Reciprocal Interactions between Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and Human Gut Microbiota In Vitro

Abstract

Interaction of tea phenolics with gut microbiota may play an integral role in the health benefits of these bioactive compounds, yet this interaction is not fully understood. Here, the metabolic fate of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and its impact on gut microbiota were integrally investigated via in vitro fermentation. As revealed by ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography hybrid quadrupole Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS), EGCG was promptly degraded into a series of metabolites, including 4-phenylbutyric acid, 3-(3′,4′-dihydroxyphenyl)propionic acid, and 3-(4′-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid, through consecutive ester hydrolysis, C-ring opening, A-ring fission, dehydroxylation, and aliphatic chain shortening. Microbiome profiling indicated that, compared to the blank, EGCG treatment resulted in stimulation of the beneficial bacteria Bacteroides , Christensenellaceae , and Bifidobacterium . Additionally, the pathogenic bacteria Fusobacterium varium , Bilophila , and Enterobacteriaceae were inhibited. Furthermore, changes in concentrations of metabolites, including 4-phenylbutyric acid and phenylacetic acid, were strongly correlated with changes in the abundance of specific gut microbiota. These reciprocal interactions between EGCG and gut microbiota may collectively contribute to the health benefits of EGCG.

Interindividual Differences in Human In Vitro Intestinal Microbial Conversion of Green Tea (‐)‐Epigallocatechin‐3‐O‐Gallate and Consequences for Activation of Nrf2 Mediated Gene Expression

“…It is of note that studies reported so far in this field focused on the identification of the potential involvement of specific genera in EGCG metabolism by elucidating correlations between bacterial genera and metabolites formed. [ 25,26 ] However, detailed information on actual enzymes and pathways in the respective intestinal microbiota responsible for the EGCG conversion has not yet been elucidated and provide an interesting topic for future research.…”

Green Tea Polyphenol-Sensitive Calcium Signaling in Immune T Cell Function

“…This study did not explore the change in the gut microbiota but highlights the potential role of commensals in breaking down green tea extracts. Furthermore, an in vitro study also investigated the metabolic fate of EGCG and its influence on gut microbiota and found that EGCG itself can be degraded into several metabolites ( 47 ). Microbiome profiling suggested that EGCG treatment increased the growth of several beneficial bacteria such as Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium and inhibited the growth of pathogenic bacteria Fusobacterium and Enterobacteriaceae ( 47 ).…”

“…Furthermore, an in vitro study also investigated the metabolic fate of EGCG and its influence on gut microbiota and found that EGCG itself can be degraded into several metabolites ( 47 ). Microbiome profiling suggested that EGCG treatment increased the growth of several beneficial bacteria such as Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium and inhibited the growth of pathogenic bacteria Fusobacterium and Enterobacteriaceae ( 47 ). On a metabolic level, 4-phenylbutyric acid was positively or negatively correlated with 11 bacterial genera ( Lachnoclostridium and Fusobacterium are positively related whereas others including Alistipes and Bacteroides are negatively correlated) ( 47 ).…”

“…Microbiome profiling suggested that EGCG treatment increased the growth of several beneficial bacteria such as Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium and inhibited the growth of pathogenic bacteria Fusobacterium and Enterobacteriaceae ( 47 ). On a metabolic level, 4-phenylbutyric acid was positively or negatively correlated with 11 bacterial genera ( Lachnoclostridium and Fusobacterium are positively related whereas others including Alistipes and Bacteroides are negatively correlated) ( 47 ). 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid had a negative correlation with Haemophilus bacterial genera while phenylacetic acid showed positive or negative correlation with bacterial genera (positively with Fusobacterium and negatively with Haemophilus and Streptococcus) ( 47 ).…”

“…On a metabolic level, 4-phenylbutyric acid was positively or negatively correlated with 11 bacterial genera ( Lachnoclostridium and Fusobacterium are positively related whereas others including Alistipes and Bacteroides are negatively correlated) ( 47 ). 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid had a negative correlation with Haemophilus bacterial genera while phenylacetic acid showed positive or negative correlation with bacterial genera (positively with Fusobacterium and negatively with Haemophilus and Streptococcus) ( 47 ). Nonetheless, animal and human reports suggest that the degradation of EGCG in the gastrointestinal tract and the function of metabolites should be considered for better understanding the mechanisms of EGCG and immune responses ( Figure 1 ).…”