Polyphenols & Hormesis & Oxidative Stress Baste on 09 Jan 2008 12:04 pm
Can Quercetin Enhance Cardiomyocyte Stress Resistance?
Source: Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol. 04 JAN 2008 [Epub]
Article Type: Original Research
Authors: Angeloni et al.
The flavonoid quercetin (QU) is among the most common polyphenols found in the human diet. In the present study, Angeloni et al. assessed the in vitro effect of QU on the expression of more than 20.000 genes in cardiomyocytes.
The data, also this has not been directly discussed by the authors, suggest a hormetic effect of QU in this cell culture model, evident by the modulation of various phase II enzymes (such as HSP-32). These proteins, in turn, indirectly affect the cellular antioxidant defense system. i.e. render the cells better equipped for the occurrence of oxidative stress.
Although, in contrast to the authors, I think that the QU concentration tested (30 microM) is rather high (and certainly not in the physiological range), the article provides various interesting targets for the modulation of oxidative stress resistance of cardiomyocytes.
Let’s hope somebody dares to make the next step and assesses the impact of orally administered QU (and related flavonoids) and gene expression under in vivo conditions.
Image taken from: www.3dscience.com
on 09 Jan 2008 at 10:02 pm 1.Tim Lundeen said …
I take a Life Extensions capsule with 20mg of resveratrol and 120mg of quercetin daily, and it definitely increases my insulin sensitivity and reduces peak blood sugar levels.