TCDD-induced anorexia and wasting syndrome in rats: effects of diet-induced obesity and nutrition.

Interactions of diet and diet-induced obesity, and the characteristic wasting syndrome caused by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) were studied in TCDD-resistant Han/Wistar and TCDD-sensitive Long-Evans rats. The rats were made obese by feeding them either a high-energy diet (consisting of chocolate, cheese, and chow) or force feeding. TCDD reduced body weight in a parallel manner in lean and obese rats. The high-energy diet diminished the body weight loss and increased the survival time in L-E rats after a lethal dose of TCDD, while energy supplement with high-fat/low-protein food had an opposite effect. In conclusion, diet-induced obesity and TCDD had additive effects on body weight. Dietary manipulations were able to modify the weight loss and survival time after TCDD. Fat seems to have a negative impact, while carbohydrate or protein may have a positive impact in this respect. The results are in agreement with a view that TCDD-exposed rats have a negative fat balance favoring fat loss.