The cardiovascular risk marker itaconate is sex-dependently associated with legume intake and immune-inflammatory competence in subjects with high BMI

Abstract

Itaconate has received attention as a key immunometabolic mediator produced by activated macrophages, linking cellular metabolism to inflammatory responses. The aim of this investigation is to analyze the determinants of circulating itaconate concentrations involving metabolic associations, with markers of innate immune activation and systemic inflammation, as well as to evaluate the potential modulatory role of dietary patterns—particularly legume consumption—as well as sex-specific differences concerning these relationships in subjects with excessive adiposity.