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An Intestine/Liver Microphysiological System for Drug Pharmacokinetic and Toxicological Assessment
Published on: December 3, 2020
Intestinal transit and systemic metabolism of apple polyphenols
Kathrin Kahle1, Michael Kempf, Peter Schreier
1Food Chemistry, University of Wuerzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Wuerzburg, Germany.
European Journal of Nutrition
|December 25, 2010
Summary
Apple polyphenols undergo significant metabolism in the human gut, with various compounds absorbed and excreted. Understanding this apple polyphenol metabolism is key to their health benefits.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Apples are widely consumed globally, with their polyphenols offering potential health benefits.
- Understanding the in vivo absorption, metabolism, distribution, and elimination of apple polyphenols is crucial for their biological effects.
- Limited data exists on human polyphenol metabolism, necessitating further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the intestinal transit and metabolism of apple polyphenols in humans.
- To characterize the metabolic fate of apple polyphenols in various physiological conditions.
- To identify and quantify polyphenols and their metabolites in human serum and urine.
Main Methods:
- Incubation of polyphenols with simulated digestive juices (saliva, gastric, duodenal) and rat hepatocytes.
- Analysis of polyphenol profile in human serum and urine after apple juice consumption.
- Identification and quantification using HPLC-DAD, HPLC-ESI-MS/MS, and GC-MS.
Main Results:
- Hydrolysis of β-glycosides by saliva and ileostomy fluid; degradation of procyanidin B(2) in gastric milieu.
- Epimerization of flavan-3-ols in duodenal juice; conversion of quercetin to simpler phenolic acids.
- Phase II metabolites (O-glucuronides) identified in hepatocytes; recovery of parent compounds and metabolites in serum and urine.
Conclusions:
- The study elucidates the absorption, metabolism, and systemic availability of apple polyphenols in vivo.
- Characterization of newly identified metabolites aids in understanding their biological activities.
- Findings contribute to the knowledge base for future research on apple polyphenol health effects.
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