Bioactive food components for human health.

Summary

We are studying the role of functional foods and nutrients that regulate metabolic activity to identify potential compounds for use in health-promoting behaviors.

Situation

With the increasing incidence of obesity and related diseases, methods to combat weight gain in addition to physical activity and caloric restriction are needed. There is a rapidly growing interest in the search for bioactive food components that can be used to favorably alter metabolic health. Numerous plant-derived phytochemicals have been shown to interact with DNA binding proteins to regulate tissue function and we are screening these compounds to identify potential health-promoting phytochemicals.

Response

Some of the methods we employ are mouse models of diet-induced obesity, exercise (both chronic and acute), or gene knockout/overexpression to study nutrient mediated control of fatty acid oxidation, glucose uptake, and insulin signaling. Our lab also uses molecular and cellular biology methods to study nutrient mediated effects on transcriptional regulation of metabolism. We have tested several plant-based nutrients and phytochemicals and found that they were able to reduce total cholesterol and lower plasma triglycerides. We also identified a compound that may be useful in reducing or preventing fatty liver disease.

Impact

We have found that polyunsaturated fatty acids from Walnuts reduced total cholesterol and post-meal triglycerides. Additionally, we found that a novel, bioactive lipid (dihydrosterculic acid) from cottonseed oil prevents lipid storage in the liver by promoting fat oxidation. The results of our studies attempts to 1) add value to US commodity products; 2) identify compounds that can be used to treat obesity and obesity-related diseases; 3) improve our knowledge and understanding of the biochemical mechanisms of metabolic control.

State Issue

Health & Wellness

Details

• Year: 2018
• Geographic Scope: National
• County: Clarke
• Program Areas:
  • Agriculture & Natural Resources