Anti-inflammatory Effects of Fiber

The main objective of this research is to investigate the effect of addition of fiber on the high fat high carbohydrate (HFHC) meal induced inflammation and oxidative stress mechanisms at the molecular level in humans, in vivo. The investigators have previously shown that the intake of one HFHC meal leads to an increase in oxidative stress and inflammation. HFHC meal also induces an increase in the expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling- 3 (SOCS-3) in the mononuclear cells (MNC), which interferes with insulin signal transduction and contributes to the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. In contrast, an American heart association (AHA) meal rich in fruits and fiber does not induce these effects. These observations are important since HFHC meal not only induces oxidative stress and inflammation but also lays the foundations of a potentially greater insulin resistance through the induction of SOCS-3, TLR-4 and TLR-2.