PHYTONUTRIENTS REGULATING CELLULAR PROCESSES AND THEIR HUMAN HEALTH-PROMOTING EFFECTS
Máthe E1,3*, Gerogescu C2, Szöke-Kovács R1, Neamtu A1, Abid A1, Mihok E1, Diósi G1,
Cziáky Z3, Vígh Sz3, Turcus V4, Oláh N K4
endre.mathe64@gmail.com
1 University of Debrecen, 138. Böszörményi Str., H-4032, Hungary,
2 Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, 10.Victoriei Bd., Sibiu, 550024, Romania
3 Nyíregyházi Egyetem, Sóstói út, 31B, H-4431, Hungary
4 Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 91-93. Liviu Rebreanu, Arad, 310414, Romania
Our research is focused on the chemomapping of different plant extracts, while their
health-promoting effects associated mechanisms of action are assessed using Drosophila
melanogaster based genetically sensitized systems. The chemomapping is based on UHPLC-ESI-MS,
GC-MS and MALDI-TOF, while for mechanism of action studies are applied genetic, genomic,
biochemical and molecular cell biology methods.
We have identified several plant extracts with putative hypoglycaemic and anti-inflammatory
phytochemicals. We have also developed genetically sensitized multiple models to study
the plant extracts molecular and/or cellular mechanism of action with respect to the
regulation of chromatin organization, gene expression, redox potential, metabolic
profile, etc. Among the characterized extracts, bilberries and fenugreek were able
to reduce hyperglycaemia, insulin-resistance and inflammation.
Identification and characterization of several plant extracts that can significantly
reduce hyperglycaemia, insulin-resistance and inflammation will let us formulate novel
nutraceuticals that further strengthen the complementary treatment of metabolic syndrome.
