Macronutrient Composition of the Meal May Influence Postprandial Plasma IL-6 Concentration in Men With Overweight or Obesity: An Analysis of Pooled Clinical Trial Data

Abstract

ObjectivesRisk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is markedly associated with poor diet quality (e.g., a high intake of saturated fats, refined carbohydrates; and a low intake of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables). Numerous clinical studies report that consuming a high-saturated fat meal (HFM) induces postprandial inflammation. However, few studies have evaluated proinflammatory mediators after consuming a HFM compared to an average American meal (AAM). The objective of study was to investigate plasma proinflammatory cytokine levels after consumption of a HFM compared to an AAM in middle-aged men with overweight or obesity. MethodsThis pooled analysis included data from two randomized controlled trials designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of consuming a spice blend delivered in two different meals with similar calories (∼1000 kcal): (1) a HFM (33% kcal from saturated fat, 36% kcal from carbohydrate, 16% kcal from protein) or (2) an AAM (16% from saturated fat, 49% kcal from carbohydrate, ∼21% kcal from protein). Both meals had a minimal amount of spices added for palatability. The results reported are from subjects in the control group on each trial: a HFM with 1.4 g of garlic powder and an AAM with 0.6 g of a spice blend. Data from non-smoking, middle-aged (40–65 y) men with overweight/obesity (BMI ≥25 and ≤35 kg/m2), elevated waist circumference (≥94 cm), and at least one other risk factor for CVD were included in the analysis (Total n = 26; HFM consumption n = 12, AAM consumption n = 14). Plasma cytokine concentrations (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and MCP-1) were measured at 0, 60,120, 180,240 min after meal consumption. ResultsThere was a significant time-by-meal interaction on plasma IL-6 concentration (P < 0.05). Plasma IL-6 concentration was significantly higher 180 min and 240 min (1189% and 362%, respectively; P < 0.05) after consuming a HFM compared to an AAM. There was no effect of meal or time-by-meal interaction on other plasma cytokines. ConclusionsConsumption of a HFM compared to an AAM resulted in a greater circulating IL-6 in men with overweight or obesity. Macronutrient composition of the meal may influence postprandial inflammatory responses. Funding SourcesMcCormick Science Institute and the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH (1UL1TR002014–01).