Role of flavonoids in the modulation of intestinal alterations associated with metabolic challenges: obesity and aging

Identifier:  TDX:3857

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TDX3857

Authors:  Sierra Cruz, Marta

Abstract:
Obesity and aging have become issues of global concern in recent decades. Obesity is associated with a loss of intestinal barrier function and changes in the microbiota (dysbiosis). Together, this causes a greater transport of endotoxins into the bloodstream and, with it, a systemic inflammatory response that is directly related to the development of metabolic syndrome. Proanthocyanidins are bioactive compounds of natural origin that have a protective effect against intestinal alterations associated with obesity induced by the consumption of high-fat/high-sugar diets. Specifically, proanthocyanidins reduce the translocation of endotoxins and act as an anti-inflammatory agent at the systemic level in young animal models. Moreover, it has been hypothesized that aging might derive in similar effects on the intestinal barrier functionality, but little is known about proathocyanidin therapeutic effect during aging. In that sense, the main objective of this thesis is to evaluate the role of proanthocyanidins in the modulation of metabolic and intestinal disruptions associated with obesity and aging. We found that a pharmacological dose of GSPE (500 mg/kg bw) is able to reduce the body weight gain by reducing food intake when administered preventively to aged rats fed a standard diet. This dose of GSPE also reduces body weight gain as well as fat accumulation in the liver when administered simultaneously to aged rats receiving CAF diet.