Modulation of adipokines in an overweight/obese population by a pomegranate extract

Abstract

An increase in abdominal adiposity is linked with the development of a low-grade systemic inflammatory response, characterised by altered adipokine secretion and increased plasma oxidative stress. This in turn, is thought to have a role in the increased risk of T2DM and CVD associated with obesity and interventions are therefore sought which are able to modulate plasma adipokine concentrations, re-establishing a healthy balance.It was hypothesised that consumption of a pomegranate extract (PE) for 28 d by a healthy, overweight/obese (BMI = 29.2 SD 3.1; Age = 37.1 SD 10.2) population would alter circulating adipokines and plasma total antioxidant status. A randomised, placebo-controlled, single-blind crossover design was used, with a 14 d washout period. Measurements were taken at baseline and 28 d for each intervention, within 24 hours of the last capsule being taken. No significant changes in energy or macronutrient intake ( Fig. A & B), assessed using a 3 d diet diary, BMI, waist circumference or waist:hip ratio were noted for either treatment group. Consumption of PE for 28 d did not significantly increase plasma antioxidant levels as measured by the ferric reducing antioxidant capacity (FRAP) ( ) 1) or oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) (2) , nor did it affect oxidative stress as measured by plasma thiobarbituric reactive substances assay (TBARS) (3) . TNFa, IL-6, adiponectin and leptin (RnD Systems, UK) did not significantly change for either treatment.Change from baseline IL-6 (pg/ml) TNFa (pg/ml) Leptin (ng/ml) Adiponection (mg/ml) TBARS Mean