Therapeutic Potential of Physiological Starvation: Impact of Nutritional Support on Autophagy and Inflammasome Dynamics in an Lps-induced Sepsis Model

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the influence of nutritional support on autophagic activity and inflammatory markers in an experimental sepsis model induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in rats. Material and Method: Thirty-five male Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups: control, LPS-induced sepsis, and LPS-induced sepsis with nutritional support. Sepsis was induced by intraperitoneal LPS administration, and nutritional support was provided via orogastric tube feeding. Sickness behavior, body weight changes, and molecular markers (NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-1β, Beclin, LC3) were assessed. Results: Sepsis induction led to significant weight loss and increased sickness scores, with notable changes in molecular markers. Nutritional support showed a potential influence on NLRP3 and LC3 levels, suggesting a regulatory role in inflammasome activity and autophagy during sepsis. Discussion and Conclusion: The study sheds light on the complex interplay between sepsis, nutritional support, and molecular markers. Notably, NLRP3 exhibited significant differences, while other markers showed nuanced responses. The findings suggest a potential regulatory effect of nutritional support on the inflammatory response and autophagy during sepsis. Further investigations into temporal dynamics and specific pathways are warranted for a comprehensive understanding of these interactions, offering valuable insights for therapeutic strategies in sepsis.