Abstract
A western diet and increased intestinal permeability may contribute to systemic inflammation and the development of cardio-metabolic alterations. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between diet, biomarkers of intestinal permeability, and chronic low-grade inflammation on the cardiometabolic profile. A cross-sectional study was carried out in 238 young subjects aged 18–29 years, divided into two groups: with <3 cardiometabolic risk factors (CRF) and ≥3 risk factors. Anthropometric parameters, biochemical profile, and serum levels of zonulin, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured, and the macronutrient intake was evaluated. Interaction models showed elevated glucose levels in the presence of high biomarker levels: zonulin ≥51.6 ng/mL plus LPS ≥ 1.35 EU/mL (β = 1.1, p = 0.006), and LPS ≥1.35 EU/mL plus hs-CRP ≥ 4.3 mg/L (β = 1.2, p = 0.007). In addition, triglyceride levels increased in the presence of LPS ≥ 1.35 EU/mL and hs-CRP ≥ 4.3 mg/L (β = 3.9, p = 0.01). Despite having increased biomarker levels, a higher consumption of water (≥2100 mL), polyunsaturated fatty acids (≥6.0 g), or fiber (≥30 g) decreased triglyceride (β = −9.6, p = 0.03), total cholesterol (β = −5.1, p = 0.01), and LDL-C levels (β = −7.7, p = 0.01). These findings suggest that the increased consumption of water, PUFA and fiber may improve lipid profile in subjects with intestinal permeability dysfunction or low-grade systemic inflammation.
Highlights
Non-communicable diseases, known as chronic diseases, are caused by a combination of genetic, physiological, lifestyle and environmental factors
To compare the anthropometric and biochemical measurements, we stratified into two groups the study subjects, in the first group were young subjects with 0–2 cardiometabolic risk factors (CRF), and in the second group subjects with 3 or more risk factors
Findings showed that an increased intestinal permeability and the presence of low-grade inflammation with a high- carbohydrate and total fat diet favored the increase of glucose, triglyceride, and total cholesterol levels
Summary
Non-communicable diseases, known as chronic diseases, are caused by a combination of genetic, physiological, lifestyle and environmental factors. An unhealthy diet is one of the key modifiable risk factors in the development of metabolic alterations associated with non-communicable diseases, due to the total amount of macronutrients consumed and to the type and amount of nutrients ingested [4]. There is evidence that low-carbohydrate diets can improve insulin sensitivity, whereas the high intake of carbohydrates with a high glycemic index can promote insulin resistance, either through loss of pancreatic function, excessive insulin secretion, or beta-cell glucose toxicity [5]. Lower intake of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and increased consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have been shown to improve blood pressure, coagulation, endothelial function, and insulin resistance. In several crosssectional and intervention studies, an increase in fiber intake has been associated with a decrease in insulin resistance, and with a lower prevalence of metabolic disorders [6]
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