Polyphenols journey through blood-brain barrier towards neuronal protection
2017
Figueira, I. | Garcia, G. | Pimpão, R. | Terrasso, C. | Costa, I. | Almeida, A. | Tavares, L. | Pais, T. | Pinto, Paula | Ventura, M. | Filipe, A. | McDougall, G. | Stewart, D: | Kim, S. | Palmela, I. | Brites, D. | Brito, M. | Santos, C.
Age-related complications such as neurodegenerative disorders are increasing and remain cureless. The possibility of altering the progression or the development of these multifactorial diseases through diet is an emerging and attractive approach with increasing experimental support. We examined the potential of known bioavailable phenolic sulfates, arising from colonic metabolism of berries, to infuence hallmarks of neurodegenerative processes. In silico predictions and in vitro transport studies across blood-brain barrier (BBB) endothelial cells, at circulating concentrations, provided evidence for diferential transport, likely related to chemical structure. Moreover, endothelial metabolism of these phenolic sulfates produced a plethora of novel chemical entities with further potential bioactivies. Pre-conditioning with phenolic sulfates improved cellular responses to oxidative, excitotoxicity and infammatory injuries and this attenuation of neuroinfammation was achieved via modulation of NF-κB pathway. Our results support the hypothesis that these small molecules, derived from dietary (poly)phenols may cross the BBB, reach brain cells, modulate microglia-mediated infammation and exert neuroprotective efects, with potential for alleviation of neurodegenerative diseases.
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