Effects of Dietary Polyphenols on Gene Expression: Evidence From Experimental Studies

RAMIREZ MR

Book Polyphenolics: Food Sources, Biochemistry and Health Benefits.Book ID: 10865

Nova Science Publishers, Inc.

Lugar: Hauppauge, NY 11788 USA; Año: 2017;

Worldwide mortality from infectious ailments is being substituted by chronic degenerative diseases, such as cancer, obesity, diabetes mellitus and neurological conditions. It is known that natural compounds may affect the expression and gene transcription which influence mechanisms involved in chronic diseases. Furthermore, they may also influence the predisposition to certain diseases as a result of individual genetic variability. For these reasons, nutrition research focuses not only on nutrient deficiency but also in the prevention of various chronic diseases. The inclusion of natural products such as fruit, beverages, teas and vegetables in the diet has long been related with various health benefits. These beneficial effects have been associated to the presence of polyphenolic compounds and their antioxidant capacity. However, recent studies revealed that, in addition to their antioxidant properties, polyphenolics could interact with cellular signaling pathway regulating the activity of transcription factors and affecting the expression of genes. Genes differentially expressed include genes involved in a wide range of physiological and pathological functions, such as metabolism, transport, enzyme activity, signal transduction or transcription. In this chapter, we review studies assessing modulation of genes expression by dietary polyphenolics that could constitute a new pathway by which these phytocompounds may exert their health effects.