The Effect of a High Fat Meal on Cerebral Vascular Function

Authors

Jordan C. Patik, University of Texas at ArlingtonFollow
Wesley J. Tucker, University of Texas at ArlingtonFollow
Bryon M. Curtis, University of Texas at ArlingtonFollow
Michael Nelson, University of Texas at ArlingtonFollow
R Matthew Brothers, University of Texas at ArlingtonFollow

Abstract

It is well known that a single high fat meal (HFM) causes a robust and transient elevation in serum triglycerides (TG). This elevation in serum TG is a primary contributor to the post-prandial attenuation of peripheral vascular endothelial function, as assessed by flow-mediated dilation in the brachial artery. Whether a similar impairment in vascular reactivity can be observed in the cerebral circulation remains unknown, and was the focus of this investigation. PURPOSE: To test the hypothesis that cerebral vascular function is impaired following a HFM. METHODS: End-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure (PETCO2), middle cerebral artery blood velocity (MCAVmean), calculated cerebral vascular conductance index (CVCI; MCAVmean/mean arterial pressure) and cerebral vasodilator response to rebreathing induced hypercapnia (% increase in CVC from baseline at common maximal ΔPETCO2) were assessed in 6 healthy young men (27 ±5 years). Measures were assessed during fasted baseline and again at 2 and 4 h post meal consumption (HFM day) or at a similar time point in the fasted state (TC day). The two visits were separated by 2-7 days and were conducted in a randomized order. Blood lipids were assessed at baseline and at the 2 h time point into each respective condition. RESULTS: As expected, consumption of the HFM significantly elevated serum TG concentrations relative to TC at 2 h (HFM: 101±38 to 169±77mg/dl, TC: 107±32 to 92±31mg/dl, P=0.007). However, the HFM had no effect of cerebral vasodilator capacity during rebreathing induced hypercapnia. The maximal increase in %CVC achieved at the highest common ΔPETCO2 during all conditions within each subject was unchanged during 2hr and 4hr post HFM or TC (condition x time interaction: P=0.96). Similarly, the slope of the change in %CVC per change in ΔPETCO2 was unaffected by HFM across time (P=0.49). CONCLUSION: Contrary to our hypothesis, and unlike the peripheral vasculature, our preliminary data suggest that the cerebral circulation appears to be protected from the acute negative effects of a high fat meal.

Recommended Citation

Patik, Jordan C.; Tucker, Wesley J.; Curtis, Bryon M.; Nelson, Michael; and Brothers, R Matthew (2017) "The Effect of a High Fat Meal on Cerebral Vascular Function," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2: Iss. 9, Article 8.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss9/8