Green tea polyphenol-iron oxide chitosan nanoparticles modulate gut microbiota and regulate metabolic pathways

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Pharmacology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Green tea polyphenols (GTPP) possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties.
• Poor bioavailability of GTPP limits their clinical application.
• Nanoparticle formulations offer a strategy to enhance GTPP absorption and therapeutic efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of GTPP encapsulated in iron oxide chitosan nanoparticles (GTPP-IOCHNP) on gut microbiota and hepatic proteome.
• To identify molecular pathways modulated by GTPP-IOCHNP related to inflammation, drug metabolism, and tumorigenesis.

Main Methods:

• Male Sprague Dawley rats received oral doses of GTPP or GTPP-IOCHNP.
• Cecal microbiota composition was analyzed using metagenomic sequencing.
• Liver proteome alterations were assessed via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

Main Results:

• GTPP-IOCHNP modulated gut microbiota, promoting beneficial bacteria (e.g., Actinobacteriota, Collinsella, Blautia) and inhibiting detrimental ones (e.g., Bacteroides, Ruminococcus).
• Hepatic proteomic analysis revealed downregulation of CYP2D6 and glutamate dehydrogenase 1, and upregulation of eEF1A1, albumin, and ADK.
• These changes indicate improved GTPP bioavailability, modulated drug metabolism, and altered hepatic energy metabolism.

Conclusions:

• GTPP-IOCHNP enhances GTPP bioavailability through modulation of gut microbial ecology and hepatic metabolic pathways.
• This nanoparticle-based approach provides a mechanistically driven platform for advancing GTPP therapeutics.
• The findings suggest potential for GTPP-IOCHNP in managing inflammation, metabolic disorders, and cancer risk.