Effect of Nutritional Status and Dietary Patterns on Human Serum C-Reactive Protein and Interleukin-6 Concentrations

Abstract

The inflammatory process plays an important role in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus type 2, and metabolic syndrome. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are widely tested inflammatory markers involved in the development of these diseases. Several studies indicate a relation between nutritional status and the concentrations of human high-sensitivity CRP and IL-6. Similarly, the role of diet in reducing inflammation and thereby modulating the risk of non-communicable diseases is supported by numerous studies. This review focuses on the effects of the selected nutrition models in humans on the concentrations of CRP and IL-6. It seems that the Mediterranean diet model is most effective in inhibiting inflammation. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension model and the plant nutrition model also have proven to be beneficial. The data on low-fat and low-carbohydrate diets are inconclusive. Comprehensive studies are necessary, taking into account the cumulative effect of dietary and other factors on the inflammatory process.

Dietary inflammatory index and risk of first myocardial infarction; a prospective population-based study

“…The impact of diet on chronic low-grade inflammation can be reflected by concentrations of inflammatory markers in the bloodstream, including cytokines, acute-phase proteins, soluble adhesion molecules and cytokine receptors [6]. A diet high in red meat, high-fat dairy, refined grains, processed meat, sweets, desserts and sugar-sweetened soft drinks has been associated with higher circulating levels of inflammatory markers in blood samples; whereas a food pattern high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains has been inversely related to inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) [5–10]. Furthermore, a diet rich in fibre and low in fat and sugar was reported to be associated with lower systematic inflammation, which also has been suggested to have a protective role against CVD [11, 12].…”

The association between an inflammatory diet and global cognitive function and incident dementia in older women: The Women's Health Initiative Memory Study

“…Similarly, the DASH diet emphasizes the intake of fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy intake, as well as legumes, nuts, and emphasizes lower consumption of animal protein, sweets, and sodium. Both diets have been associated with lower plasma levels of inflammatory markers [7]. …”

Empirically derived dietary patterns and serum inflammatory markers in Iranian female teachers: A cross‐sectional study

“…Several studies have demonstrated the association between dietary factors and inflammatory markers . For instance, diets high in fruits and vegetables, Mediterranean diet and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension are inversely associated with serum hs‐CRP levels …”

“…11 Several studies have demonstrated the association between dietary factors and inflammatory markers. 12,13 For instance, diets high in fruits and vegetables, Mediterranean diet and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension are inversely associated with serum hs-CRP levels. 13 Empirically derived dietary patterns have recently emerged in nutritional epidemiology to examine dietdisease associations.…”

“…12,13 For instance, diets high in fruits and vegetables, Mediterranean diet and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension are inversely associated with serum hs-CRP levels. 13 Empirically derived dietary patterns have recently emerged in nutritional epidemiology to examine dietdisease associations. 14 In this approach, statistical methods are used to combine multiple foods or nutrients to derive a single exposure variable namely dietary pattern.…”