Whole transcriptome expression array analysis of human colon fibroblasts culture treated with Helichrysum italicum supports its use in traditional medicine

Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don and Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench Infusion Consumption Affects the Inflammatory Status and the Composition of Human Gut Microbiota in Patients with Traits of Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Comparative Study

“…In various experimental protocols, chlorogenic acid and its major metabolites such as ferulic acid, caffeic acid and isoferulic acid were detectable in the systemic circulation [ 44 ] and could directly affect various peripheral tissues. Furthermore, both infusions were able to induce an increase in IL-33 in agreement with our previous transcriptome analysis, where IL-33 was the major up-regulated gene in the primary colon cell line treated with HI infusion [ 20 ]. Although IL-33 can act as either pro- or anti-inflammatory cytokine, it was shown that administration of recombinant IL-33 in genetically obese diabetic ( ob/ob ) mice resulted in reduced adiposity, decreased fasting glucose, and improved glucose and insulin tolerance, suggesting a protective role of IL-33 in the development of adipose tissue inflammation during obesity [ 45 ].…”

“…However, molecular mechanism of HI infusion regarding inflammation is not completely understood. In our recently published paper, where colon fibroblasts were treated with HI infusion, biological processes related to hemostasis, wound healing, cytoskeletal rearrangement and epithelial development were proposed as the main pathways affected by HI [ 20 ]. Observed changes in global gene expression pointed to the activity of HI in regulating intestinal epithelial barrier and thereby protecting underlying tissues from harsh external environments.…”

“…These effects could be attributed to direct effects of bioactive compounds on peripheral organs, but there are other possible mechanisms. We have shown that HI can markedly affect cells of intestinal wall; in human primary colon fibroblasts, treatment with HI infusion altered the expression of genes involved in cytoskeleton rearrangement and cell growth, while pathway analysis revealed the importance of interleukin signaling [ 20 ]. We therefore proposed that the main mode of action of HI is the indirect prevention of diseases due to the improvement or maintenance of barrier integrity [ 20 ].…”

“…We have shown that HI can markedly affect cells of intestinal wall; in human primary colon fibroblasts, treatment with HI infusion altered the expression of genes involved in cytoskeleton rearrangement and cell growth, while pathway analysis revealed the importance of interleukin signaling [ 20 ]. We therefore proposed that the main mode of action of HI is the indirect prevention of diseases due to the improvement or maintenance of barrier integrity [ 20 ]. In this context, the role of microbiota is also very important, and it is possible that the effects of HI and HA on the components of MS are mediated by microbiota in addition to the direct effects of bioactive compounds on the intestinal wall cells and other internal organs.…”