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A high-fat meal is accompanied by increased plasma interleukin-6 concentrations
Pia Lundman1, Susanna Boquist, Ann Samnegård
1Atherosclerosis Research Unit, King Gustaf V Research Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. pia.lundman@ds.se
Nutrition, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Diseases : NMCD
|March 21, 2007
Summary
A high-fat meal increases inflammatory activity, a key factor in coronary heart disease (CHD). However, the study found that increased interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were not directly related to the degree of postprandial lipaemia in CHD patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Immunology
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Enhanced and prolonged postprandial lipaemia is linked to coronary heart disease (CHD).
- Mechanisms connecting postprandial lipaemia to atherosclerosis and CHD risk require further elucidation.
- Inflammatory processes are recognized as critical modulators in atherosclerosis and CHD development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of a high-fat meal on plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and cellular adhesion molecules.
- To compare these effects in patients with premature coronary heart disease (CHD) and healthy control subjects.
Main Methods:
- Forty-one middle-aged men with premature CHD and 26 healthy male controls participated.
- Subjects consumed a high-fat meal to assess postprandial lipaemia.
- Plasma triglyceride, IL-6, and cellular adhesion molecule levels were measured before and after the meal.
Main Results:
- The plasma triglyceride response to the high-fat meal was significantly greater in CHD patients compared to controls.
- A twofold increase in plasma IL-6 concentrations was observed post-meal in both CHD patients and controls.
- No significant changes in plasma cellular adhesion molecules were detected in response to postprandial lipaemia in either group.
Conclusions:
- A high-fat meal appears to influence mechanisms that elevate inflammatory activity, contributing to atherosclerosis and CHD.
- The observed increase in plasma IL-6 following a high-fat meal was not dependent on the magnitude of postprandial triglyceridaemia.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between postprandial lipaemia, inflammation, and CHD development.
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