The role of IL-1 in postprandial fatigue

Abstract

ObjectivesCytokines such as IL-1 seems to play a role in the pathogenesis of fatigue associated with some chronic diseases and anti-inflammatory treatment has been shown to reduce these symptoms.Ingestion of a calorie rich meal leads to postprandial fatigue, and is associated with increased systemic concentrations of cytokines, which is more pronounced in obese than lean subjects.We investigated whether postprandial fatigue is regulated by IL-1, and therefore reduced by IL-1 antagonism, in lean and obese subjects.MethodsIn a double-blind, crossover study in 8 lean and 8 obese male subjects, randomized to receive either saline (placebo) or the IL-1 receptor antagonist anakinra, we investigated whether postprandial fatigue was regulated by IL-1. To promote postprandial fatigue, subjects ran 30 min prior to a high-fat, high-carbohydrate meal. Fatigue was determined using the Stanford Sleepiness Scale and blood samples were drawn at baseline and after the intervention.ResultsIL-1 antagonism led to a reduction in postprandial fatigue and this effect was more pronounced in obese than lean individuals.ConclusionsWe conclude that IL-1 is involved in the regulation of postprandial fatigue under physiologic conditions in lean and obese individuals. It remains to be shown whether this effect translates into clinical relevant effects.

HFD refeeding in mice after fasting impairs learning by activating caspase-1 in the brain

“…In humans, reduced mental performance is associated with the consumption of high-fat/low-carbohydrate meals [41][42][43]. Interestingly, IL-1 has been implicated in postprandial fatigue in humans in that administration of recombinant IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) reduces the self-perception of sleepiness [39]. Although our data do not demonstrate a reduction in locomotor activity (aka physical fatigue), they do suitably support the concept of postprandial reduced mental performance.…”

“…From a teleological standpoint, this hunger-associated enhancement in learning/memory is not surprising in that nutritional stress should be motivating and assist in foraging and/or food-finding behaviors. In contrast, postprandial fatigue [39] or, as it is known colloquially, "food coma" [40] appears to be a phenomenon with a less clear purpose or provenance. In humans, reduced mental performance is associated with the consumption of high-fat/low-carbohydrate meals [41][42][43].…”

Impact of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Inducia on metabolic and antioxidative response in cholesterol and BMI variable indices: randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials

“…The visceral fat is supposed to be an important site for chronically elevated levels of IL-6 as the immune cells and adipocytes residing in white adipose tissue are important sources of permanently elevated circulating IL-6 levels (Wueest and Konrad, 2020). In addition, this mediates the ongoing replication of TNF-α and is linked with type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis (Lehrskov et al, 2018). While IL-6 contributes to the progression of myocardial damage and dysfunction, lowering its excessive production with probiotic yoghurt may break down cytokine networks and help to prevent myocardial injury (Kanda and Takahashi, 2004).…”

Dietary patterns and fatigue in female slimmers

“…Although there is some evidence reporting the association between BMI and fatigue (Lafortuna et al , 2013; Lima et al , 2019; Gletsu-Miller et al , 2019), there is limited evidence about the influence of general dietary patterns on fatigue. The majority of studies in this field are restricted to the effect of carbohydrate and fat on postprandial ratings of fatigue (Pasman et al , 2003; Lehrskov, et al , 2018). A randomised, cross-over trial (Pasman et al , 2003) showed that fatigue was reported by healthy male subjects to be higher three hours after the consumption of a breakfast containing simple carbohydrates compared to a breakfast containing complex carbohydrates.…”

“…In another study (Wells et al , 1997), healthy female and male subjects reported a higher level of fatigue three hours after the consumption of a high-fat – low-carbohydrate than after the low-fat – high-carbohydrate meal. A double-blind, crossover study (Lehrskov et al , 2018) reported that postprandial fatigue because of an energy dense meal (high-fat, high-carbohydrate) is regulated by interleukin-1 (IL-1) with a more pronounced effect in adults who are obese. Slimming world (SW) is a UK-based commercial weight management organisation, founded in 1969.…”