Could micronutrients influence levels of TNF-α expression? A nutrigenomics study through 8-WEEK dietary intervention

Background

Obesity is associated with low-grade inflammation, which contributes to the pathogenesis of comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Nutrient intake can increase anti-inflammatory mechanisms by modulation of immune response.

Objectives

To assess the impact of a hypocaloric diet on the gene expression of inflammatory markers and correlate it with nutritional variables to identify important factors in the modulation of inflammation.

Methods

20 women were evaluated and divided into 2 groups: Intervention Group IG (n=10), with women with grade III obesity. They received a hypocaloric diet for 8 weeks. The Total Energy Intake (TEI) was determined by subtracting 30% of the participants' Resting Energy Expenditure (REE) calculated through inderect calorimetry for each patient. The distribution of macronutrients was 55%–60% of the TEI of carbohydrates, 20%–25% of the TEI of total fat, and 15%–20% of the TEI of proteins. The micronutrients intake was determined by the Dietary Reference Intake (DRIs) according to age and sex. Control Group CG (n=10), with non-obese women. Nutritional assessment consisted of anthropometric parameters, body composition measurements, biochemical markers, and food intake. Gene expression analysis was performed.

Results

After the diet, the following variables decreased in IG: weight, BMI, fat mass, HDL-c, triglycerides, and TNF-α gene expression. Also, TNF-α gene expression was negatively correlated with omega-3, omega-6, iron, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 intake.

Conclusion

The hypocaloric diet over 8 weeks had a positive impact on anthropometric, biochemical, body composition, and gene expression parameters. Furthermore, the evaluated nutrients were correlated with the expression of TNF-α, showing the importance of diet in obesity treatment.