Flavonoids In Foods Research Articles

Solubility and extractability enhancement of the main food flavonoids by using choline chloride-based natural deep eutectic solvents

This study investigates the solubility of ten primary food flavonoids in both conventional solvents and natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES), utilizing five choline chloride-based NADES. These NADES were formulated with lactic acid, ascorbic acid, urea, sorbitol, and 1,2-propanediol as hydrogen bond donors (HBD). Conventional solvents used in the comparison included water, menthol, and ethanol. The flavonoids studied—catechin, daidzein, quercetin, naringenin, luteolin, genistein, kaempferol, apigenin, diosmetin, and chrysin—were analyzed for solubility and extractability via both solvents. Flavonoid solubility was observed to vary based on both the structural characteristics of the flavonoid and the choice of HBD. Notably, catechin demonstrated the highest solubility across all solvent systems, followed by naringenin and quercetin. Among the NADES systems, the blend based on 1,2-propanediol notably enhanced the solubility of quercetin and luteolin to 53.4 mg/mL and 26.9 mg/mL, respectively, surpassing their solubility in conventional solvents. The empirical findings were consistent with theoretical predictions made using the COSMO-RS method, confirming the efficacy of NADES in solubilizing food flavonoids more effectively than conventional solvents.

Natural antagonistic flavones for AhR inhibit indoxyl sulfate-induced inflammatory gene expression in vitro and renal pathological damages in vivo.

Uremic toxin indoxyl sulfate (IS) induces vascular inflammation, a crucial event in renal failure, and vascular complications in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In endothelial cells, IS increases the production of inflammatory cytokines partially via the activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), and several food flavonoids have been reported to act as antagonists of AhR. This study aimed to investigate whether antagonistic flavonoids can attenuate IS-induced inflammatory responses in vascular endothelial cells in vitro and renal failure in vivo. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) pretreated with the flavones apigenin, chrysin, or luteolin were stimulated with IS. Expression levels of genes involved in AhR signaling, inflammatory cytokine production, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were analyzed. Uninephrectomized mice were orally administered chrysin and received daily intraperitoneal injections of IS for 4 weeks. In HUVECs, IS upregulated the mRNA expression of AhR-targeted genes (CYP1A1 and AhRR), and genes involved in inflammation (NOX4, MCP-1, IL-6, and COX2) and monocyte invasion/adhesion (ICAM1). All three flavones attenuated the IS-induced increase in the expression of these mRNAs. They also suppressed the IS-induced nuclear translocation of AhR and intracellular ROS production. Furthermore, IS-induced phosphorylation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) was inhibited by treatment with these flavones. The results of in-vivo experiments showed that administration with chrysin attenuated the elevation of blood urea nitrogen levels and AhR-target gene expression and the pathological impairment of renal tissues in mice, regardless of higher serum levels of IS. Natural food flavones antagonizing AhR exerted protective effects against IS-induced inflammation through the inhibition of the AhR-STAT3 pathway in HUVECs. Moreover, chrysin ameliorated IS-induced renal dysfunction in a mouse model of CKD. These flavonoids could be a therapeutic strategy for vascular inflammation in CKD.

Screening potential antileukemia agents from duckweed: Integration of chemical profiling, network pharmacology, and experimental validation.

The identification of active dietary flavonoids in food is promising for novel drug discovery. The active ingredients of duckweed (a widely recognized food and herb with abundant flavonoids) that are associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have yet to be identified, and their underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated. The objective of this study was to identify novel constituents exhibiting antileukemia activity in duckweed through the integration of chemical profiling, network pharmacology, and experimental validation. First, high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) was used to characterize the primary constituents of duckweed. Subsequently, AML cell-xenograft tumor models were used to validate the anticancer effect of duckweed extract. Furthermore, network pharmacology analysis was conducted to predict the potential active compounds and drug targets against AML. Lastly, based on these findings, two monomers (apiin and luteoloside) were selected for experimental validation. A total of 17 compounds, all of which are apigenin and luteolin derivatives, were identified in duckweed. The duckweed extract significantly inhibited AML cell growth in vivo. Furthermore, a total of 88 targets for duckweed against AML were predicted, with key targets including PTGS2, MYC, MDM2, VEGFA, CTNNB1, CASP3, EGFR, TP53, HSP90AA1, CCND1, MMP9, TNF, and MAPK1. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses indicated that these targets were primarily involved in the apoptotic signaling pathway. Lastly, both apiin and luteoloside effectively induced apoptosis through CASP3 activation, and this effect could be partially reversed by a caspase inhibitor (Z-VAD). Duckweed extract has an antileukemic effect, and apiin derived from duckweed shows potential as a treatment for AML.

