Grape Seed Flavanols Influence Metabolic Health Through Circadian Rhythm Modulation
Dr. Begoña Muguerza from the University Rovira i Virgili in Spain will be joining us at the 17th World Congress on Polyphenols Applications this September. Dr. Muguerza will present her latest findings on the "Interplay between Polyphenolic Compounds and Biological Rhythms", shedding light on the intriguing effects of grape seed flavanols on circadian rhythms and metabolic health.
Experimental design to evaluate the effect of GSPE after an abrupt change of the photoperiod conditions. STD- and CAF-fed rats were switched to a new light–dark cycle after 6 weeks under L12 conditions, and VH or GSPE was administered to the animals during the last week. After the experimental period, the hypothalamic genes and serum biochemical parameters and serum metabolites were analysed. STD, standard diet-fed rats; CAF, cafeteria diet-fed rats; VH, rats administered vehicle; GSPE, rats administered 25 mg kg−1 grape seed (poly)phenol extract; L12, the standard photoperiod (12 h light per day); L18, long photoperiod (18 h light per day); L6, short photoperiod (6 h light per day).
In one of her latest studies, Dr. Muguerza and her team investigated the impact of grape seed polyphenol extract (GSPE) on healthy and obese rats subjected to disruptions in light/dark cycles. Their research involved feeding forty-eight rats a standard (STD) or cafeteria (CAF) diet for six weeks under a 12-hour light/dark cycle (L12). The rats were then exposed to altered photoperiods—either 18 hours of light per day (L18) or 6 hours of light per day (L6)—and treated with either a vehicle or GSPE (25 mg/kg) for one week.
The study revealed significant findings: changes in serum lipids, insulin levels, and metabolomic profiles varied according to the photoperiod and the rats' health status. Notably, GSPE administration improved serum parameters and increased Nampt gene expression in CAF rats, while altering the metabolomic profile in a photoperiod-dependent manner. The results suggest that the metabolic effects of light/dark disturbances are influenced by the rats' diet-induced obesity status, with CAF-induced obese rats being more affected.
Dr. Muguerza's research highlights that grape seed flavanols can enhance metabolic status in a manner dependent on light/dark cycles. The study suggests that part of their health benefits may be mediated through their influence on circadian rhythms.
Join us in September to hear Dr. Muguerza discuss these exciting findings and their implications for the future of polyphenol research and circadian health.
Image credits: Soliz-Rueda, Jorge R., et al. "Metabolism disturbance by light/dark cycle switching depends on the rat health status: the role of grape seed flavanols." Food & Function 14.14 (2023): 6443-6454.
