Effects of Synbiotics on Inflammatory Markers in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

INTRODUCTION: With regard to the relationship between inflammation and insulin resistance and due to the lack of researches conducted about the effect of synbiotics on inflammatory markers in diabetes patients, this study was designed to investigate the effect of these markers. METHODS: A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted among 44 type 2 diabetes patients. They were randomized to symbiotic or placebo group. Patients in the symbiotic group received one symbiotic tablet daily for 8 weeks whereas the placebo group received 1 placebo tablet. The hs-CRP concentration, TNF-α and IL-6 were measured by using ELISA kits. The dietary intakes of patients were assessed at the first and the end of the study and analyzed by Nutritionist IV. Data were analyzed by using SPSS 16.0 via paired and independent t- test. RESULTS: Anthropometric and dietary data were not significantly different between the two groups at the first and the end of the study. The serum concentrations of hs-CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α decreased significantly in the symbiotic group at the end of week 8 compared to baseline (p<0.05). Also, no significant changes were seen in the placebo group (p>0.05). The reduction in inflammatory markers in the symbiotic group were significant in compared to the placebo group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Symbiotic supplementation can reduce serum hs-CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations, a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.