Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Biomarkers Are Related to High Intake of Ultra-Processed Food in Old Adults with Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

In the last few decades the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) worldwide has substantially augmented. Increasing evidence suggests that high UPF consumption is associated with an increase in non-communicable diseases, being overweight, and obesity. The aim of this study was to assess how UPF consumption affects oxidative and inflammatory status in the plasma, neutrophils, and urine of old adults with metabolic syndrome. Participants (n = 92) were classified into two groups according to UPF consumption. Dietary intakes were measured by a validated semi-quantitative 143-item food frequency questionnaire and UPF consumption was determined according to the NOVA classification system. Low UPF consumers showed higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet than high UPF consumers. A high intake of fiber and a high concentration of polyphenols in urine were also observed in subjects with low UPF consumption. Despite the absence of differences in biochemical profile, oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers showed some significant changes. Catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were lower in high UPF consumers, whereas myeloperoxidase activity was higher. ROS production in neutrophils stimulated with zymosan was higher in high UPF consumers than in low UPF consumers. Biomarkers such as xanthine oxidase, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-15, and leptin levels were higher in participants with high intake of UPF. No differences were found in malondialdehyde and other inflammatory cytokines. The current study evidenced that MetS participants with high UPF consumption have a more pro-oxidant and inflammatory profile than those with low UPF consumption, despite showing similar blood biochemical profiles.

Role of Dietary Factors on DNA Methylation Levels of TNF-Alpha Gene and Proteome Profiles in Obese Men

“…Furthermore, in healthy young adults, the highest tertile of energy-adjusted fruit and vegetable consumption (>660 g/d) was associated with lower plasma CRP concentrations and lower TNF-α gene expression from peripheral blood mononuclear cells [ 30 ]. In another study, TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations and myeloperoxidase activity were higher (whereas catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were lower) in consumers with a high intake of ultra-processed food (UPF) with metabolic syndrome than in those with a low intake of UPF [ 31 ]. These findings indicate an association between dietary consumption and the proinflammatory status and suggest a new aspect involved in the mechanisms related to nutrigenomics.…”