Abstract
Flavonoids and fish oils have anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating influences. The purpose of this study was to determine if a mixed flavonoid-fish oil supplement (Q-Mix; 1000 mg quercetin, 400 mg isoquercetin, 120 mg epigallocatechin (EGCG) from green tea extract, 400 mg n3-PUFAs (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid) (220 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 180 mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) from fish oil, 1000 mg vitamin C, 40 mg niacinamide, and 800 µg folic acid) would reduce complications associated with obesity; that is, reduce inflammatory and oxidative stress markers and alter genomic profiles in overweight women. Overweight and obese women (n = 48; age = 40–70 years) were assigned to Q-Mix or placebo groups using randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled procedures. Overnight fasted blood samples were collected at 0 and 10 weeks and analyzed for cytokines, C-reactive protein (CRP), F2-isoprostanes, and whole-blood-derived mRNA, which was assessed using Affymetrix HuGene-1_1 ST arrays. Statistical analysis included two-way ANOVA models for blood analytes and gene expression and pathway and network enrichment methods for gene expression. Plasma levels increased with Q-Mix supplementation by 388% for quercetin, 95% for EPA, 18% for DHA, and 20% for docosapentaenoic acid (DPA). Q-Mix did not alter plasma levels for CRP (p = 0.268), F2-isoprostanes (p = 0.273), and cytokines (p > 0.05). Gene set enrichment analysis revealed upregulation of pathways in Q-Mix vs. placebo related to interferon-induced antiviral mechanism (false discovery rate, FDR < 0.001). Overrepresentation analysis further disclosed an inhibition of phagocytosis-related inflammatory pathways in Q-Mix vs. placebo. Thus, a 10-week Q-Mix supplementation elicited a significant rise in plasma quercetin, EPA, DHA, and DPA, as well as stimulated an antiviral and inflammation whole-blood transcriptomic response in overweight women.
Highlights
Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress levels are elevated in middle-aged, overweight/obese adults and are characteristic of metabolic syndrome
EGCG is a catechin that is the most abundant flavonoid found in green tea [4]
In large community studies including both normal weight and overweight participants, large-dose quercetin supplementation at 500 mg/day or 1000 mg/day for 12 weeks was reported to have no influence on innate immune function, inflammation [5], body composition [6], or disease risk factors in adults [7]
Summary
Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress levels are elevated in middle-aged, overweight/obese adults and are characteristic of metabolic syndrome. A nutritional supplement that reduces inflammatory and pro-oxidant side effects of obesity may be an attractive treatment option for those struggling with weight loss. Flavonoids such as quercetin and epigallocatechin (EGCG) have been demonstrated in vitro and in animal models to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory influences [2,3]. In large community studies including both normal weight and overweight participants, large-dose quercetin supplementation at 500 mg/day or 1000 mg/day for 12 weeks was reported to have no influence on innate immune function, inflammation [5], body composition [6], or disease risk factors in adults [7]
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