Regulation of enteroendocrine function by bioactive components through their interaction with bitter taste receptors

Identifier:  TDX:3272

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TDX3272

Authors:  Grau Bové, Maria Carme

Abstract:
The enteroendocrine system is located in the gastrointestinal tract and controls appetite and endocrine pancreatic activity, among other functions. Thus, bioactive compounds that stimulate the enteroendocrine system are therapeutic candidates for treating pathologies related to these functions. Previous research has identified a grape-seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) as antidiabetic for its -cell function enhancement abilities and its appetitesuppressing activity at least partly through activating the enteroendocrine system. Moreover, our group has linked the polyphenol-induced enteroendocrine secretions to the stimulation of some bitter taste receptors (TAS2R) in vitro, but whether it results in an altered food intake has not been studied yet. Since little is known of the mechanisms used by polyphenols to stimulate secretory mechanisms of the enteroendocrine system, there is a need to fully comprehend this system to specifically target it with a therapeutic strategy. For this reason, this thesis addressed whether GSPE-induced enterohormone secretions modulate pancreatic glucagon production, and whether these secretions are regulated through the specific stimulation of TAS2R leading to a differential control of food intake. This hypothesis was assessed with in vivo studies in rats and ex vivo studies in intestinal samples.