The importance of regulating inflammation to help prevent and manage disease is an important aspect of contemporary medical care. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha is an inflammatory mediator that has a significant role in cardiovascular diseases. Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha is produced by fat (adipose tissue). Saturated fatty acids are associated with inflammation at the level of adipose tissue because saturated fat contributes to an increase of tumor necrosis factor-alpha activity.
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha is also a factor in the Metabolic Syndrome, a disorder which is characterized by insulin resistance and inflammation. Studies show that tumor necrosis factor-alpha is capable of inhibiting insulin secretion. Additionally, tumor necrosis factor-alpha is thought to interfere with insulin signaling in a variety of non-insulin producing cells, essentially inducing a state of insulin resistance.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids are unsaturated fatty acids. Mediterranean populations with dietary habits that are high in monounsaturated fatty acids, partly due to high olive oil (oleic acid) consumption, have considerably reduced inflammatory markers when compared to populations that have lower oleic acid intake. Oleic acid was found to be effective in reversing the inhibitory effect in insulin production of the inflammatory tumor necrosis factor-alpha.
The results of the research study noted below, suggests a diet high in oleic acid, which can be achieved through consumption of peanut and olive oil, produce beneficial effects in type II diabetes and have potential to reverse the negative effects of inflammatory cell activity observed in obesity and non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (Type 2DM). These findings further support the use of modulating diet to treat diseases that have inflammatory origins.
Additionally, Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) collectively referred to as omega 3 fish oils, have also been shown to be potent anti-inflammatory agents.
Source:
Oleic acid and peanut oil high in oleic acid reverse the inhibitory effect of insulin production
of the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α both in vitro and in vivo systems
Evros K Vassiliou , Andres Gonzalez , Carlos Garcia
Dept Biological Sciences, Kean University, Union, New Jersey 07083, USA
Lipids in Health and Disease 2009
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