Elucidating the Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Hepatic Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR)-mediated Effects that Contribute to the Triglyceride-Lowering Ability of a Grape Seed Proceyanidin Extract
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Authors
Lyons, Erin
Issue Date
2013
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
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Abstract
Procyanidins are dietary flavonoids associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular
disease, and function partially by reducing hypertriglyceridemia. Grape seed procyanidin extract
(GSPE) was shown to decrease triglyceride levels via activation of the nuclear hormone receptor,
farnesoid x receptor (FXR), thereby increasing small heterodimer partner (SHP) messenger
ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression, which then inhibits transcription of Sterol Regulatory
Element Binding Protein 1c (SREBP-1c), a key transcription factor regulating lipogenic gene
expression.
The objective of this study is to further elucidate the molecular mechanism by which
GSPE lowers triglyceride levels by assessing gene expression changes in mice 2 hours after an
acute dose of GSPE. This knowledge will ultimately contribute to the development of a natural
dietary treatment for hypertriglyceridemia.
The results from this study indicate that at the 2 hour time point following GSPE
administration there were no significant changes in mRNA expression for SHP (P=0.259),
SREBP1c (P=0.192), or other SHP downstream target-genes that were analyzed. These results
indicate that the cascade of molecular events leading to a lowering in serum triglyceride levels
manifests later than 2 hours in the liver following GSPE administration. It is proposed that initial
changes in gene expression are mediated in the intestine primarily, which then result in changes
in gene expression in the liver at a later time point, such as 14 hours, as previously reported.
Consequently, changes in hepatic gene expression following GSPE administration are likely to
occur between 2 and 14 hours. These results help establish a profile of the changes in gene
expression after GSPE administration, thereby aiding in the effort to further elucidate the
molecular mechanism behind the triglyceride-lowering effect of GSPE.
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