Reduction of small dense LDL and Il-6 after intervention with Plantago psyllium in adolescents with obesity: a parallel, double blind, randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Obesity can lead children and adolescents to an increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. A diet supplemented with Plantago psyllium has been shown to be effective in reducing LDL-C and IL-6 in adolescents. However, there are no studies that have explored small-dense LDL (sdLDL) or HDL subclasses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a fiber dietary intervention on LDL and HDL subclasses in adolescents with obesity. In this parallel, double blind, randomized clinical trial, the participants were assigned to Plantago psyllium or placebo (10g/day for 7 weeks). We randomized 113 participants, and evaluated and analyzed 100 adolescents (50 in each group), 15 to 19 years with a body mass index of 29–34. We measured biochemical markers LDL and HDL subclasses using the Lipoprint system (Quantimetrix) and IL-6 by ELISA. Post-treatment there was a decrease in sdLDL between the groups 2.0 (0–5.0) vs 1 (0–3.0) mg/dl (p = 0.004), IL-6 median 3.32 (1.24–5.96) vs 1.76 (0.54–3.28) pg/ml, p <0.0001. There were no differences in HDL subclasses and no adverse effects were reported in either group. Conclusions: Small dense LDL and IL-6 reduced in adolescents with obesity when consuming Plantago psyllium. This may be an early good strategy for the reduction of cardiovascular disease risk in this vulnerable population. Trial registration: ISRCTN # 14180431. Date assigned 24/08/2020 What is Known: • Supplementing the diet with Plantago psyllium lowers LDL-C levels. What is New: • First evidence that soluble fiber supplementation like Plantago psyllium decreases small dense LDL particles in association with lowered IL-6, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease in obese adolescents. What is Known: • Supplementing the diet with Plantago psyllium lowers LDL-C levels. What is New: • First evidence that soluble fiber supplementation like Plantago psyllium decreases small dense LDL particles in association with lowered IL-6, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease in obese adolescents.