Orange juice intake during a fatty meal consumption reduces the postprandial low-grade inflammatory response in healthy subjects

Thromb Res. 2015 Feb;135(2):255-9. doi: 10.1016/j.thromres.2014.11.038. Epub 2014 Dec 13.

Abstract

Background and aims: Evidence associates polyphenol-rich foods to reduction of low-grade inflammation and mortality for cardiovascular disease, the mechanisms underlying such effects being still unclear. Consumption of a fatty meal by healthy volunteers induces rapid and reversible low-grade inflammation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of orange juice on cellular modifications induced by a fatty meal.

Methods and results: 18 apparently healthy subjects consumed a fatty meal, during which they drunk orange juice, either blond or red, or water, according to a randomized cross-over design. Two hours after the end of the fatty meal, both white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts significantly increased (12.5 and 5%, respectively), while mean platelet volume decreased and a 25% release of myeloperoxidase (MPO) from polymorphonuclear leukocyte occurred. Both juices significantly prevented WBC increase and MPO degranulation, in respect to control. Triglycerides significantly increased (42%) after the fatty meal, but at a lower extent when red orange juice was consumed with the meal (20%), in respect to blond orange juice or control. This effect was statistically significant in the subgroup of 8 subjects with hypertriglyceridemia. Vascular stiffness (augmentation index), measured by Endo-PAT2000, significantly decreased after the meal only in conjunction with red orange juice.

Conclusion: In healthy subjects the concomitant intake of orange juice may prevent the low-grade inflammatory reaction induced by a fatty meal, at cellular and possibly at vascular function levels. The relative role of different polyphenols on the observed effects of orange juices remains to be established.

Keywords: Fatty meal; Low-grade inflammation; Myeloperoxidase; Orange juice; Vascular function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Beverages
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Citrus sinensis / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Healthy Volunteers
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / diet therapy*
  • Male
  • Meals
  • Peroxidase
  • Postprandial Period
  • Risk Factors
  • Triglycerides / metabolism*

Substances

  • Triglycerides
  • Peroxidase