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Imprint
Molecular effects of flavonoid quercetin on human primary hepatocytes compared to those in mouse liver
Project
Project code: BfR-LMS-08-1322-545
Contract period: 01.03.2013
- 31.12.2014
Purpose of research: Applied research
The flavonoid quercetin is a natural occurring phytochemical which is found in apples, onions and capers. The daily intake of quercetin comprises approximately 16 mg by the intake of food. Due to its predicted anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-carcinogenic properties food supplements with a daily intake up to 2 g were recommended. However, the effects of such a high dose on humans can not be assessed.
An in vivo study in mice revealed that orally given quercetin (10 mg/kg body weight for 3 days) causes a drastic change in mRNA pattern in the liver of fed mice compared to control animals. 1790 genes were identified to be differentially regulated with a fold change of 2 and a q-value of 0.05. In this study human primary hepatocytes should be used to analyse the molecular effects of quercetin on human liver The liver hepatocytes should be exposed to 3 different human relevant doses of quercetin covering the normal intake up to the dose ingested by supplements. The mRNA of the human primary cells should be also analysed by a transcripomics approach to identify common regulated genes as well as species differences between mice and humans. This study shall contribute to a better understanding of molecular mechanisms of quercetin and help to assess the risk of quercetin-containing nutritional supplements on human health.
Section overview
Subjects
- Physiology of Nutrition
- Toxicology
