Peripheral blood mononuclear cell gene expression profile in obese boys who followed a moderate energy-restricted diet: differences between high and low responders at baseline and after the intervention

Abstract

The present study analyses the gene expression profile of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from obese boys. The aims of the present study were to identify baseline differences between low responders (LR) and high responders (HR) after 10 weeks of a moderate energy-restricted dietary intervention, and to compare the gene expression profile between the baseline and the endpoint of the nutritional intervention. Spanish obese boys (age 10-14 years) were advised to follow a 10-week moderate energy-restricted diet. Participants were classified into two groups based on the association between the response to the nutritional intervention and the changes in BMI standard deviation score (BMI-SDS): HR group (n 6), who had a more decreased BMI-SDS; LR group (n 6), who either maintained or had an even increased BMI-SDS. The expression of 28 869 genes was analysed in PBMC from both groups at baseline and after the nutritional intervention, using the Affymetrix Human Gene 1.1 ST 24-Array plate microarray. At baseline, the HR group showed a lower expression of inflammation and immune response-related pathways, which suggests that the LR group could have a more developed pro-inflammatory phenotype. Concomitantly, LEPR and SIRPB1 genes were highly expressed in the LR group, indicating a tendency towards an impaired immune response and leptin resistance. Moreover, the moderate energy-restricted diet was able to down-regulate the inflammatory 'mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling pathway' in the HR group, as well as some inflammatory genes (AREG and TNFAIP3). The present study confirms that changes in the gene expression profile of PBMC in obese boys may help to understand the weightloss response. However, further research is required to confirm these findings.

Serum and gene expression levels of CT-1, IL-6, and TNF-α after a lifestyle intervention in obese children

“…Interestingly, it is suggested that PBMC—which are mainly composed of lymphocytes and monocytes playing key roles in the immune system—are programmed and directly contribute to obesity‐related inflammation in obese subjects . In this regard, previous work from our group showed a decrease in genes related to inflammation pathways after a weight loss program in male obese children . In this lifestyle intervention, we found a significant decrease in PBMC CT‐1 transcript but this change was not found either in TNF‐α or IL‐6 transcript levels.…”

“…In summary, we reported that serum CRP, TNF‐α, as well as CT‐1 transcript were reduced after the lifestyle intervention in obese children, and that baseline CT‐1 transcript levels were associated with favorable outcome in glucose metabolism. Although blood is usually not considered to be a target tissue for obesity, it has been indicated the possibility of using gene expression measures in blood cells as markers of metabolic disturbances in obese children . Nevertheless, large intervention studies in obese children are needed to confirm our findings on inflammation‐related molecules and their association with glucose metabolism.…”

“…The reference for primers were obtained from Applied Biosystems and was as follows for: TNF‐α (Hs01045114_g1), IL‐6 (Hs00985639_m1), and CT‐1 (Hs00173498_m). The mRNA quantification was carried out as previously described …”

“…The mRNA quantification was carried out as previously described. 22 3 | STATISTICAL ANALYSES Statistical analyses were performed using STATA version 12 (Stata-Corp, College Station, Texas). All the tests were 2-sided and the significance level was set at α = .05.…”

Serum oxidized low-density lipoprotein levels are related to cardiometabolic risk and decreased after a weight loss treatment in obese children and adolescents

“…The study followed a longitudinal design during 10 week in 54 obese children and adolescents between the ages of 7 and 15 years. The intervention consisted in a moderate calorie restriction, nutritional education, and family involvement . The participants were categorized into two groups in order to ease the intervention.…”