Effect of pomegranate seed oil on the expression of PPAR-γ and pro-inflammatory biomarkers in obese type 2 diabetic patients

Purpose Diabetes is one of the most prevailed chronic diseases in the world. Pro-inflammatory cytokines play a key role in the type 2 diabetes mellitus. Pomegranate seed oil (PSO) has potential anti-inflammatory properties. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the antidiabetic effects of the use of PSO on the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma), pro-inflammatory biomarkers and lipid profile levels in obese type 2 diabetic patients. Design/methodology/approach In total, 52 patients were randomly assigned to the PSO (n = 26) and placebo (n = 26) groups. Subjects received daily PSO 3 g placebo (paraffin) in 1 g soft-gel capsules (along with breakfast, lunch and dinner meals) for eight weeks. Findings Serum levels of fasting blood sugar (FBS) decreased from 161.46 +/- 34.44 to 143.50 +/- 24.2 mg/dL (p = 0.008), IL-6 decreased from 5.17 +/- 2.25 to 4.52 +/- 1.90 (p = 0.049) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) significantly decreased from 9.17 +/- 4.13 to 7.74 +/- 2.44 pmol/mL in PSO group (p = 0.030). However, changes in the expression of PPAR-gamma gene, serum levels of hs-CRP and lipid profile levels were not significant. Research limitations/implications - Lack of PSO concentration measurements and the short duration of the study were the key limitations. Future randomized clinical trials with a longer period of follow-up are needed to assess the potential anti-diabetic effects of PSO. Originality/value Administration of PSO in obese type 2 diabetic patients reduced the levels of FBS, interleukin 6 and TNF-alpha; nevertheless, changes in the insulin, lipid profiles and hs-CRP were not significant.