Both lipid and protein intakes stimulate increased generation of reactive oxygen species by polymorphonuclear leukocytes and mononuclear cells

It was recently shown that glucose challenge leads to increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and mononuclear cells (MNCs). To further elucidate the relation between nutrition and ROS generation, we investigated the effect of lipid and protein challenges on ROS generation by leukocytes. After having fasted overnight, one group of healthy subjects consumed a carbohydrate- and protein-free cream preparation (1257 kJ) and another group of healthy subjects consumed an equienergetic pure preparation of casein. Sequential blood samples were obtained after the intake of cream and casein. ROS were measured by chemiluminescence after stimulation by N-formyl-methionyl-leucinyl-phenylalanine. Lipid peroxidation was measured as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and alpha-tocopherol was measured by HPLC. ROS generation by MNCs and PMNs increased significantly 1, 2, and 3 h after cream intake and 1 h after protein intake. Cholesterol concentrations did not change significantly, whereas triacylglycerol concentrations increased significantly 2 h after cream intake. Total TBARS concentrations increased 1 h after cream intake and remained elevated 3 h after intake, but the increase was not significant when corrected for changes in triacylglycerol. After casein intake, total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and TBARS concentrations did not change significantly. alpha-Tocopherol concentrations did not change significantly after either cream or casein intake. Both fat and protein intakes stimulate ROS generation. The increase in ROS generation lasted 3 h after cream intake and 1 h after protein intake. Cream intake also caused a significant and prolonged increase in lipid peroxidation. These data are important because increased ROS generation and lipid peroxidation are key events in atherogenesis.