Effect of a Mediterranean type diet on inflammatory and cartilage degradation biomarkers in patients with osteoarthritis

Abstract

ObjectivesTo investigate the effects of a Mediterranean type diet on patients with osteoarthritis (OA).ParticipantsNinety-nine volunteers with OA (aged 31 - 90 years) completed the study (83% female).SettingSoutheast of England, UK.DesignParticipants were randomly allocated to the dietary intervention (DIET, n = 50) or control (CON, n = 49). The DIET group were asked to follow a Mediterranean type diet for 16 weeks whereas the CON group were asked to follow their normal diet.MeasurementsAll participants completed an Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale (AIMS2) pre-, mid- and post- study period. A subset of participants attended a clinic at the start and end of the study for assessment of joint range of motion, ROM (DIET = 33, CON = 28), and to provide blood samples (DIET = 29, CON = 25) for biomarker analysis (including serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (sCOMP) (a marker of cartilage degradation) and a panel of other relevant biomarkers including pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines).ResultsThere were no differences between groups in the response of any AIMS2 components and most biomarkers (p > 0.05), except the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1α, which decreased in the DIET group (~47%, p = 0.010). sCOMP decreased in the DIET group by 1 U/L (~8%, p = 0.014). There was a significant improvement in knee flexion and hip rotation ROM in the DIET group (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe average reduction in sCOMP in the DIET group (1 U/L) represents a meaningful change, but the longer term effects require further study.

Dietary Intake of Free Sugars is Associated with Disease Activity and Dyslipidemia in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients

“…The modulation of inflammatory processes may be an important factor in patients with SLE that could explain the deleterious effect of the consumption of high levels of free sugar. It is thought that the resulting reduction in disease activity may be secondary to the mechanisms that decrease inflammation and activate autoimmunity pathways [34,35]. Furthermore, it has been reported that dietary sugar may promote de novo synthesis of free fatty acids (FFA) in the liver [36,37], which may produce FFA metabolites, thus triggering inflammatory processes and the formation of reactive oxygen species [38].…”

<p>Soluble Biomarkers of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis, from Pathway Mapping to Clinical Trials: An Update</p>

“…A nutrition study highlighted that on 99, mainly female volunteers aged 31-90 a 16 weeks Mediterranean type diet decreases serum IL-1β with 47%, and serum COMP with 8%. 73 Shan et al measured higher serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL-21, IL-17A and IFN-γ at 40 individuals recently diagnosed with OA. 74 In animal models, synovial levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines can be used to monitor moderate physical activity.…”

The role of Mediterranean diet and it’s components on the progress of osteoarthritis

“…The consistent MD consumption was associated with less pain and lower disability, suggesting that MD has a beneficial effect on various aspects associated with disability leading to healthier aging 20 . A Clinical trial investigated the effect of MD in cartilage degradation and inflammatory biomarkers, in osteoarthritis patients, pointed out that participants with the MD intervention, had improvements in their dietary habits and this led to weight loss 21 . Research has shown that weight loss is associated with improvements in pain and mobility in patients with OA 21,22 .…”

“…A Clinical trial investigated the effect of MD in cartilage degradation and inflammatory biomarkers, in osteoarthritis patients, pointed out that participants with the MD intervention, had improvements in their dietary habits and this led to weight loss 21 . Research has shown that weight loss is associated with improvements in pain and mobility in patients with OA 21,22 . Besides, there was a reduction of IL-1a and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein in serum "sCOMP" (cartilage degradation significant marker) in the MD intervention group.…”

“…Besides, there was a reduction of IL-1a and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein in serum "sCOMP" (cartilage degradation significant marker) in the MD intervention group. The study raised concern about effect of MD to OA and the need of analyzing these changes in long term studies 21 .…”