Iman A Hakim
University of Arizona, USA
Title: Effects of a 6-month green and black tea intervention on inflammatory cytokines: Role of gender and smoking
Biography
Biography: Iman A Hakim
Abstract
Background: Chronic inflammation has been implicated as an important modulator of human health by playing a significant role in both disease prevention and disease development. Several studies have demonstrated increased interleukin 6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in the blood of smokers. Our goal, that was addressed over a four year study period, was to determine the effects of high tea consumption on biological markers of chronic inflammation that mediate lung cancer risk, including, IL-6, CRP and antioxidant enzyme activities.
Methods: We completed a six month randomized, controlled, double-blinded trial in a group of current and former smokers. Participants were stratified on smoking status and gender, and were randomized to green or black tea preparations or a control intervention (matching placebo). Levels of plasma IL-6 and CRP were used to measure chronic inflammation.
Results: A total of 138 participants (78 females and 60 males) participated in the study. Our data showed that IL6 is significantly correlated with years of smoking and pack/year among smokers and former smokers. At the end of the six month intervention, female smokers in the green tea group showed a significant decrease in IL-6 (P=0.036) while male former smokers in the black tea group showed a significant decrease in CRP levels (P=0.012). There were no significant changes in dietary and serum antioxidant levels between the different groups.
Conclusion: This data implies that smokers are more likely to benefit from green tea intake, while the beneficial effects of black tea are observed among former smokers.