Mediatory Effect of Inflammatory Markers (IL-1β and PAI-1) on Association of Dietary Total Antioxidant Capacity and Body Composition in Overweight and Obese Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background. Obesity is considered a state of chronic low-grade inflammation. Different components of the diet, like antioxidants, can have anti-inflammatory effects or cause chronic inflammation. This study investigated the dietary TAC and inflammatory markers and body composition in obese and overweight women. Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 259 women with overweight and obesity. Dietary intake was assessed by using an FFQ with 147 items, and DTAC was used to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of the diet. The anthropometric measurements, body composition, and biochemical assessments were measured by standard protocols. Results. We observed a significant positive association between DTAC and consumption of fruits (P = 0.021), vegetable oils (P < 0.001), potassium (P = 0.006), manganese (P = 0.003), and caffeine (P < 0.001), after adjusting confounders. After adjusting for age, energy intake, and physical activity, there was a significant correlation between DTAC and fat-free mass (FFM) (P:0.054), fat-free mass index (FFMI) (P:0.012), waist circumference (WC) (P:0.002), and visceral fat level (VFL) (P:0.063). FFM, FFMI, waist circumference (WC), and visceral fat area (VFA) were mediated by IL-1β. FFM, VFL, VFA, and WC were mediated by PAI-1. Conclusion. Some anthropometric indices were associated with DTAC, mediated by augmenting serum levels of IL-1β and PAI-1. Intake of foods rich in antioxidants could represent a protective strategy against chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease.