VLAG AIO Risk-benefit flavonoïden (KB-15-001-017, KB-05-001-033)

Dietary flavonoids, including quercetin, have been associated with beneficial health effects, and thus are promising bioactives to be used in supplements and functional foods. Epidemiological studies showed that dietary quercetin was associated with a reduction in cardiovascular disease risk. Our previous research showed that fatty acid catabolism pathways were up-regulated by quercetin in lung. Importantly, plasma free fatty acid (FFA) levels were decreased in rats fed the quercetin diet, confirming that quercetin affects fatty acid catabolism. An increased FFA level is an important risk factor in the development of insulin resistance and cardiovascular complications associated with overweight and obesity.

We hypothesize that changes in fatty acid metabolism in liver underlie the quercetin- and flavonoid- mediated beneficial health effects on cardiovascular disease risk. Liver is a major effector organ of lipid metabolism. Liver also is the prime metabolic tissue, thus potentially adverse effects of high doses as used in supplements could lead to toxic effects in this tissue. The project studies the effects of quercetin and other flavonoids on liver lipid metabolism of mice. Mechanisms of actions (beneficial and adverse) will be elucidated at physiological and gene transcription level. The project will develop tools for a balanced evaluation of risks and benefits of the use of high level flavonoids.

Results will be published in peer reviewed international journals. The project will lead to an academic thesis.