Postprandial Lipemia is Associated With Platelet and Monocyte Activation and Increased Monocyte Cytokine Expression in Normolipemic Men

Abstract

The activation of platelets and monocytes has been implicated in the development of cardiovascular diseases. We asked the question if postprandial lipemia following a fat- containing meal is associated with platelet and monocyte activation and increased platelet-monocyte interaction. Thirteen healthy, normal weight, normolipemic males, 20 to 49 years, consumed a 40% fat meal of whole foods. Blood samples were obtained at fasting and 3 1/2 and 6 hours after ingestion. Triglyceride levels increased to 48% over baseline at 3 1/2 hours postconsumption and returned to fasting levels by 6 hours. Multiparameter flow cytometry using monoclonal antibodies showed that the percentage of platelets expressing surface P-selectin and the activated conformation the GPIIb-IIa receptor was significantly higher at 3 1/2 hours compared to fasting. The percentage of platelet-monocyte aggregates increased by 36% at 3 1/2 hours and 43% at 6 hours postconsumption. The percentage of monocytes expressing intracellular tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) increased seven and eightfold at 3 1/2 and 6 hours, respectively. The expression of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta increased in a similar manner. These data suggest activation of platelets and monocytes after a moderate fat meal. Repetitive activation of platelets and monocytes could be an early event in the initiation and development of atherosclerosis.

Acute Effects of Dietary Fat on Inflammatory Markers and Gene Expression in First-Degree Relatives of Type 2 Diabetes Patients

“…A fat-rich meal did not affect the levels of circulating TNF in healthy subjects [14], nor did it increase them in subjects with T2D [15]. In contrast, increased monocyte TNF expression was found in response to mixed fat [40] and to a SFA (but not MUFA) in healthy individuals [32]. We found upregulated TNF in adipose tissue of CON in response to medium-chain SFA and in muscle of CON and adipose tissue of REL in response to MUFA.…”

Xuezhikang Decreases Serum Lipoprotein(a) and C-reactive Protein Concentrations in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease

“…Postprandial hypertriglyceridemia can induce a high inflammatory state in the circulation. The expression and concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-␣, interleukin-1␤, and interleukin-6, are increased after a fat meal, and the increase in cytokines concentrations was related to increases in postprandial triglyceride concentrations (35,36 ). This suggests that eliminating postprandial hypertriglyceridemia may be helpful in inhibiting chronic inflammation.…”

Effect of grape seed extract on postprandial oxidative status and metabolic responses in men and women with the metabolic syndrome - randomized, cross-over, placebo-controlled study

“…We, along with others, have shown that consumption of a meal that is high in readily available carbohydrates and fat results in an increase in markers of oxidative stress and inflammation postprandially [8][9][10][11][12][13]. These changes are accentuated in obesity, diabetes and individuals with the MetS [14].…”