Functional differences in human neutrophils isolated pre- and post-prandially

Activated polymorphonuclear leukocytes have been associated with neoplasia, atherogenesis and reperfusion injury. Since some of these conditions are also correlated with dietary fat, we examined the functional characteristics of leukocytes isolated from subjects before and after consumption of a lipid-rich meal. There was up to 2-fold greater superoxide generation in response to agonists in leukocytes obtained post-prandially; the maximum increase was observed about 4 h after eating and followed the peak (2-4 h) in serum triglycerides. Neutrophils isolated post-prandially also exhibited impaired chemotaxis and defective bacterial killing, but normal phagocytosis. These findings provide a new variable that should be considered in studies of leukocytes.