Could micronutrients influence levels of TNF-α expression? A nutrigenomics study through 8-WEEK dietary intervention

<h2>Summary</h2><h3>Background</h3> Obesity is associated with low-grade inflammation, which contributes to the pathogenesis of comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Nutrient intake can increase anti-inflammatory mechanisms by modulation of immune response. <h3>Objectives</h3> To assess the impact of a hypocaloric diet on the gene expression of inflammatory markers and correlate it with nutritional variables to identify important factors in the modulation of inflammation. <h3>Methods</h3> 20 women were evaluated and divided into 2 groups: Intervention Group IG (n=10), with women with grade III obesity. They received a hypocaloric diet for 8 weeks. The Total Energy Intake (TEI) was determined by subtracting 30% of the participants' Resting Energy Expenditure (REE) calculated through inderect calorimetry for each patient. The distribution of macronutrients was 55%–60% of the TEI of carbohydrates, 20%–25% of the TEI of total fat, and 15%–20% of the TEI of proteins. The micronutrients intake was determined by the Dietary Reference Intake (DRIs) according to age and sex. Control Group CG (n=10), with non-obese women. Nutritional assessment consisted of anthropometric parameters, body composition measurements, biochemical markers, and food intake. Gene expression analysis was performed. <h3>Results</h3> After the diet, the following variables decreased in IG: weight, BMI, fat mass, HDL-c, triglycerides, and <i>TNF-α</i> gene expression. Also, <i>TNF-α</i> gene expression was negatively correlated with omega-3, omega-6, iron, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 intake. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The hypocaloric diet over 8 weeks had a positive impact on anthropometric, biochemical, body composition, and gene expression parameters. Furthermore, the evaluated nutrients were correlated with the expression of <i>TNF-α</i>, showing the importance of diet in obesity treatment.