Metagenomics analysis of intestinal flora modulatory effect of green tea polyphenols by a circadian rhythm dysfunction mouse model

Abstract

The present study investigated the regulatory mechanism of green tea polyphenols (GTP) on the circadian rhythm of gut flora. The administration of GTP mitigated the variations in the serum and liver level of constant dark (CD)-induced circadian rhythm disorder mouse model. For the gut microbial population, GTP promoted the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes while inhibited Firmicutes. Furthermore, KEGG pathways of biosynthesis of amino acids, two-component system and ATP-binding cassette translocators enriched the most differentially expressed genes after GTP interference. It indicated GTP may prevent CD-induced circadian rhythm disorder, which has an enormous potential to be utilized as prebiotic-like ingredients in food industry.

Green Tea and Its Relation to Human Gut Microbiome

“…Whether these correlations have or do not have biological significance remains unclear. Similar results have been found in other studies, where Firmicutes was reduced by green tea polyphenols or by EGCG specifically [ 21 , 61 , 62 ].…”

Green and white teas as health-promoting foods

“…116 Green tea polyphenols can modulate the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota. 84,86,97,[113][114][115][116][117][118][119][120][121][122][123] Studies suggest that they promote the growth of specific bacteria, mainly beneficial bacterial species such as Bifidobacterium spp., Lactobacillus spp., Clostridium coccoides, Actinobacteria and Firmicutes, while inhibiting the proliferation of pathogenic bacterial species such as Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium difficile, Bacteroides spp., E. coli O157 and Helicobacter pylori. 84,114,115,117,124 These changes in turn affect the host health.…”

“…97 On the contrary, the increase in beneficial bacteria could be related with the prebiotic effects of tea phenolic compounds. 115,117,118,122,123 Absorption in the intestinal tract depends on bioavailability. Green tea phenolic compounds, in particular catechins, have a low bioavailability.…”

“…122 GABA plays a crucial role in modulating neuronal signals and circadian rhythms. 122,123 Customized approaches to consume phenolic compounds at specific times can maximize their specific prebiotic effects to remodel intestinal microbiota and circadian rhythm disorders. 122,123 Currently, many products are trying to take advantage of the properties of tea and its biological compounds.…”

“…122,123 Customized approaches to consume phenolic compounds at specific times can maximize their specific prebiotic effects to remodel intestinal microbiota and circadian rhythm disorders. 122,123 Currently, many products are trying to take advantage of the properties of tea and its biological compounds. 9,10,23,125 There is a growing interest of consumers in green tea supplements.…”