Bioactive Compounds as Factors for a Healthy Life
September 13, 2023
In addition to the finding that diets rich in vegetables can reduce the risk of Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases, studies have pointed to the pres
One of the first discoveries about obesity is that this pathology promotes a chronic, low-grade inflammatory response. Thus, there is an increase in the synthesis of adipokines (pro-inflammatory) and a reduction in adiponectins (anti-inflammatory). However, it is known that as body fat is reduced, there is an increase in the plasma concentration of adiponectin, with a reduction in the inflammatory response, which triggers lower peripheral resistance to insulin action.
Therefore, compounds present in foods that have an anti-inflammatory action are of extreme importance for health and disease prevention.
Pufa omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), present in fish and fish oils, have anti-inflammatory action, as they decrease the activity of transcription factors NF-B and activator protein-1 (AP-1).
It is a yellow phenolic pigment obtained from turmeric. This is used in cooking as a spice.
Its anti-inflammatory effect is suggested to be due, in part, to its ability to “sequester” reactive oxygen species in situations of cellular oxidative stress.
Curcumin is capable of inhibiting TNF-alpha-induced IKB phosphorylation and degradation, which indicates that this bioactive compound also acts at steps preceding IKB phosphorylation.
Catechins are flavanol monomers, such as epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate (ECG), and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).
EGCG, the main polyphenol present in green tea, has anti-inflammatory action, inhibiting in vitro the activation of the NF-B transcription factor while inhibiting IKB degradation induced by TNF-alpha mediated cell activation. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of action of EGCG appears to be associated with a decrease in the activity of the IKK protein, involved in IKB phosphorylation.
It is a phytoalexin existing in two isoforms: trans-resveratrol and cis-resveratrol, with trans-resveratrol being the most stable form, which is found in grapes, as well as in red wine. Resveratrol inhibits in vitro the activation of JNK and its upstream protein (protein kinase) activated by mitogens (MEK). The latter fact may explain the mechanism of suppression of AP-1 transcription factor activation by resveratrol. In addition to these mechanisms, others are manifested in vitro to suppress the inflammatory activities of our immune system.
Quercetin (citrus fruits and apples), tyrosol (olive oil), and lycopene (tomatoes, watermelon, and guava) reduce the inflammatory response through in vitro inhibition of the gene expression of COX-2 and iNOS enzymes. This is another reason that reinforces the recommendations for the intake of fruits and olive oil, not only for obese people, but also for the general population.
Although food is not postulated as medicine, it is believed that the continuous use of foods containing CBAs that act favorably in the inflammatory process, combined with maintaining adequate physical activity, is an efficient way to reduce the risk of developing NCDs.
BASTOS, D.; ROGERO,M.; ARÊAS,J. Mechanisms of Action of Bioactive Compounds from Foods in the Context of Inflammatory Processes Related to Obesity. Brazilian Archives of Endocrinology and Metabolism, 2009. Available at: http://www.scielo.br/pdf/abem/v53n5/17.pdf Accessed on Jan 28, 2011.
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