Effect of Flavonols of Aronia melanocarpa Fruits on Morphofunctional State of Immunocompetent Organs of Rats under Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppression.

Aronia melanocarpa berries contain many compounds with potential benefits for human health. The food flavonoids quercetin and rutin, found in significant amounts in the fruits of A. melanocarpa, are known to have favourable effects on animal and human organisms. However, data on the effect of flavonols isolated from black chokeberry on immune functions during immunosuppression are not available in the literature. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of flavonol fraction isolated from A. melanocarpa fruits, in comparison with pure quercetin and rutin substances, on the dysfunctional state of rat thymus and spleen in immunodeficiency. The study was performed on Wistar rats. The animals were orally administered solutions of the investigated substances for 7 days: water, a mixture of quercetin and rutin and flavonol fraction of A. melanocarpa. For induction of immunosuppression, the animals were injected once intraperitoneally with cyclophosphamide. Substance administration was then continued for another 7 days. The results showed that under the influence of flavonols, there was a decrease in cyclophosphamide-mediated reaction of lipid peroxidation enhancement and stimulation of proliferation of lymphocytes of thymus and spleen in rats. At that, the effect of the flavonol fraction of aronia was more pronounced.

Research Progress on Extraction and Detection Technologies of Flavonoid Compounds in Foods.

Flavonoid compounds have a variety of biological activities and play an essential role in preventing the occurrence of metabolic diseases. However, many structurally similar flavonoids are present in foods and are usually in low concentrations, which increases the difficulty of their isolation and identification. Therefore, developing and optimizing effective extraction and detection methods for extracting flavonoids from food is essential. In this review, we review the structure, classification, and chemical properties of flavonoids. The research progress on the extraction and detection of flavonoids in foods in recent years is comprehensively summarized, as is the application of mathematical models in optimizing experimental conditions. The results provide a theoretical basis and technical support for detecting and analyzing high-purity flavonoids in foods.

Dietary (poly)phenols as modulators of the biophysical properties in endothelial cell membranes: its impact on nitric oxide bioavailability in hypertension.

Hypertension is a major contributor to premature death, owing to the associated increased risk of damage to the heart, brain and kidneys. Although hypertension is manageable by medication and lifestyle changes, the risk increases with age. In an increasingly aged society, the incidence of hypertension is escalating, and is expected to increase the prevalence of (cerebro)vascular events and their associated mortality. Adherence to plant-based diets improves blood pressure and vascular markers in individuals with hypertension. Food flavonoids have an inhibitory effect towards angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE1) and although this effect is greatly diminished upon metabolization, their microbial metabolites have been found to improve endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity. Considering the transmembrane location of ACE1 and eNOS, the ability of (poly)phenols to interact with membrane lipids modulate the cell membrane's biophysical properties and impact on nitric oxide (·NO) synthesis and bioavailability, remain poorly studied. Herein, we provide an overview of the current knowledge on the lipid remodeling of endothelial membranes with age, its impact on the cell membrane's biophysical properties and ·NO permeability across the endothelial barrier. We also discuss the potential of (poly)phenols and other plant-based compounds as key players in hypertension management, and address the caveats and challenges in adopted methodologies.

Molecularly imprinted alginate-PVP membrane for the selective fluorescence detection of flavonoids in foods: A practical case for rutin

Flavonoids benefits have rendered them interesting molecules in the realm of sensing. However, a significant challenge lies in their selective and sensitive detection in complex matrices. One of the most relevant flavonoids is rutin (RU), a flavonoid glycoside. In this work, a novel, straightforward, and green approach is proposed to prepare a selective molecularly imprinted membrane (MIM) for RU based on sodium alginate and polyvinylpyrrolidone, following a central composite design for the optimization of the MIM preparation. The developed membrane was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermo-gravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy to assess the functional, thermal, and morphological properties of the membrane, respectively. The developed MIM was successfully applied for the selective and sensitive solid spectro-fluorescence sensing of RU within a concentration range of 0.01–10 µg/mL and a limit of detection (LOD) of 3.6 ng/mL. Furthermore, a new 3D-printed smartphone accessory was designed and applied in smartphone-based solid fluorescence assays. This innovation enabled portable, label-free, rapid, cheap, and green detection of RU across a concentration interval of 0.05–10 µg/mL, with a LOD of 20 ng/mL. Moreover, MIM showed important long-term stability and good reusability (10 regeneration cycles). Finally, the proposed methodology was validated using an accuracy statistical approach. Overall, this study didn’t only demonstrate an innovative and straightforward approach to imprinting technology but also highlighted the promise of the proposed smartphone-based sensing method as a versatile tool with a broad range of applications to automatize the analysis and to enhance portable diagnosis technology.

