Biological Potential of Polyphenols in the Context of Metabolic Syndrome: An Analysis of Studies on Animal Models

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a disease that has a complex etiology. It is defined as the co-occurrence of several pathophysiological disorders, including obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. MetS is currently a severe problem in the public health care system. As its prevalence increases every year, it is now considered a global problem among adults and young populations. The treatment of choice comprises lifestyle changes based mainly on diet and physical activity. Therefore, researchers have been attempting to discover new substances that could help reduce or even reverse the symptoms when added to food. These attempts have resulted in numerous studies. Many of them have investigated the bioactive potential of polyphenols as a “possible remedy”, stemming from their antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects and properties normalizing carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Polyphenols may be supportive in preventing or delaying the onset of MetS or its complications. Additionally, the consumption of food rich in polyphenols should be considered as a supplement for antidiabetic drugs. To ensure the relevance of the studies on polyphenols’ properties, mechanisms of action, and potential human health benefits, researchers have used laboratory animals displaying pathophysiological changes specific to MetS. Polyphenols or their plant extracts were chosen according to the most advantageous mitigation of pathological changes in animal models best reflecting the components of MetS. The present paper comprises an overview of animal models of MetS, and promising polyphenolic compounds whose bioactive potential, effect on metabolic pathways, and supplementation-related benefits were analyzed based on in vivo animal models.

Polyphenols and Polysaccharides from Morus alba L. Fruit Attenuate High-Fat Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome Modifying the Gut Microbiota and Metabolite Profile

“…Diseases associated with MetS, such as IR, NAFLD, and kidney injury, are strongly related to inflammatory cytokines [ 30 ]. Levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were notably decreased by treatments with simvastatin, MFP, MFS, MFPS, in comparison with their levels in the HFD group ( p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.05 and p < 0.01 for IL-1β; p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p > 0.05 and p < 0.05 for IL-6; p < 0.01, p < 0.01, p < 0.05 and p < 0.01 for TNF-α) ( Figure 7 A–C).…”

Polyphenols in Metabolic Diseases

“…Metabolic diseases such as hyperglycemia, obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension are now considered global problems of the world population [ 1 , 2 ]. Their occurrence increases yearly, and nowadays, they are considered a significant danger for human beings as the most prevalent disorders worldwide [ 3 ].…”

“…Mts have a complex etiology, including several pathophysiological mechanisms and factors that may cause the development of MtS, such as genetics, lifestyle, diet, and gut microbiome state [ 5 ]. The molecular changes result from the interaction between environmental and genetic factors, and oxidative stress and systemic inflammation significantly contribute to MtS pathogenesis [ 1 ]. Thus, an effective method of combating MtS comprises not only appropriate diet and physical activity but also consuming drugs and/or food supplementation.…”

“…Thus, an effective method of combating MtS comprises not only appropriate diet and physical activity but also consuming drugs and/or food supplementation. Therefore, discovering new natural substances that could reduce the symptoms of MtS through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and the ability to normalize lipid and carbohydrate metabolism are very important issues for researchers and clinicians [ 1 ].…”

“…Thus, a deep understanding of these naturally occurring compounds and their associated biosynthesis will open new avenues to design special dietary plans enriched with PPs that ultimately strengthen respective health benefits. Considering the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory features of PPs, these compounds can be employed to treat various diseases associated with metabolic disorders [ 1 ].…”