Abstract

Background: We have recently shown that a high fat high carbohydrate (HFHC) meal induces an increase in plasma concentrations of endotoxin (LPS), and the expression of toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) and suppresser of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS3) in mononuclear cells (MNC) in addition to oxidative stress and cellular inflammation.

Hypothesis: Saturated fat and carbohydrates, components of the HFHC meal, known to induce oxidative stress and inflammation, also induce an increase in LPS, TLR-4 and SOCS3.

Methods: Fasting normal subjects were given 300 Calorie drinks of either glucose, saturated fat as cream, orange juice or only water to ingest. Blood samples were obtained at 0, 1, 3 and 5 hours for analysis.

Results: Indices of inflammation including NFκB binding, and the expression of SOCS3, TNFα and IL-1β in MNC increased significantly following glucose and cream intake, but TLR-4 expression and plasma LPS concentrations increased only after cream intake. The intake of orange juice or water did not induce any change in any of the indices measured.

Conclusions: While both glucose and cream induce NFκB binding and an increase in the expression of SOCS3, TNFα and IL-1β in MNC, only cream caused an increase in LPS concentration and TLR-4 expression. Equicaloric amounts of orange juice or water did not induce a change in any of these indices. These changes are relevant to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and insulin resistance.