Effect of a single high-fat meat on endothelial function in patients with the metabolic syndrome:: Role of tumor necrosis factor-α

Background and aims: A single high-fat meat may induce endothelial activation and dysfunction in both normal subjects and in patients with type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a high-fat meat on endothelial function in patients with the metabolic syndrome. Methods and results: Twenty-five patients with the metabolic syndrome (ATP III criteria) were matched for sex, age and body mass index with 25 subjects without the metabolic syndrome. All subjects ate under supervision a high fat meat (760 calories) with 59% energy from fat, 12% energy from protein and 29% energy from carbohydrates. Compared with the control group, subjects with the metabolic syndrome had reduced endothelial function, as assessed with the L-arginine test, and higher circulating levels of TNF-alpha. Following the high-fat meal, both triglyceride and TNF-alpha. levels increased more in subjects with the metabolic syndrome than in subjects without, while endotheliat function decreased more in subjects with the metabolic syndrome. There was a significant relation between increases in TNF-alpha levels and decreases in endothelial function score in subjects with the metabotic syndrome (r = -0. 39, P = 0.03). Conclusion: TNF-alpha levels are increased in subjects with the metabolic syndrome; moreover, a high-fat meat produces further increase in its Levels associated with endothetiat dysfunction. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. ALL rights reserved.