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Dietary Polyphenols and Their Role in Gut Health

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Phytochemicals and Human Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 January 2022) | Viewed by 53506

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), 73100 Lecce, Italy
Interests: mesenchymal stem cells; osteoblast differentiation; molecular mechanisms; signal pathways; epigenetics; inflammation; oxidative stress; chronic and metabolic diseases; bioactive compounds; nutraceuticals
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Guest Editor
National Research Council (CNR) Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), 73100 Lecce, Italy
Interests: Mediterranean diet; nutraceuticals and functional food; polyphenols; unsaturated fatty acids; nutrigenomics; gene expression; cell signaling; molecular targets; inflammation; atherosclerosis; angiogenesis; cardiometabolic diseases
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Dietary polyphenols are plant-derived bioactive compounds, endowed with preventive/therapeutic properties against multiple disorders, including cardiometabolic, neurodegenerative, oncological, and intestinal diseases.

Although the bioavailability of polyphenols is low, they are retained in the gut for a longer time due to their complex structure and food matrix composition and thus promote beneficial intestinal effects through gut microbiota interaction. In turn, gut microbiota can extensively metabolize polyphenols, producing bioactive metabolites that can be readily absorbed and contribute to health benefits. Growing evidence suggests that polyphenols exhibit prebiotic properties and antimicrobial activities against pathogenic gut microflora, in addition to modulating gut metabolism and immunity and displaying anti-inflammatory effects. However, many aspects related to the interplay between polyphenols and the gut remain to be clarified, and further studies are required in order to evaluate individual response and the mechanisms underlying the effects of polyphenols on intestinal protection and human health.

This Special Issue welcomes the presentation of original research manuscripts or reviews of the scientific literature, concerning the impact of polyphenols on gut health, including the modulation of gut microbiota composition, intestinal barrier function, innate and adaptive immune response, inflammation, signaling pathways, as well as approaches aiming to improve polyphenol solubility, transport, and gut delivery.

We sincerely hope that this Special Issue will advance our understanding of how dietary polyphenols or their metabolites exert beneficial effects on the gut, contributing to microbiota/host equilibrium, health promotion, and the prevention of chronic degenerative diseases.

Dr. Nadia Calabriso
Dr. Maria Annunziata Carluccio
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • polyphenols
  • bioavailability
  • bioactive metabolites
  • gut microbiota
  • gut homeostasis
  • inflammation
  • metabolism
  • immune response
  • intestinal diseases
  • chronic degenerative diseases

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 180 KiB  
Editorial
Dietary Polyphenols and Their Role in Gut Health
by Nadia Calabriso, Marika Massaro, Egeria Scoditti and Maria Annunziata Carluccio
Nutrients 2023, 15(12), 2650; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu15122650 - 06 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1210
Abstract
Polyphenols are secondary plant metabolites derived from the shikimate/phenylpropanoid pathway, protecting plants from physical, chemical and biological stress [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Polyphenols and Their Role in Gut Health)

