Consumption of coffee or caffeine and serum concentration of inflammatory markers: A systematic review

Abstract

Coffee consumption is associated with reduced risk of conditions that share low-grade inflammation as their physiopathological basis. We therefore summarized the effects of coffee or coffee components on serum levels of inflammatory markers. Clinical trials assessing the effect of coffee, caffeine or other coffee components on inflammatory markers were searched without restriction to publication date. Fifteen studies (8 involving coffee and 7 caffeine) were included. Increased adiponectin levels were found in four of seven trials comparing filtered coffee/caffeinated coffee with placebo or comparing its levels at baseline and after consumption of medium or dark roasted coffee, but no change was seen in caffeine trials. None of the five studies assessing the effects of coffee found changes in C-reactive protein (CPR), but one out of three trials found decreased CPR levels in response to caffeine. Interleukin (IL)-6 was increased by caffeinated coffee compared with placebo in one of four coffee trials, and by caffeine in three out of five studies. Caffeine increased IL-10 levels in two of three trials. These data suggest a predominant anti-inflammatory action of coffee but not of caffeine consumption. Moreover, the proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses to caffeine point to its complex effects on the inflammatory response.

Intake of Caffeine and Its Association with Physical and Mental Health Status among University Students in Bahrain

“…Several studies showed that consuming a moderate amount of caffeine has a protective effect against cancer [12], diabetes mellitus type 2 [13], inflammatory diseases and pain [14], Parkinson's and related neurodegenerative diseases [15], cardiovascular disease [16], and stroke [17]. Light to moderate caffeine intake has also been found to be associated with reduced risk of death [18] from all causes, including suicide [19].…”

Effects of Habitual Caffeine Intake, Physical Activity Levels, and Sedentary Behavior on the Inflammatory Status in a Healthy Population

“…In vitro studies have suggested an anti-inflammatory role for caffeine, mainly inhibiting TNF-α production [10]. Regarding in vivo studies, only a few have addressed the effects of caffeine supplementation on blood inflammatory markers in humans [11]. These studies used a single dose of caffeine or used coffee as supplement when longer interventions were tested, reporting slight anti-inflammatory effects from the supplementation [12,13].…”

Analysis of Genetically Determined Gene Expression Suggests Role of Inflammatory Processes in Etiology of Exfoliation Syndrome

“…80 However, review of fifteen studies on the effect of coffee and caffeine on inflammation inferred the former had anti-inflammatory action, while the latter had complex effects on the inflammatory response with both proinflammatory and antiinflammatory responses reported. 81 Caffeine might have a neuroprotective role by regulating pathways that produce inflammatory molecules via adenosine receptors in brain cells. 82,83 Posttranscriptional regulation of LOXL1 gene expression has been also shown to be modulated by caffeine.…”