@article{KoederAnandHusainetal.2023,
  author    = {Koeder, Christian and Anand, Corinna and Husain, Sarah and Kranz, Ragna-Marie and Schoch, Nora and Alzughayyar, Dima and Bitterlich, Norman and Hahn, Andreas and Englert, Heike},
  title     = {Exploratory analysis of the effect of a controlled lifestyle intervention on inflammatory markers - the Healthy Lifestyle Community Programme (cohort 2)},
  series = {BMC Nutrition},
  volume    = {9},
  journal   = {BMC Nutrition},
  number    = {25},
  issn      = {2055-0928},
  doi       = {10.1186/s40795-023-00684-2},
  year      = {2023},
  abstract  = {Background Chronic low-grade inflammation is associated with an increased risk of chronic disease and mortality. The objective of the study was to test the effect of a healthy lifestyle intervention on biomarkers of inflammation (among other risk markers). Methods We conducted a non-randomized controlled trial with mostly middle-aged and elderly participants from the general population in rural northwest Germany (intervention: n = 114; control: n = 87). The intervention consisted of a 1-year lifestyle programme focusing on diet (largely plant-based; strongest emphasis), physical activity, stress management, and social support. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) was assessed at baseline, 10 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year. Homocysteine (Hcy) was assessed at baseline, 10 weeks, and 1 year. Adiponectin (Apn) was assessed at baseline and 10 weeks. An exploratory analysis of these inflammatory markers assessing the between-group differences with ANCOVA was conducted. Results The 1-year trajectory of hs-CRP was significantly lower in the intervention group compared to control (between-group difference: -0.8 (95\% CI -1.2, -0.3) mg/l; p = 0.001; adjusted for baseline). The 1-year trajectory of Hcy was non-significantly higher in the intervention compared to control (between-group difference: 0.2 (95\% CI -0.3, 0.7) µmol/l; p = 0.439; adjusted for baseline). From baseline to 10 weeks, Apn decreased significantly more in the intervention group compared to control (between-group difference: -1.6 (95\% CI -2.7, -0.5) µg/ml; p = 0.004; adjusted for baseline). Conclusions Our study shows that healthy lifestyle changes can lower hs-CRP and Apn levels and are unlikely to significantly affect Hcy levels within 1 year. Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS; reference: DRKS00018775, registered 12 Sept 2019; retrospectively registered; www.drks.de).},
  language  = {en}
}