Sample collection
BLOOD
Blood samples were drawn at T0 and T1 in the morning, after an overnight fast. For the analysis of the biochemical parameters, blood specimens from each subject were collected in tubes, either with no additive (for serum) or containing EDTA to prevent coagulation (for plasma); EDTA specimens were centrifuged to obtain plasma samples.Serum and plasma samples were divided into 4 aliquots (2 serum and 2 plasma aliquots) and stored at −20°C until the analysis of the inflammatory status (e.g. pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines including IL-18, TNF-alpha, TGF- beta 1, TGF-beta 2, PCR; and C Reactive Protein, PCR) and the determination of polyunsaturated fatty acid profile (e.g. ALA, LA, EPA, DHA, ARA), respectively. The portion of serum that was not aliquoted and stored was immediately processed to assess lipid panel parameters (e.g. total cholesterol, TC; high-density lipoproteins cholesterol, HDL; low-density lipoproteins cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides levels, TG).