Influence of dietary and lifestyle factors on levels of inflammatory markers (IL-6, IFN-γ and TNF-α) in obese subjects.

Introduction: The low-grade inflammation occurring in obese individuals leads to many diseases, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). Dietary patterns, food groups or nutrients in a well-balanced diet may reduce the level of pro-inflammatory markers and the risk of obesity-related morbidities. Our study aims to describe three cytokines in obese patients in relation to dietary habits, lifestyle and body composition. Material and methods: Serum samples were collected from 84 obese adult volunteer subjects [body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2] to analyze the concentrations of interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interferon γ (IFN-γ). The subjects were tested by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and completed a three-day food diary and original questionnaire with the FFQ-6 food consumption frequency questionnaire. Results and conclusions: Higher serum levels of IL-6 and IFN-γ were found in patients with atherosclerosis, but the group was too small for a reliable correlation. Subcutaneous but not visceral adipose tissue correlated positively with IL-6 levels. Dietary factors such as amount of sugars, including galactose and sucrose, in the diet and the frequency of consumption of sweet flavored dairy products correlated positively with the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, while the frequency of alcohol consumption negatively correlated with the level of IL-6. The greater the frequency of sports, the higher was the level of IL-6. In obese individuals, the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines could predispose to atherosclerosis and is associated with dietary factors and lifestyle.

Low Self-Esteem and Life Satisfaction as a Significant Risk Factor for Eating Disorders among Adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Eating disorders are a problem that is becoming more and more common among younger and younger age groups. Many studies examine the risk factors for EDs, however, the treatment of these diseases is very complicated and requires dietary, psychological and medical intervention. METHODS: 233 primary and secondary school students aged 12 to 19 were surveyed using the EAT-26 (Eating Attitudes Test-26) questionnaire, the self-esteem Scale SES and the Cantril scale for life satisfaction. RESULTS: Women, when compared to men, showed lower self-esteem, satisfaction with their appearance, body weight and their lives and at the same time a higher risk of eating disorders in all three areas. Low life satisfaction is often correlated with weight loss greater than 10 kg. Low self-esteem correlated positively with significant weight loss (>10 kg) and more frequent uncontrollable binge eating and exercising (more than 60 min a day) to influence appearance. People with low self-esteem were more likely to be treated for EDs. Subjects dissatisfied with their lives binged, feeling that they could not stop. CONCLUSION: The younger the person, the more likely they are to develop eating disorders. This is closely correlated with low self-esteem and negative life satisfaction. Men were more likely to be satisfied with their weight, appearance, and life, and were less likely to show ED symptoms.

Low-Grade Inflammation and Role of Anti-Inflammatory Diet in Childhood Obesity.

At present, pediatric obesity is a significant public health concern. We have seen a surge of disorders that are obesity-related, e.g., insulin resistance (IR), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, cancer, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), autoimmune disorders and many more. The mechanisms linking these diseases to excess body weight are related to low-grade inflammation (LGI). Although there is a limited number of studies assessing this immune process in childhood obesity, they indicate its significant importance for the health of future generations. There is a need for more research into the prevention and treatment of low-grade inflammation in childhood. The aim of this review is to present and discuss the process of "cold" inflammation, and its impact on health and anti-inflammation nutrition. A diet rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients may be the key to maintaining health, as well as recovery.

Nutritional Issues Faced by Patients with Intestinal Stoma: A Narrative Review.

The incidences of colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel diseases are increasing in the developed countries of Western Europe and North America, and consequently, the prevalence rate of temporary or permanent stomas has increased in recent years. Nevertheless, the amount of research in the nutrition field in the case of patients with stoma is rather limited. This review article aims to assess the impact of nutrition on an intestinal stoma and possible sequelae resolved with nutritional therapy. The research analyses conducted thus far indicate a significantly increased risk of developing malnutrition, vitamin deficiency (especially group B), and an increased number of discharges from the stoma and its relevance with abnormalities found in electrolyte concentrations.

IL-17A, IL-17E and IL-17F as Potential Biomarkers for the Intensity of Low-Grade Inflammation and the Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases in Obese People.

Low-grade inflammation is a factor that predisposes to many obesity-related comorbidities. The immune mechanisms controlling the inflammatory response related to the secretory activity of adipocytes and its consequences for the organism are still under investigation. METHODS: 84 obese adult volunteers (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) were tested by BIA. Serum samples were collected to analyze the concentrations of interleukins IL-17A, IL-17E and IL-17F. The subjects completed the original questionnaire, the FFQ-6 food consumption frequency questionnaire and the food diary. RESULTS: The level of IL-17E and IL-17F was positively correlated with the BMI value and the level of IL-17E increased with the content of subcutaneous fat. Its increased blood concentration was also observed in individuals who declared that they were diagnosed with atherosclerosis and/or were taking beta-blockers. Products that were related with a low level of the above-mentioned interleukins were vegetables, groats, eggs, red meat, fast-food and alcohol. The level of these interleukins was positively correlated with the frequent consumption of confectionery and breakfast cereals. Nutrients that decreased the concentrations of IL-17 isoforms were potassium, iron, vitamins B6 and C, and folic acid. CONCLUSIONS: Both IL-17E and IL-17F may be closely related to the intensity of low-grade inflammation and be biomarkers of cardiovascular disease risk. Food products or the nutrients they contain may affect the levels of the above-mentioned interleukins as well as IL-17A.

Hashimoto Thyroiditis, but Not Hypothyroidism Due to Other Causes, Is Associated with Lower Phase Angle Score in Adult Women: A Pilot Cross-Sectional Study.

PURPOSE: In recent years, Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) has become one of the commonest autoimmune diseases. Its clinical symptoms include systemic manifestations related mainly, but not solely, to thyroid hormone deficiency. The bioimpedance phase angle (PhA) is a reliable indicator of nutritional as well as cellular health status. PhA is decreased not only in malnutrition, but also in many inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between HT and PhA score. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we compared the anthropometric, laboratory and body composition parameters of 49 women with HT and 98 propensity-score-matched women without thyroid disease. RESULTS: Females with HT had significantly lower PhA scores (5.78 ± 0.43) compared to women without a thyroid disorder (5.98 ± 0.49, p = 0.017). Regarding TSH levels, although they were within the normal range in all study participants, in women with HT, they were slightly but significantly higher. Women with HT treated with L-thyroxin had significantly higher PhA compared to their non-treated counterparts. No differences between women with non-HT hypothyroidism and the control group were found. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased PhA scores in patients with HT may indicate that the inflammatory process in this autoimmune disease has an influence on cellular health and on the function of the entire body. Such an association was not found in women with non-HT hypothyroidism.

The Role of Bioactive Compounds of Nigella sativa in Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapy-Current Reports.

Black cumin (Nigella sativa, NS) is included in the Ranunculaceae family and is classified as a medicinal plant due to very high levels of various bioactive compounds. They determine its therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-cancer, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, hypotensive, hypolipidemic, and immunomodulating properties. The results of scientific studies indicate a supporting role of black cumin in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, due to the health-promoting properties of its bioactive ingredients. The aim of the current article is to analyze the results of scientific publications on the role of bioactive ingredients contained in black cumin in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.