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  • Total and Plant Protein Con...
    Azzini, Elena; Peluso, Ilaria; Intorre, Federica; Barnaba, Lorenzo; Venneria, Eugenia; Foddai, Maria Stella; Ciarapica, Donatella; Maiani, Francesca; Raguzzini, Anna; Polito, Angela

    International journal of molecular sciences, 07/2022, Volume: 23, Issue: 14
    Journal Article

    Background: Inflammatory cytokine levels are associated with Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and can be influenced by a person’s macronutrient profile. This work aims to evaluate the relationship between the compliance with the age-specific recommended protein intake and the levels of inflammatory markers related to the risk of NCDs. Methods: The study participants included 347 participants (119 men and 228 women), ages 18 to 86 years. Cardio-metabolic risk evaluations, including an assessment of the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome, were performed. Leptin, IL-15, IL-6, and TNF-α levels were measured. Results: The adequacy of the total protein (TP) intake was lower in old people compared to individuals aged <60 years, and only few volunteers consumed the suggested 50% plant protein (PP) for a healthy and sustainable diet. A lower risk of NCDs with a PP consumption above at least 40% was observed only in old individuals. A differential effect on TNF-α and IL-6 was observed for both TP and PP intake by gender and age class, whereas for leptin and IL-15 only significant interactions among sex and the class of age were found. Conclusion: Although our data suggest that consuming more than 40% of PP can reduce the risk of NCDs, the effect of gender differences on cytokine levels should be considered in larger studies.