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Molecular effects of flavonoid quercetin on human primary hepatocytes compared to those in mouse liver

Project

Food and consumer protection

This project contributes to the research aim 'Food and consumer protection'. Which funding institutions are active for this aim? What are the sub-aims? Take a look:
Food and consumer protection


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.

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Subjects

Framework programme

BMEL Frameworkprogramme 2008

Participating institutions

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