Weight reduction, but not a moderate intake of fish oil, lowers concentrations of inflammatory markers and PAI-1 antigen in obese men during the fasting and postprandial state

• Published in: European journal of clinical investigation 2004-11, Vol.34 (11), p.766-773
• Main Authors: Jellema, A., Plat, J., Mensink, R. P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biomarkers - blood; C-Reactive Protein - analysis; Capsules; Cross-Over Studies; Dietary Supplements; Docosahexaenoic Acids - administration & dosage; Docosahexaenoic Acids - blood; Double-Blind Method; Eicosapentaenoic Acid - administration & dosage; Eicosapentaenoic Acid - blood; Fasting; Fish oil; Fish Oils - administration & dosage; Humans; inflammation; Interleukin-6 - blood; Male; obese subjects; Obesity - blood; Obesity - immunology; PAI-1; Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 - blood; Postprandial Period; Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor - blood; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha - analysis; Weight Loss - immunology; weight reduction
• ISSN: 0014-2972; 1365-2362
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2362.2004.01414.x

Background  In obese subjects, chronic low‐grade inflammation contributes to an increased risk of metabolic abnormalities, which are reversed by weight loss. Sustained weight loss, however, is difficult to achieve and more insight into dietary approaches on anti‐inflammatory responses in obese subjects is needed. In this respect, fish oil deserves attention. Material and methods  Eleven obese men (BMI: 30–35 kg m−2) received daily fish oil (1·35 g n‐3 fatty acids) or placebo capsules in random order for 6 weeks. Eight subjects continued with a weight reduction study that lasted 8 weeks. Mean weight loss was 9·4 kg. At the end of each experimental period a postprandial study was performed. Results  Relative to fasting concentrations, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) levels increased by 75% 2 h and by 118% 4 h after the meal (P