Inflammatory cytokines and appetite in healthy people

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Inflammation has been associated with reduced appetite and body composition changes in populations with established diseases. However, it is not known if an association exists between appetite, body composition and inflammation in healthy people. Design: To explore associations of appetite with markers of inflammation and body composition, data from the Cytokines, Adiposity, Sarcopenia and Ageing (CASA) study was analysed. SETTING: Western suburbs, Adelaide, Australia. PARTICIPANTS: 180, population representative, healthy participants, aged 18 – 82 years, were studied. Measurements: Body composition was measured by both Dual X-ray absorbiometry (DXA) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Appetite was assessed by the Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire (SNAQ). Circulating cytokine concentrations were measured. Results: Multiple regression analysis showed appetite scores were increased in non-smokers (P = 0.031) and men (P = 0.024), negatively associated with serum levels of the pro-inflammatory IL-1β (β coefficient = - 0.379, P = 0.007), and positively associated with serum levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 (β coefficient = 0.25, P = 0.010). There was no association between appetite and body composition. CONCLUSIONS: Appetite loss may reflect background inflammation even in apparently healthy people, and probably occurs before consequent changes in body composition. Further explorations of longer term appetite changes with respect to inflammation and body composition changes are needed.