Effect of polyphenol consumption on biomarkers of inflammation and endotoxemia in people with obesity: a systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic diseases have increased worldwide due to lifestyle and other factors such as smoking, alcohol, obesity, ultra-processed food low in fiber, lacking in fruits and vegetables, etc. Scientific evidence supports the use of dietary polyphenols as preventive and therapeutic agents that could help with the burden of these pathologies by modulating the inflammatory response and endotoxemia. Objective: to evaluate the effects of polyphenol consumption on obesity-related parameters, such as inflammatory and endotoxemia biomarkers, glycemic profiles and weight in people with this condition. Methodology: We searched for randomized clinical trials in PubMed, Science Direct, Ovid and Ebsco databases. We accessed studies on obese adults published between January 2019 and March 2024 that evaluated the effect of dietary polyphenols on biomarkers of inflammation (TNFα, hs-CRP, IL6 and IL10) and endotoxemia (LPS). Results: Eleven studies with 506 participants were included. It was evidenced in 73% of the studies that the biomarkers most sensitive to decrease with polyphenol consumption were CRP, IL6 and TNFα. In relation to endotoxemia lipopolysaccharide-binding lipoprotein increased by 30% in the intervention group and lipopolysaccharides were not affected. Glycemia decreased an average of 15% and weight remained stable, which indicates that polyphenols can also be an adjuvant in weight management. Discussion: polyphenol consumption showed tolerance and modulation of inflammation and endotoxemia, but further studies are required. Conclusion: dietary phytonutrients are promising substances in the management of inflammation, endotoxemia, glycemia and weight in patients with obesity.