Construction of propolis flavonoids-phospholipid complex loaded O/W submicron emulsion for enhancing in-vivo dilution stability and gastrointestinal absorption efficiency

Although numerous propolis flavonoids (EEP) formulations have been developed as dietary supplements for assisting blood glucose regulation, their bioavailability and bioactivity are limited due to the lower solubilities in aqueous media. To address this challenge, a novel O/W submicron emulsion was constructed to efficiently deliver propolis flavonoids and improve the absorption efficiency. Results showed that this delivery vehicle exerted inspiring features of nano-scaled droplet size, narrow particle distribution and higher cargo loading efficiency. Compared to conventional preparations, EEP submicron emulsion exhibited excellent stability against dilution with different pH buffers and maintained physicochemical characteristics within six months. Most importantly, EEP submicron emulsion could be efficiently absorbed through gastrointestinal (GI) tract via multiple-uptake routes and dramatically enhanced the bioavailability of propolis flavonoids. In conclusion, O/W submicron emulsion is a promising carrier for improving the in vivo utilization efficiency of water-insoluble flavonoids in functional foods.

Evidence of Flavonoids on Disease Prevention

A growing body of evidence highlights the properties of flavonoids in natural foods for disease prevention. Due to their antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic activities, flavonoids have been revealed to benefit skeletal muscle, liver, pancreas, adipocytes, and neural cells. In this review, we introduced the basic classification, natural sources, and biochemical properties of flavonoids, then summarize the experimental results and underlying molecular mechanisms concerning the effects of flavonoid consumption on obesity, cancers, and neurogenerative diseases that greatly threaten public health. Especially, the dosage and duration of flavonoids intervening in these diseases are discussed, which might guide healthy dietary habits for people of different physical status.

Technologies of cultivation of red onion varieties

Red onion varieties are among the richest sources of food flavonoids derived from quercinus. This study presents material on agrotechnological evaluation of red onion samples. Field experiments were carried out on typical light chestnut soils of the right-bank part of the Lower Volga in the zone of a sharply continental climate with a drip irrigation method. 9 samples of onion of red color of integumentary scales of selection BEJO ZADEN B.V., NETHERLANDS (4 samples) were studied: Red Bull F1, Red Baron F1, Red Ram F1, Robin F1; NUNHEMS B.V., NETHERLANDS (3 samples): NUN 9003 F1 (Merenge), Countach F1, NUN 9005 F1; HAZERA SEEDS, ISRAEL (1 sample): Retano F1; ENZA ZADEN, NETHERLANDS (1 sample): Monastrell F1. The samples were studied according to: characteristics of bulb coloration, morphometric parameters of the bulb, yield and ripeness.

Dietary Supplemented Anthocyanin Reduced Serum Amyloid Beta Oligomers and Improved Cognitive Dysfunction Scores in Elderly Dogs

Like humans, the accumulation of amyloid-beta oligomers in the brains of aged dogs leads to cognitive dysfunction. Our study investigated the effects of dietary flavonoids in pet foods on cognitive dysfunction. All nine dogs (six species) recruited were older than seven years, and cognitive function was measured using a questionnaire before and after applying pet food containing cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, the main component of honeyberries. Physical examination, blood tests, cognitive dysfunction scores, and serum amyloid-beta oligomers were measured. After 90 days of pet food administration, a physical examination revealed no abnormalities in weight, body temperature, heart rate, or respiratory rate. However, the cognitive dysfunction score and serum amyloid-beta oligomers (AβO) marker levels were significantly reduced after 90 days. Inflammation and antioxidant levels were slightly, but not significantly, changed. Our results suggest that pet food containing anthocyanins effectively improves cognitive dysfunction scores and decreases serum AβO levels.

