Inflammatory Markers Improve With Short-term Calorie Restriction Independent Of Weight Loss In Individuals With Nafld

PURPOSE: We determined the effects of acute calorie restriction (CR) on hepatic and skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity and markers of inflammation that may affect insulin action. METHODS: Twenty-two obese subjects (4 men and 18 women; 43.6 ± 2.5 years old, BMI = 36.5 ± 0.8 kg/m2) followed a 1000 kcal/d energy-deficit diet 48 hours. A euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp, muscle biopsies, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and quantitative GC/MS were used to determine insulin action, intrahepatic triglyceride content (IHTG) and inflammatory markers (Leptin, Adiponectin, Tumer Necrosis Factor alpha, Interleukin 6, and C-reactive protein) before and after 48 h of diet therapy. RESULTS: Calorie restriction caused a progressive significant (p < 0.001) decrease in IHTG content after 48 h (-16.6 ± 2.3%). Basal glucose Ra decreased from baseline to 48 h (13.8 ± 0.4 vs 12.0 ± 0.4 μmol/kg FFM/min). The relative increase in glucose Rd during insulin infusion did not change from baseline to 48 h (130 ± 20% vs. 115 ± 13%). Leptin and C-reactive protein were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) at 48 h (-10.5 ± 3.4% and -12.5 ± 2.9%) compared to baseline. In contrast, adiponectin, Tumer Necrosis Factor alpha, and Interleukin-6 decreased after 48 h of CR (-7.4 ± 4.9%, -16.2 ± 6.6%, -23.8 ± 8.3%) compared to baseline. CONCLUSION: Inflammatory markers improve with short-term calorie restriction independent of weight loss in individuals with NAFLD.