Phenolic compounds and epigenetic mechanisms regulating gene expression: effects on human health

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Phenolic compounds are a large class of phytochemicals with relevant physiological effects that are naturally found in plant-origin foods and derived products. Beneficial effects associated with polyphenol consumption are related to their ability to prevent and/or counteract disease features: they exert anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer effects, as well as protective actions against metabolic diseases. Phenolic compounds and their metabolites can modulate cell function by regulating gene expression. These effects are partially mediated through specific changes in epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modifications and microRNA (miRNA) expression. Some polyphenols affect DNA methylation and are effective in counteracting deleterious actions induced by inflammatory/pro-oxidant factors, both in in vitro and in vivo settings. Specific mechanisms include modulation of methyl-transferases, whose levels are inhibited upon polyphenols treatment. Some polyphenols are histone deacetylase inhibitors, which prevent transcriptional repression and suppress tumor and inflammation genes by affecting selective regulation of miRNA expression. Their mostly recognized actions as anti-inflammatory and antioxidants seem to be partially mediated through regulation of individual miRNAs. Due to these actions, polyphenols and polyphenol-derived metabolites are under study in

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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