title: Faecal calprotectin levels before and after weight loss in obese and overweight subjects.
abstract: Faecal calprotectin (FCP) is a non-invasive biomarker of intestinal inflammation, levels of which are reported to be elevated in individuals with increased body mass index (BMI). We investigated whether weight loss (WL), induced by dietary and behavioural change in a community weight loss programme (Slimming World), was associated with a reduction in FCP in a longitudinal cohort study. We obtained paired stool samples at the start and 11-15 weeks into the weight loss programme in 40 individuals with a BMI >25 kg m(-2) and no known colorectal or systemic inflammatory condition. Eight of 40 (20%) 'healthy' participants had a baseline FCP greater than 50 μg g(-1) (the accepted adult cutoff value for FCP), termed FCP(high). Although the degree (%) of WL was similar (5.1 FCP(high) versus 6.1 FCP(normal); P=0.63), only FCP(high) individuals, but not FCP(normal) participants, demonstrated a reduction in FCP level (median 0.3-fold versus 1.0-fold (that is, no change) during the study period (P=0.065). A large prospective cohort study of FCP(high) and FCP(normal) obese individuals is now required to determine the relationship between local mucosal inflammation and the systemic inflammatory state associated with obesity, as well as understand the relationship between FCP levels, WL and future risk of colorectal neoplasia.
authors.affiliation: Section of Molecular Gastroenterology, Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kant
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fazakerley
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Hull
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D015415:Biomarkers; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism; D015992:Body Mass Index; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000517:prevention & control; D004760:Enterocolitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism*; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D039841:Leukocyte L1 Antigen Complex / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism*; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015431:Weight Loss; D061217:Weight Reduction Programs
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D039841:Leukocyte L1 Antigen Complex