Abstract 158: The Impact of the Mediterranean Diet on Inflammatory Markers in Men and Premenopausal Women: Do Sex Differences Exist?

Abstract

Introduction Little is known about the impact of the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) on inflammatory markers. Objective To investigate the effects of a 4-week controlled isoenergetic MedDiet on adiponectin and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) concentrations in premenopausal women and age-matched men. Methods Participants were 37 men and 32 premenopausal women aged 24-53 years with a slightly elevated plasma LDL-C (3.4-4.9 mmol/L) or total cholesterol to HDL-C ratio ≥ 5.0, i.e. individuals for whom the adoption of healthy dietary habits is recommended in CVD prevention. During the experimental MedDiet, all foods and drinks were provided to participants. Adiponectin and hs-CRP concentrations were measured before and after the MedDiet by ELISA. This controlled 4-week experimental MedDiet has been previously shown to improve lipid and lipoprotein profiles and blood pressure in both men and women. Results Adiponectin concentration decreased in response to the MedDiet (time effect, P<0.0001), with a tendency for a greater decrease in men (-17.3%, P=0.0001) than in women (-10.7%, P=0.27; sex by time interaction effect P=0.075). A higher adiponectin concentration before the MedDiet was associated with a greater decrease in response to the MedDiet (r=-0.36 and P=0.003). The MedDiet had no impact on hs-CRP concentration in both men and women (value before the MedDiet: 1.53±0.25 mg/L in men and 2.32±0.31 mg/L in women; time effect, P=0.50; time by sex interaction, P=0.36). hs-CRP concentration before the MedDiet was negatively associated with variations in hs-CRP concentrations in response to the MedDiet (r=-0.39 and P=0.002). Conclusions Our results suggest that short term consumption of MedDiet in isocaloric conditions, which has overall beneficial effects on traditional risk factors, leads to a decrease in adiponectin concentration, an adipokine known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and has no impact on hs-CRP concentration. This decrease in adiponectin concentration may be more pronounced in men than in premenopausal women. This unexpected impact of the MedDiet on adiponectin concentration, especially in men, needs further investigation.