ORIGINAL PAPER
Obesity and IL-21, IL-22, and IL-23 in low-grade inflammation: associations with nutrition and stimulant use
1
College of Medical Sciences, University of Rzeszów, Rzeszow, Poland
2
Department of Human Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland
These authors had equal contribution to this work
Submission date: 2025-05-23
Final revision date: 2026-03-11
Acceptance date: 2026-03-12
Online publication date: 2026-07-20
Corresponding author
Jacek Tabarkiewicz
Department of Human Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland
Department of Human Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Interleukin (IL)-21, IL-22, and IL-23 have been most frequently evaluated in patients with autoimmune or inflammatory diseases. In contrast, data on these cytokines in obesity and obesity-related low-grade inflammation remain limited.
Material and Methods:
Serum concentrations of IL-21, IL-22, and IL-23 were analyzed in 84 obese individuals. Dietary intake was assessed using a nutrition questionnaire and a 3-day food diary. Body composition was evaluated using bioelectrical impedance analysis.
Results:
Within the obese cohort, IL-23 levels were negatively associated with body mass index (BMI). Alcohol consumption was associated with lower circulating IL-21 levels, while self-reported physical activity was associated with higher IL-23 concentrations. Dietary factors, including the amount and type of carbohydrates, dietary glycemic index, and the frequency of consumption of selected food groups (wholemeal pasta, fast food, cottage cheese, eggs, and fish), showed associations with circulating IL-21, IL-22, and IL-23 levels. In addition, dietary intake of retinol, niacin, riboflavin, omega-3 fatty acids, and -carotene was associated with variability in the concentrations of the studied cytokines.
Conclusions:
In obese individuals without autoimmune diseases, circulating IL-23 levels showed a negative association with BMI. Circulating levels of IL-21, IL-22, and IL-23 were associated with selected lifestyle and dietary factors, including alcohol consumption, physical activity, dietary patterns, and nutrient intake. These findings should be interpreted as exploratory and hypothesis-generating.
Interleukin (IL)-21, IL-22, and IL-23 have been most frequently evaluated in patients with autoimmune or inflammatory diseases. In contrast, data on these cytokines in obesity and obesity-related low-grade inflammation remain limited.
Material and Methods:
Serum concentrations of IL-21, IL-22, and IL-23 were analyzed in 84 obese individuals. Dietary intake was assessed using a nutrition questionnaire and a 3-day food diary. Body composition was evaluated using bioelectrical impedance analysis.
Results:
Within the obese cohort, IL-23 levels were negatively associated with body mass index (BMI). Alcohol consumption was associated with lower circulating IL-21 levels, while self-reported physical activity was associated with higher IL-23 concentrations. Dietary factors, including the amount and type of carbohydrates, dietary glycemic index, and the frequency of consumption of selected food groups (wholemeal pasta, fast food, cottage cheese, eggs, and fish), showed associations with circulating IL-21, IL-22, and IL-23 levels. In addition, dietary intake of retinol, niacin, riboflavin, omega-3 fatty acids, and -carotene was associated with variability in the concentrations of the studied cytokines.
Conclusions:
In obese individuals without autoimmune diseases, circulating IL-23 levels showed a negative association with BMI. Circulating levels of IL-21, IL-22, and IL-23 were associated with selected lifestyle and dietary factors, including alcohol consumption, physical activity, dietary patterns, and nutrient intake. These findings should be interpreted as exploratory and hypothesis-generating.
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