Research

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21 pages, 2581 KiB  
Article
Polyphenols from Olive-Mill Wastewater and Biological Activity: Focus on Irritable Bowel Syndrome
by Francesca Curci, Filomena Corbo, Maria Lisa Clodoveo, Lara Salvagno, Antonio Rosato, Ivan Corazza, Roberta Budriesi, Matteo Micucci and Laura Beatrice Mattioli
Nutrients 2022, 14(6), 1264; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu14061264 - 16 Mar 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2796
Abstract
Waste represents a cost for companies, in particular for agro-food companies, which can become a resource as a secondary material. In this work, we examine three products of olive-oil waste water, named MOMAST® (Plus30, PW25, and HY100). Based [...] Read more.
Waste represents a cost for companies, in particular for agro-food companies, which can become a resource as a secondary material. In this work, we examine three products of olive-oil waste water, named MOMAST® (Plus30, PW25, and HY100). Based on the chemical composition, obtained with different methods, we hypothesized a possible application as food supplements in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We therefore studied MOMASTs on some targets linked to this pathology: antioxidant action and spontaneous and induced intestinal contractility of the ileum and colon. Plus30, which showed a more promising biological of activity also for its oleuropein content, was characterized by an interesting action against some microorganisms. The results highlighted the ability of Plus30 to modulate spontaneous and induced contractility, to exert a good antioxidant action, and to significantly act on various microorganisms. These effects are synergistic in the presence of antibiotics. In conclusion, we can confirm that Plus30 could be a great candidate as a food supplement in patients with IBS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Polyphenols and Their Role in Gut Health)
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20 pages, 3116 KiB  
Article
Grape Pomace Extract Attenuates Inflammatory Response in Intestinal Epithelial and Endothelial Cells: Potential Health-Promoting Properties in Bowel Inflammation
by Nadia Calabriso, Marika Massaro, Egeria Scoditti, Tiziano Verri, Amilcare Barca, Carmela Gerardi, Giovanna Giovinazzo and Maria Annunziata Carluccio
Nutrients 2022, 14(6), 1175; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu14061175 - 11 Mar 2022
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3905
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) implies the chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, combined with systemic vascular manifestations. In IBD, the incidence of cardiovascular disease appears to be related to an increase of oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction. Grape pomace contains high levels of [...] Read more.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) implies the chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, combined with systemic vascular manifestations. In IBD, the incidence of cardiovascular disease appears to be related to an increase of oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction. Grape pomace contains high levels of anti-oxidant polyphenols that are able to counteract chronic inflammatory symptoms. The aim of this study was to determine whether grape pomace polyphenolic extract (GPE) was able to mitigate the overwhelming inflammatory response in enterocyte-like cells and to improve vascular function. Intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells, grown in monolayers or in co-culture with endothelial cells (Caco-2/HMEC-1), were treated with different concentrations of GPE (1, 5, 10 µg/mL gallic acid equivalents) for 2 h and then stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α for 16 h. Through multiple assays, the expression of intestinal and endothelial inflammatory mediators, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and NF-κB activation, as well as endothelial-leukocyte adhesion, were evaluated. The results showed that GPE supplementation prevented, in a concentration-dependent manner, the intestinal expression and release of interleukin (IL)-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-9 and MMP-2. In Caco-2 cells, GPE also suppressed the gene expression of several pro-inflammatory markers, such as IL-1β, TNF-α, macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), C-X-C motif ligand (CXCL)-10, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1, and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2. The GPE anti-inflammatory effect was mediated by the inhibition of NF-κB activity and reduced intracellular ROS levels. Furthermore, transepithelial GPE suppressed the endothelial expression of IL-6, MCP-1, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1 and the subsequent adhesion of leukocytes to the endothelial cells under pro-inflammatory conditions. In conclusion, our findings suggest grape pomace as a natural source of polyphenols with multiple health-promoting properties that could contribute to the mitigation of gut chronic inflammatory diseases and improve vascular endothelial function. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Polyphenols and Their Role in Gut Health)
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13 pages, 1754 KiB  
Article
Comparative Analysis of the Impact of Urolithins on the Composition of the Gut Microbiota in Normal-Diet Fed Rats
by Ali Khalaf Al Khalaf, Abdulrasheed O. Abdulrahman, Mohammed Kaleem, Suza Mohammad Nur, Amer H. Asseri, Hani Choudhry and Mohammad Imran Khan
Nutrients 2021, 13(11), 3885; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13113885 - 29 Oct 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2729
Abstract
The gut microbiota consists of a community of microorganisms that inhabit the large intestine. These microbes play important roles in maintaining gut barrier integrity, inflammation, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, immunity, and protection against pathogens. However, recent studies have shown that dysfunction in the [...] Read more.
