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Postprandial leukocyte increase in healthy subjects
A J h h m Van Oostrom1, T P Sijmonsma, T J Rabelink
1Department of Vascular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental
|February 26, 2003
Summary
Oral fat intake increases neutrophils, a key immune cell, in healthy males. This early postprandial neutrophil rise correlates with triglyceride levels, suggesting a link to atherosclerosis development.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Immunology
- Metabolic Studies
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease involving lipids and leukocytes.
- Understanding the in vivo relationship between leukocytes and lipids is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate leukocyte changes in healthy males following an oral fat load.
- To determine the correlation between postprandial lipid levels and leukocyte response.
Main Methods:
- 14 healthy males consumed an oral fat load (50 g/m(2)) or water.
- Leukocyte counts (neutrophils, lymphocytes) were measured over 8 hours.
- Postprandial triglyceride (TG) levels were monitored.
Main Results:
- Fat load induced a significant increase in neutrophils within 2 hours (142%), which persisted.
- Lymphocyte counts increased significantly after both fat and water intake.
- Total leukocyte increase post-fat correlated with triglyceride increment (r=0.73, P=0.003).
Conclusions:
- An early, lipid-specific neutrophil increment occurs postprandially.
- This finding highlights a novel aspect of the postprandial phase.
- Further research is needed to clarify the role of these leukocyte changes in atherosclerosis pathogenesis.
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