The Relation between Eating Habits and Abdominal Fat, Anthropometry, PON1 and IL-6 Levels in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease of an inflammatory, demyelinating and autoimmune nature. Diets with a high caloric density could be especially relevant in terms of the pathogenesis related to an increase in adipose tissue that is metabolically active and releases mediators, which can induce systemic inflammation and an increased oxidation state. The aim of this study was to analyse the eating habits related to calorie intake and their impact on abdominal obesity associated with anthropometric variables, the activity of the oxidation marker paraoxonase 1 (PON1), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levelsin MS patients. Methods: An analytical and quantitative observational study was conducted with a population of 57 MS patients. The dietary-nutritional anamnesis was gained through the Food Frequency Questionnaire and a food diary. Diet and eating habits have been analysed through the Easy Diet–Programa de gestión de la consulta® software. Anthropometric measurements were taken in order to determine the presence of abdominal obesity. In addition, PON1 was quantified in serum by means of automated spectrophotometric assays and IL-6 was quantified using the ELISA technique. Results: A normal calorie intake was determined for women, yet a slightly lower intake was observed in men. Carbohydrate consumption was below what was established, and protein and lipids were over, in both cases. Furthermore, most patients had abdominal obesity, with significantly higher body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), fat percentage and IL-6 levels. IL-6 is greatly correlated with waist circumference and WHtR. Conclusion: MS patients’ nutrient intake shows an imbalance between macronutrients. This seems to favour the abdominal obesity associated with high values of proinflammatory IL-6 that is not correlated with a lower activity of PON1.

The Role of Diet and Interventions on Multiple Sclerosis: A Review

“…Patients with MS often consume a low-carbohydrate and high-lipid diet associated with abdominal obesity and higher body mass index (BMI). This condition leads to a pro-inflammatory status increasing levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), TNF-alpha, and leptin, factors that are associated with MS pathogenesis [ 41 ]. Additionally, recent studies suggest that increased BMI and obesity play a major role in MS development and progression [ 42 ].…”

The Role of Nutritional Lifestyle and Physical Activity in Multiple Sclerosis Pathogenesis and Management: A Narrative Review

“…Despite a normal calorie intake, patients with MS (pwMS) often have an imbalance between macronutrients intake with low-carbohydrate and high-lipid diet associated with abdominal obesity, higher body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio, and higher fat percentage. This condition leads to a pro-inflammatory status with high serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), TNF-alpha, and leptin, which are all related with MS pathogenesis [3,4]. Moreover, according to the existing evidence, there is a link between dietary intake of lipids and higher prevalence and MS progression [5].…”

Vitamin B1 Intake in Multiple Sclerosis Patients and its Impact on Depression Presence: A Pilot Study

“…Accordingly, loss of function in depressed patients is closely related to unbalanced diets characterized mainly by high amounts of simple carbohydrates, leading to a further worsening of depression [36]. The study population presents, on the one hand, a functional deficit characteristic of the disease (Table 1) and, on the other hand, a dietary imbalance as already reported in a previous paper [37]. This imbalance is outlined due to a lower than recommended intake of total carbohydrates, which could interfere with the activity of vitamin B1 as its function is to metabolize carbohydrates to obtain glucose as a source of neuronal energy [14].…”