The gut microbiota consists of a community of microorganisms that inhabit the large intestine. These microbes play important roles in maintaining gut barrier integrity, inflammation, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, immunity, and protection against pathogens. However, recent studies have shown that dysfunction in the gut microbiota composition can lead to the development of several diseases. Urolithin A has recently been approved as a functional food ingredient. In this study, we examined the potentials of urolithin A (Uro-A) and B (Uro-B) in improving metabolic functions and their impact on gut microbiota composition under a metabolically unchallenged state in normal rats. Male Wistar rats (n = 18) were randomly segregated into three groups, with Group 1 serving as the control group. Groups 2 and 3 were administered with 2.5 mg/kg Uro-A and Uro-B, respectively, for four weeks. Our results showed that both Uro-A and B improved liver and kidney functions without affecting body weight. Metagenomic analysis revealed that both Uro-A and B induced the growth of Akkermansia. However, Uro-A decreased species diversity and microbial richness and negatively impacted the composition of pathogenic microbes in normal rats. Taken together, this study showed the differential impacts of Uro-A and B on the gut microbiota composition in normal rats and would thus serve as a guide in the choice of these metabolites as a functional food ingredient or prebiotic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Polyphenols and Their Role in Gut Health)
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18 pages, 2738 KiB  
Article
Ferulic Acid Metabolites Attenuate LPS-Induced Inflammatory Response in Enterocyte-like Cells
by Gabriele Serreli, Micaela Rita Naitza, Sonia Zodio, Vera Piera Leoni, Martina Spada, Maria Paola Melis, Anna Boronat and Monica Deiana
Nutrients 2021, 13(9), 3152; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13093152 - 10 Sep 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2886
Abstract
Ferulic acid (FA) is a polyphenol pertaining to the class of hydroxycinnamic acids present in numerous foods of a plant origin. Its dietary consumption leads to the formation of several phase I and II metabolites in vivo, which represent the largest amount of [...] Read more.
Ferulic acid (FA) is a polyphenol pertaining to the class of hydroxycinnamic acids present in numerous foods of a plant origin. Its dietary consumption leads to the formation of several phase I and II metabolites in vivo, which represent the largest amount of ferulates in the circulation and in the intestine in comparison with FA itself. In this work, we evaluated their efficacy against the proinflammatory effects induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in intestinal Caco-2 cell monolayers, as well as the mechanisms underlying their protective action. LPS-induced overexpression of proinflammatory enzymes such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the consequent hyperproduction of nitric oxide (NO) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) were limited by physiological relevant concentrations (1 µM) of FA, its derivatives isoferulic acid (IFA) and dihydroferulic acid (DHFA), and their glucuronidated and sulfated metabolites, which acted upstream by limiting the activation of MAPK p38 and ERK and of Akt kinase, thus decreasing the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-ĸB) translocation into the nucleus. Furthermore, the compounds were found to promote the expression of Nrf2, which may have contributed to the downregulation of NF-ĸB activity. The overall data show that phase I/II metabolites retain the efficacy of their dietary free form in contrasting inflammatory response. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Polyphenols and Their Role in Gut Health)
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15 pages, 1821 KiB  
Article
Caffeic Acid Modulates Processes Associated with Intestinal Inflammation
by Danuta Zielińska, Henryk Zieliński, José Moisés Laparra-Llopis, Dorota Szawara-Nowak, Joanna Honke and Juan Antonio Giménez-Bastida
Nutrients 2021, 13(2), 554; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13020554 - 08 Feb 2021
Cited by 45 | Viewed by 5092
Abstract
Caffeic acid is one of the most abundant hydroxycinnamic acids in fruits, vegetables, and beverages. This phenolic compound reaches relevant concentrations in the colon (up to 126 µM) where it could come into contact with the intestinal cells and exert its anti-inflammatory effects. [...] Read more.
Caffeic acid is one of the most abundant hydroxycinnamic acids in fruits, vegetables, and beverages. This phenolic compound reaches relevant concentrations in the colon (up to 126 µM) where it could come into contact with the intestinal cells and exert its anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this investigation was to study the capacity of caffeic acid, at plausible concentrations from an in vivo point of view, to modulate mechanisms related to intestinal inflammation. Consequently, we tested the effects of caffeic acid (50–10 µM) on cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression and prostaglandin (PG)E2, cytokines, and chemokines (IL-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 -MCP-1-, and IL-6) biosynthesis in IL-1β-treated human myofibroblasts of the colon, CCD-18Co. Furthermore, the capacity of caffeic acid to inhibit the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity, to hinder advanced glycation end product (AGE) formation, as well as its antioxidant, reducing, and chelating activity were also investigated. Our results showed that (i) caffeic acid targets COX-2 and its product PGE2 as well as the biosynthesis of IL-8 in the IL-1β-treated cells and (ii) inhibits AGE formation, which could be related to (iii) the high chelating activity exerted. Low anti-ACE, antioxidant, and reducing capacity of caffeic acid was also observed. These effects of caffeic acid expands our knowledge on anti-inflammatory mechanisms against intestinal inflammation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Polyphenols and Their Role in Gut Health)
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Review

