The study “Nutritional epigenomic and DNA-damage modulation effect of natural stilbenoids” examined the effects of natural stilbenoids found in Vitis vinifera, specifically their ability to modulate epigenetic processes. The findings showed that resveratrol, pterostilbene, and (±)-trans-pterostilbene dehydrodimer were not toxic and successfully reversed damage caused by arsenic. Additionally, (±)-trans-δ-viniferin demonstrated epigenomic activity, although further research is necessary to fully understand its mode of action. These natural stilbenoids are commonly found in the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes the consumption of fruits, vegetables, cereals, legumes, nuts, wine, beer, and olive oil. This diet contains bioactive molecules, such as phenolic compounds, which have been associated with anticancer and neuroprotective effects. Overall, the study utilized different cell models to assess the impact of resveratrol, pterostilbene, and their dimers on DNA methylation, with (±)-trans-δ-viniferin showing the most significant changes in genomic DNA methylation. The research highlights the potential of these natural compounds to modulate epigenetic processes and suggests that further investigation is needed to fully understand their mechanisms of action.
Nutritional epigenomic and DNA-damage modulation effect of natural stilbenoids
Epigenomics, the study of changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations in the DNA sequence, has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential role in various diseases. One group of compounds that has shown promise in modulating epigenetic processes is natural stilbenoids, particularly those found in Vitis vinifera, commonly known as grapes.
Biological effects of natural stilbenoids
Stilbenoids are a group of phenolic compounds found in various plant species, including grapes, peanuts, and cranberries. These compounds have attracted attention due to their potential therapeutic relevance, specifically their anticancer and neuroprotective activities. In the study, researchers focused on evaluating the biological effects of stilbenoids, particularly their activity as epigenetic modulators.
Evaluation of stilbenoids as epigenetic modulators
Previous studies have shown that stilbenoids, such as resveratrol and pterostilbene, possess epigenetic modulatory activity. These compounds have the ability to influence gene expression by impacting DNA methylation, histone modification, and microRNA expression. The study aimed to further investigate the epigenetic effects of these stilbenoids and determine their potential for therapeutic application.
Toxicity and effectiveness of stilbenoids in reversing arsenic damage
One important aspect of evaluating the potential therapeutic application of stilbenoids is assessing their toxicity and ability to reverse damage caused by environmental toxins. In this study, researchers found that resveratrol, pterostilbene, and (±)-trans-pterostilbene dehydrodimer had no toxic effects and were effective in reversing arsenic damage. This finding is significant as arsenic exposure is a major public health concern in many parts of the world.
Epigenomic activity of (±)-trans-δ-viniferin
(±)-trans-δ-viniferin, another stilbenoid found in grapes, was found to exhibit epigenomic activity. This compound caused significant changes in genomic DNA methylation in a dose-dependent manner. However, the exact mode of action of (±)-trans-δ-viniferin is still not fully understood.
Need for further studies on (±)-trans-δ-viniferin’s mode of action
Although (±)-trans-δ-viniferin showed epigenomic activity, further studies are needed to fully understand its mode of action. Understanding the mechanisms by which this compound influences gene expression can provide valuable insights into its therapeutic potential and aid in the development of targeted interventions.
Mediterranean diet and its bioactive molecules
The Mediterranean diet, characterized by high consumption of fruits, vegetables, cereals, legumes, nuts, wine, beer, and olive oil, has long been associated with numerous health benefits. One of the reasons behind these positive effects is the presence of bioactive molecules in the diet. Phenolic compounds, including stilbenoids, are among the bioactive molecules found in the Mediterranean diet.
Rich food sources of stilbenoids
Stilbenoids are abundant in various food sources, with grapes being one of the richest sources. Other sources include peanuts, cranberries, and certain tree barks. By incorporating these foods into their diet, individuals can potentially increase their intake of stilbenoids and harness their potential health benefits.
Cell line models used in the study
To evaluate the epigenetic effects of stilbenoids, the study utilized Caco-2 and HepG-2 cell lines as models. These cell lines were chosen due to their ability to mimic human intestinal and liver cells, respectively. By using these cell line models, researchers were able to assess the impact of stilbenoids on DNA methylation and gain valuable insights into the compounds’ epigenetic properties.
Evaluation of resveratrol and pterostilbene on DNA methylation
The study specifically focused on evaluating the effects of resveratrol and pterostilbene on DNA methylation. Methylation is an epigenetic modification that can influence gene expression. The researchers found that both resveratrol and pterostilbene exhibited significant effects on DNA methylation, further highlighting their potential as epigenetic modulators.
Significant changes in genomic DNA methylation caused by (±)-trans-δ-viniferin
While resveratrol and pterostilbene demonstrated effects on DNA methylation, (±)-trans-δ-viniferin stood out as a compound that induced significant changes in genomic DNA methylation. These changes were observed in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting a potential role for (±)-trans-δ-viniferin as a powerful epigenetic modulator.
Lack of significant epigenomic action in other stilbenoids
While (±)-trans-δ-viniferin exhibited significant epigenomic activity, the other stilbenoids tested in the study did not show notable effects on DNA methylation in the Caco-2 and HepG-2 cell lines. This indicates that different stilbenoids may possess distinct epigenetic properties, further emphasizing the need for comprehensive investigation into individual compounds.
Role of epigenetic modifications in disease occurrence and pathogenesis
Epigenetic modifications have been implicated in the occurrence and pathogenesis of various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. Understanding the role of epigenetic changes in disease development can pave the way for targeted therapeutic interventions that aim to reverse or prevent these modifications.
Reversal of epigenetic changes by certain nutrients
An intriguing aspect of epigenetics is the potential for reversal of epigenetic changes by specific nutrients. Studies have shown that certain dietary factors, including stilbenoids found in grapes, have the ability to modify epigenetic marks and restore normal gene expression patterns. Further research in this area can provide valuable insights into the role of nutrition in modulating epigenetic processes.
Need for further studies on (±)-trans-pterostilbene dehydrodimer
While the study provided valuable insights into the epigenomic and DNA-damage modulation effects of natural stilbenoids, there is a need for further research on (±)-trans-pterostilbene dehydrodimer. This compound has shown promise in previous studies, but its specific epigenetic effects and mechanisms of action remain to be fully elucidated. Future investigations can shed light on the potential therapeutic application of this compound and expand our understanding of epigenetic modulation.
Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-27260-1