Promiscuous Effects of Some Phenolic Natural Products on Inflammation at Least in Part Arise from Their Ability to Modulate the Expression of Global Regulators, Namely microRNAs

Abstract

Recent years have seen the exploration of a puzzling number of compounds found in human diet that could be of interest for prevention or treatment of various pathologies. Although many of these natural products (NPs) have long been used as remedies, their molecular effects still remain elusive. With the advent of biotechnology revolution, NP studies turned from chemistry and biochemistry toward global analysis of gene expression. Hope is to use genetics to identify groups of patient for whom certain NPs or their derivatives may offer new preventive or therapeutic treatments. Recently, microRNAs have gained the statute of global regulators controlling cell homeostasis by regulating gene expression through genetic and epigenetic regulatory loops. Realization that certain plant polyphenols can modify microRNA expression and thus impact gene expression globally, initiated new, mainly in vitro studies, in particular to determine phytochemicals effects on inflammatory response, whose exacerbation has been linked to several disorders including cancer, auto-immune, metabolic, cardiovascular and neuro-inflammatory diseases. However, very few mechanistic insights have been provided, given the complexity of genetic regulatory networks implicated. In this review, we will concentrate on data showing the potential interest of some plant polyphenols in manipulating the expression of pro-and anti-inflammatory microRNAs in pathological conditions.

The Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Polyphenols Oleocanthal and Oleacein Counteract Inflammation-Related Gene and miRNA Expression in Adipocytes by Attenuating NF-κB Activation

“…Recent studies have revealed that microvesicles containing miRNAs can be secreted by adipocytes and act as endocrine and/or paracrine signaling molecules inside recipient cells [12]. By this way, miRNAs deliver effects at a distance after being vehicled in body fluids [118]. Therefore, the beneficial modulation by OC and OA of exosomal miR-34a, miR-155 and let-7c suggests the ability for these compounds also to control cell-to-cell communication.…”

Polyphenols from Food and Natural Products: Neuroprotection and Safety

“…Furthermore, a growing field of research illustrates the possibility for epigenetic modulation by dietary consumption of polyphenols, namely, on the modulation of pro-and anti-inflammatory microRNAs [61]. An example of those properties is neuroprotection via autophagy modulation in a prion disease model [43].…”

MicroRNAs in intestinal barrier function, inflammatory bowel disease and related cancers — their effects and therapeutic potentials

“…Also, flavonoid and non-flavonoid poly-phenols found in different fruits and berries present antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and/or anti-proliferative effects on cell cultures or in murine models, including cases of gut inflammation or colon cancer. Many of these polyphenols appear to modify the expression of endogenous microRNAs [60]. Considering that polyphenols do not behave as classical, purified drugs and seem to act in many different ways through many different mechanisms, they are often considered as non-effective and not relevant.…”