and a clopidogrel group. DNA methylation profiles of were determined using flow cytometry.\n\nResultsThe HFD group showed moderate weight gain and elevated postprandial blood glucose levels when compared to the LFD group after 2 weeks of HFD-feeding (p < 0.05). Interestingly, the HFD group had elevated levels of T cells expressing high levels %5-methylcytosine (p<0, 05). Notably, these elevated levels were lowered by short-term low-dose aspirin treatment.\n\nDiscussionT cells are involved in the propagation of the inflammatory response. Persistent T cell activation promotes chronic inflammation and insulin resistance. Low-dose aspirin may be effective in modulating T cell-specific global methylation.