Aim: To dissociate the effects on plasma concentrations of the inflammatory marker c-reactive protein of a negative energy balance and a reduction in body fat stores. Secondly to compare CRP with fibrinogen and interleukin-6 (IL-6).

Background:

Previous epidemiological studies have associated elevated levels of acute phase proteins, mainly C-reactive protein, with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and cardiac death. Levels of several cy-tokines and acute phase proteins as CRP, haptoglobin and fibrinogen have been found associated with elevated body fat and the risk of diseases associated to the metabolic syndrome.

Method:

Thirty-six otherwise healthy obese subjects (BMI: 34.23.2 kg/m2, age: 43.410.5 y) participated in a 20-week controlled dietary intervention divided into 4 periods. Weight reduction was induced by an 8-week low caloric diet (LCD) (3.4 MJ/d) followed by a 4-week weight stable maintenance program (M1). Subsequently, they underwent another 4-week LCD (4.2 MJ/d) followed by a final 4-week weight stable maintenance diet (M2). Blood samples and anthropometrical measures were assessed at baseline and after each of the four periods (8, 12, 16 and 20 weeks).

Inclusion Criteria:

• 41 participants (20 men, 21 women) were included in the study. They were between 24-62y, healthy, non-athletic, weight stabile (< 3 kg in last 2 mo) but overweight to obese (BMI: 28-40 kg/m2).

Exclusion Criteria:

• evidence of metabolic or systemic diseases other than obesity. Frequent use of medication, a systolic blood pressure >165 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure >95 mmHg.