Immune activation contributes to the systemic inflammation associated with metabolic dysfunction in obesity. Researchers looked at forty children and adolescents: 22 obese subjects and 18 age-matched normal weight controls. Obese subjects participated in an 18-month therapeutic protocol based on intensive lifestyle modification including dietary regimen, physical activity and behavior interventions. Gene expression involved in the inflammasome pathway, plasma concentration of the inflammasome-associated pro-inflammatory cytokines, and indexes of microbial translocation and intestinal fatty acid-binding protein were analyzed at baseline and after therapy. Cross-sectional analysis showed that the LPS-induced expression of genes involved in inflammasome, Nod-like receptors, downstream signaling, and effector molecules were significantly increased in obese subjects at baseline compared to controls. Baseline plasma concentration of inflammasome-related cytokines and of microbial translocation markers was augmented in obese subjects as well. Intensive lifestyle modification resulted in normalization of parameters in subjects with a significant BMI reduction after 18 months of therapy. Researchers concluded the obesity in children and adolescents is characterized by the activation of the inflammasome and by an alteration of gut permeability, and that successful lifestyle modification is effective in reducing inflammation. It would be wise to give significant consideration to the inhibition of the inflammasome as a therapeutic strategy in obesity.
Rainone V, et al. Upregulation of inflammasome activity and increased gut permeability are associated with obesity (15 Feb 2016) doi:10.1038/ijo.2016.26