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

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 p47^phox 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 p47^phox 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 p47^phox subunit. These proinflammatory changes are probably relevant to the state of chronic hypertension and obesity and to its association with atherosclerosis.