Relationship Between Rapeseed Oil Intake and Inflammatory Cytokines: Results from NHANES 2003–2006 and Mendelian Randomization

Rapeseed oil (RO) has been extensively studied for its possible advantages in enhancing physical health. However, questions regarding its influence on inflammation and its suitability for incorporation into the diets of individuals with medical needs and those suffering from clinical conditions remain critical areas that require exploration. By utilizing the NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) database, researchers constructed models that accounted for various factors, including race, age, marital status, BMI, and caloric intake. The application of a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) technique enabled the identification of causal relationships informed by data from current genome-wide association studies. This examination included many methodologies, including random effects calculation, effect estimate, inverse variance weighted, MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode method. To reinforce prior findings, RO was administered to mice in experimental settings. The expression of inflammatory factors in the RO group significantly decreased. An analysis of the NHANES survey data demonstrated a negative relationship between RO consumption and CRP (C-reactive protein) levels among adults in the United States, with the β value of RO's 95% confidence interval being -0.08(-0.15, -0.01), aligning with outcomes from MR Analysis and subsequent animal research. The identified link between RO intake and diminished inflammation indicates the potential role of RO in moderating inflammatory responses, thereby highlighting the significance of RO in dietary choices for enhanced health outcomes.