Increase in intranuclear nuclear factor κB and decrease in inhibitor κB in mononuclear cells after a mixed meal: evidence for a proinflammatory effect

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Abstract
Background: In view of the stimulatory effect of glucose on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, we investigated the possibility that a mixed meal stimulates ROS generation and possibly induces concomitant proinflammatory changes. Objective: The objective was to determine whether the intake of a 900-kcal mixed meal induces an increase in ROS generation by leukocytes and an inflammatory response at the cellular level. Design: Nine normal-weight subjects were given a 900-kcal mixed meal, and 8 normal-weight subjects were given 300 mL water after an overnight fast. Blood samples were collected at 0, 1, 2, and 3 h. ROS generation by mononuclear cells and polymorphonuclear leukocytes and the expression of p47phox subunit were measured. Intranuclear nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) binding and the expression of inhibitor κBα (IκBα), IκB kinase α (IKKα), and IκB kinase β (IKKβ) were measured. Plasma concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule were also measured. Results: ROS generation by mononuclear cells and polymorphonuclear leukocytes and p47phox expression increased significantly. The expression of IKKα and IKKβ and DNA-binding activity of NF-κB increased significantly, whereas IκBα expression decreased. Plasma CRP concentrations increased. The intake of 300 mL water did not induce a change in any of the above indexes. Conclusions: These data show that the intake of a mixed meal results in significant inflammatory changes characterized by a decrease in IκBα and an increase in NF-κB binding, plasma CRP, and the expression of IKKα, IKKβ, and p47phox subunit. These proinflammatory changes are probably relevant to the state of chronic hypertension and obesity and to its association with atherosclerosis.