Public Health of Indonesia
Vol. 12 No. 1 (2026): January - March

Modulating Inflammation in PCOS: The Role of a High-Protein, Low-Carb Diet in Reducing IL-6 and TNF-α

Aryani, Hany Puspita (Unknown)
Suryani, Lilis (Unknown)
Sugiyanta (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
23 Feb 2026

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a chronic endocrine disorder characterized by insulin resistance and low-grade inflammation, marked by elevated cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Nutritional modulation may play a role in managing these inflammatory markers. Objective: This study aimed to assess the effect of a low-carbohydrate high-protein (RKTP) diet on IL-6 and TNF-α levels in a PCOS-insulin resistance rat model. Methods: This experimental study used a post-test only control group design involving 18 female Rattus norvegicus rats. The rats were divided into three groups: negative control (K−), positive control (K+; PCOS-insulin resistance induced by testosterone propionate), and treatment (P; PCOS-insulin resistance treated with RKTP diet composed of 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein, and 30% fat). The intervention lasted 48 days. Serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were measured using ELISA. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: The treatment group experienced a significant reduction in IL-6 levels compared to the positive control (p = 0.038) and negative control (p = 0.002). TNF-α levels also significantly decreased in the treatment group (mean = 4.17) compared to the negative control group (mean = 8.83), with a Mann-Whitney test p-value of 0.025. These findings suggest an anti-inflammatory effect of the RKTP diet in PCOS-induced insulin resistance. Conclusion: A high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet effectively reduced inflammatory cytokines in PCOS-insulin resistant rats, suggesting potential as a non-pharmacologic intervention in PCOS management. Keywords: RKTP diet; PCOS-RI; IL-6 Levels; TNF-α Levels

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Journal Info

Abbrev

PHI

Publisher

Subject

Public Health

Description

Public Health of Indonesia is an International, peer-reviewed, and open access journal emphasizing on original research findings that are relevant for developing country perspectives including Indonesia. The journal considers publication of articles as original article, review article, short ...