Overactive immune response linked to colitis, unsaturated fats help

A Yale-led study links an overactive immune response to colitis, a severe colon inflammation. The presence of ceramides triggers inflammation, while unsaturated fats, like those in olive oil, alleviate symptoms in mice. The absence of interleukin-10 leads to increased ceramide production. Mice lacking specific ceramides showed reduced colitis. Feeding them unsaturated fats improved symptoms. The study suggests diets high in unsaturated fats may benefit colitis treatment.