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30 pages, 1709 KiB  
Review
Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity and Protective Role of Dietary Polyphenols
by Nadia Calabriso, Egeria Scoditti, Marika Massaro, Michele Maffia, Marcello Chieppa, Barbara Laddomada and Maria Annunziata Carluccio
Nutrients 2022, 14(13), 2679; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu14132679 - 28 Jun 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 8120
Abstract
Pathogenetically characterized by the absence of celiac disease and wheat allergy, non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is a clinical entity triggered by the consumption of gluten-containing foods that relieved by a gluten-free diet. Since it is very difficult to maintain a complete gluten-free diet, [...] Read more.
Pathogenetically characterized by the absence of celiac disease and wheat allergy, non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is a clinical entity triggered by the consumption of gluten-containing foods that relieved by a gluten-free diet. Since it is very difficult to maintain a complete gluten-free diet, there is a high interest in discovering alternative strategies aimed at reducing gluten concentration or mitigating its toxic effects. Plant-based dietary models are usually rich in bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, recognized to prevent, delay, or even reverse chronic diseases, including intestinal disorders. However, research on the role of polyphenols in mitigating the toxicity of gluten-containing foods is currently limited. We address the metabolic fate of dietary polyphenols, both as free and bound macromolecule-linked forms, with particular reference to the gastrointestinal compartment, where the concentration of polyphenols can reach high levels. We analyze the potential targets of polyphenols including the gluten peptide bioavailability, the dysfunction of the intestinal epithelial barrier, intestinal immune response, oxidative stress and inflammation, and dysbiosis. Overall, this review provides an updated overview of the effects of polyphenols as possible dietary strategies to counteract the toxic effects of gluten, potentially resulting in the improved quality of life of patients with gluten-related disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Polyphenols and Their Role in Gut Health)
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17 pages, 4232 KiB  
Review
Chrysin: Perspectives on Contemporary Status and Future Possibilities as Pro-Health Agent
by Monika Stompor-Gorący, Agata Bajek-Bil and Maciej Machaczka
Nutrients 2021, 13(6), 2038; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13062038 - 14 Jun 2021
Cited by 56 | Viewed by 7852
Abstract
Chrysin belongs to the group of natural polyphenols. It can be found, among others, in honey, propolis and fruits and has a wide range of biological activities, including the prevention of oxidative stress, inflammation, neurodegeneration and carcinogenesis. Being a part of the human [...] Read more.
Chrysin belongs to the group of natural polyphenols. It can be found, among others, in honey, propolis and fruits and has a wide range of biological activities, including the prevention of oxidative stress, inflammation, neurodegeneration and carcinogenesis. Being a part of the human diet, chrysin is considered to be a promising compound to be used in the prevention of many diseases, including cancers, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. Nevertheless, due to the low solubility of chrysin in water and under physiological conditions, its bioavailability is low. For this reason, attempts at its functionalization have been undertaken, aiming to increase its absorption and thus augment its in vivo therapeutic efficacy. The aim of this review is to summarize the most recent research on chrysin, including its sources, metabolism, pro-health effects and the effects of its functionalization on biological activity and pharmacological efficacy, evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Polyphenols and Their Role in Gut Health)
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23 pages, 3486 KiB  
Review
Curcumin, Quercetin, Catechins and Metabolic Diseases: The Role of Gut Microbiota
by Umair Shabbir, Momna Rubab, Eric Banan-Mwine Daliri, Ramachandran Chelliah, Ahsan Javed and Deog-Hwan Oh
Nutrients 2021, 13(1), 206; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13010206 - 12 Jan 2021
Cited by 158 | Viewed by 17375
Abstract
Polyphenols (PPs) are the naturally occurring bioactive components in fruits and vegetables, and they are the most abundant antioxidant in the human diet. Studies are suggesting that ingestion of PPs might be helpful to ameliorate metabolic syndromes that may contribute in the prevention [...] Read more.
Polyphenols (PPs) are the naturally occurring bioactive components in fruits and vegetables, and they are the most abundant antioxidant in the human diet. Studies are suggesting that ingestion of PPs might be helpful to ameliorate metabolic syndromes that may contribute in the prevention of several chronic disorders like diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and colon cancer. PPs have structural diversity which impacts their bioavailability as they accumulate in the large intestine and are extensively metabolized through gut microbiota (GM). Intestinal microbiota transforms PPs into their metabolites to make them bioactive. Interestingly, not only GM act on PPs to metabolize them but PPs also modulate the composition of GM. Thus, change in GM from pathogenic to beneficial ones may be helpful to ameliorate gut health and associated diseases. However, to overcome the low bioavailability of PPs, various approaches have been developed to improve their solubility and transportation through the gut. In this review, we present evidence supporting the structural changes that occur after metabolic reactions in PPs (curcumin, quercetin, and catechins) and their effect on GM composition that leads to improving overall gut health and helping to ameliorate metabolic disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Polyphenols and Their Role in Gut Health)
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