Intestinal Barrier Permeability in Overweight Individuals with or Without Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

Objectives To evaluate the intestinal barrier permeability relating with metabolic and anthropometric parameters in overweight individuals with or without Metabolic Syndrome (MS). Methods This was an observational, case control study, with data collection from September 2019 to June 2021 at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte. Urine, blood samples and anthropometric measurements were collected. MS was defined according the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP: ATP III) criteria. Intestinal barrier permeability was measured by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) assay using lactulose/mannitol as sugar probe in urinary collection. Correlations between intestinal permeability, metabolic and anthropometric parameters were assessed using Spearman's (r2) correlations. Results Overall, 42 individuals participated in the study, 28.6% were normal weight, 35.7% were overweight without MS and 35.7% were overweight with MS. The mean age was 59.5 (47.75–67.25) years and the female gender (64.3%) was the most prevalent. Fasting glucose, insulin, triglycerides and HOMA index were significantly higher in the overweight with MS group. Lactulose and mannitol excretion and the L/M ratio were higher in the overweight with MS group but not statistically significant. L/M ratio and C-reactive protein (PCR) were positively correlated in overweight without MS individuals (r2 = + 0.626, p < 0.05). Mannitol excretion and HOMA index were also positively correlated in overweight with MS group (r2 = + 0.520, p < 0.05). There was no correlation between intestinal permeability variables and anthropometric parameters (Body Mass Index, waist and hip circumference, weight). Conclusions Intestinal barrier permeability parameters were not associated with overweight nor MS. Nevertheless, increased intestinal permeability was associated to elevated inflammatory status in overweight without MS individuals and to insulin resistance in overweight with MS individuals. Data reinforces the association between intestinal permeability and nutritional and metabolic status. Funding Sources CNPq (406,353/2018-2).