Flavanols and procyanidins, reactive oxygen species and NF-êB activation: Relevancef or disease

C. G. FRAGA; P. I. OTEIZA

Free Radical Pathophysiology

Transworld Research Network

Lugar: Kerala; Año: 2008; p. 113 - 128

Increasing epidemiological evidence demonstrates that diets rich in fruit and vegetables promote health, and attenuate, or delay, the onset of various diseases, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, certain cancers, and several other age-related degenerative and metabolic disorders. The plantcomponents and the physiological and molecular mechanisms by which fruit and vegetables reduce the risk for these diseases are matters of current investigation. Regarding plant components, one family of phytochemicals, the flavonoids, is gaining acceptance as major contributors to the health benefits offered by fruit and vegetables. As a relevant molecular mechanism, the modulation of the nuclear factor- êB (NF-êB) seems to be pivotal in the etiology of several diseases. NF-êB is now known to be ubiquitously present in different types of cells and to regulate the transcription of multiple genes involved in immunity, inflammation, as well as cell proliferation and cell death. Several stimuli can trigger NF-êB activation, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), proinflammatory cytokines, bacteria, viruses, drugs, and environmental pollutants. The modulation of NF-êB activation could represent a therapeutic strategy to control inflammation, and consequently a series of inflammationdriven diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). An extensive body of research has been developed regarding select flavanol components of foods, as regulators of NF-êB activation. Given the high free radical scavenging activity of flavanols, its antioxidant effects in the target organ, tissue, or cells, was often considered in association with its capacity to inhibit NF-êB activation. Current evidence is not consistent in showing causal relationships between free radical scavenging action and regulation of NF-êB by flavanols and procyanidins, indicating the involvement of ROS- or antioxidant-independent mechanisms. The significant advances done in the identification of the molecular mechanisms by which flavanols and related procyanidins could promote health, underscore the compounds as relevant micronutrients associated to the benefits of fruit and vegetable consumption.risk for these diseases are matters of current investigation. Regarding plant components, one family of phytochemicals, the flavonoids, is gaining acceptance as major contributors to the health benefits offered by fruit and vegetables. As a relevant molecular mechanism, the modulation of the nuclear factor- êB (NF-êB) seems to be pivotal in the etiology of several diseases. NF-êB is now known to be ubiquitously present in different types of cells and to regulate the transcription of multiple genes involved in immunity, inflammation, as well as cell proliferation and cell death. Several stimuli can trigger NF-êB activation, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), proinflammatory cytokines, bacteria, viruses, drugs, and environmental pollutants. The modulation of NF-êB activation could represent a therapeutic strategy to control inflammation, and consequently a series of inflammationdriven diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). An extensive body of research has been developed regarding select flavanol components of foods, as regulators of NF-êB activation. Given the high free radical scavenging activity of flavanols, its antioxidant effects in the target organ, tissue, or cells, was often considered in association with its capacity to inhibit NF-êB activation. Current evidence is not consistent in showing causal relationships between free radical scavenging action and regulation of NF-êB by flavanols and procyanidins, indicating the involvement of ROS- or antioxidant-independent mechanisms. The significant advances done in the identification of the molecular mechanisms by which flavanols and related procyanidins could promote health, underscore the compounds as relevant micronutrients associated to the benefits of fruit and vegetable consumption.