Interactions of flavanols within cellular signaling pathways

C. G. FRAGA; P. I. OTEIZA

Flavanoids and Related Compounds: Bioavailability and Function

CRC Press-Taylor and Francis

Lugar: Boca Raton; Año: 2012; p. 281 - 293

Epicatechin and related procyanidins could exert beneficial health effects through the modulation of cell signaling.  For a long time attributed to their antioxidant action, cumulative evidence stresses the capacity of these compounds to regulate cell signaling through highly specific mechanisms that sometimes involve an antioxidant action.This chapter will discuss current evidence on the capacity of the flavanol (-)-epicatechin and derived procyanidins, to modulate select signaling pathways through redox-dependent and independent mechanisms. These mechanisms involve free radical scavenging actions, interactions with proteins that generate oxidants, interactions with signaling proteins, and interactions with membrane domains that concentrate signaling molecules. The site and mechanism of action will depend on the characteristics of the flavanol or procyanidin and on its local concentration. The capacity of flavanols and related procyanidins to regulate signaling could in part explain the health benefits associated with a high consumption of fruit and vegetables.