Facile design of wolframite type CoWO4 nanoparticles: A selective and simultaneous electrochemical detection of quercetin and rutin

Facile construction of CWO/SPCE for electrochemical detection of QCT and RU. • Wolframite type CoWO 4 was synthesized by the facile one-step coprecipitation method. • CoWO 4 /SPCE showed improved performance for simultaneous detection of QCT and RU. • The proposed sensor demonstrated low LOD, high selectivity, and good stability. • Real-time analyses of QCT and RU was investigated in fruit juice sample. Flavonoids (FLs) have impressive attention in food-related items and medicinal areas because of their significant impact on the quality, function, and safety of the products. Thus, it is crucial to develop a simple and fast detection method for FLs in food and pharmaceutical samples. Consequently, we chose the rapid and cost-effective electrochemical detection method for FLs in a food sample. Herein, we report the facile design of wolframite type CoWO 4 (CWO) as an efficient electrocatalyst for simultaneous detection of quercetin (QCT) and rutin (RU). Crystallinity, structural morphology, and electrochemical investigations of CWO were characterized by using various spectrometric techniques and electroanalytical methods. The CWO modified screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE), compared with a bare electrode demonstrated high electrochemically active surface area, better conductivity, and improved electrochemical sensing performance toward QCT and RU. Considering these advantages of CWO/SPCE, the optimized differential pulse voltammetric results showed the lowest detection limit of QCT as 0.022 µM and RU as 0.018 µM with the linear concentration of 0.2–521 µM (QCT) and 0.2–681 µM (RU). Significantly, CWO/SPCE displayed excellent selectivity for QCT and RU with effective interfering molecules, good stability (cyclic and storage), and reproducibility with five successive measurements. The practical analysis test was applied to QCT and RU in real fruit juice with the observed recoveries being acceptable.

Computational design of Lactobacillus Acidophilus α-L-rhamnosidase to increase its structural stability.

α-L-rhamnosidase catalyzes hydrolysis of the terminal α-L-rhamnose from various natural rhamnoglycosides, including naringin and hesperidin, and has various applications such as debittering of citrus juices in the food industry and flavonoid derhamnosylation in the pharmaceutical industry. However, its activity is lost at high temperatures, limiting its usage. To improve Lactobacillus acidophilus α-L-rhamnosidase stability, we employed molecular dynamics (MD) to identify a highly flexible region, as evaluated by its root mean square fluctuation (RMSF) value, and computational protein design (Rosetta) to increase rigidity and favorable interactions of residues in highly flexible regions. MD results show that five regions have the highest flexibilities and were selected for design by Rosetta. Twenty-one designed mutants with the best ΔΔG at each position and ΔΔG < 0 REU were simulated at high temperature. Eight designed mutants with ΔRMSF of highly flexible regions lower than -10.0% were further simulated at the optimum temperature of the wild type. N88Q, N202V, G207D, Q209M, N211T and Y213K mutants were predicted to be more stable and could maintain their native structures better than the wild type due to increased hydrogen bond interactions of designed residues and their neighboring residues. These designed mutants are promising enzymes with high potential for stability improvement.

Preliminary Screening and Quantification of Flavonoids in Selected Seeds of Apiaceae by UV-Visible Spectrophotometry with Evaluation Study on Different Aluminium Chloride Complexation Reaction

Background : The objective of the study includes a preliminary phytochemical screening of selected plant seeds of Apiaceae for flavonoid content and developing a suitable method of quantification by a UV-Visible spectrophotometer and validation of the same. Methods: Selected dry seeds of Apiaceae were extracted using 70% ethanol at 60◦C for 1h in the shaker. Procedures of different chemical compositions were designed to evaluate flavonoid-Aluminium chloride complexation reaction to determine the best suitable method for the quantification of total flavonoid content by UV-Visible spectrophotometer. The antioxidant activity was investigated by the phosphomolybdenum method and DPPH radical scavenging method. The developed method was validated by considering the parameters such as linearity, accuracy, precision, and limit of detection and quantification. Findings: The concentration of flavonoid varied from 246 mg QE/g - 2856 mg QE/g among the selected dry seeds of Apiaceae and showed promising antioxidant activities with IC50 values varying between 9.64- 249.75 mg/ml. Evaluation study on different aluminum chloride complexation reactions involved in the flavonoid quantification analysis revealed that procedure 3 developed by the researcher was the accurate and suitable method. The developed method was showed to be the simple and rapid method compared to previously published methods. The developed method showed to be linear (R2 = 0.999), precise (R.S.D. < 2%), accurate (recovery of 103.03%), and inexpensive. Novelty: The extracts were shown to contain a significant amount of flavonoid and displayed promising antioxidant activity and can therefore be a potential source of flavonoid and natural antioxidant agents. This article data could serve as a reference against the improper use of AlCl3 chelation methods for the quantification of flavonoids in food and plant samples. Keywords: Apiaceae; Quercetin; Total Flavonoid Content; Antioxidant Activity; Flavonoid and Aluminium chloride Complex; UV-Visible spectrophotometer

Investigation of new products of quercetin formed in boiling water via UPLC-Q-TOF-MS-MS analysis

Quercetin is one of most important flavonoids in foods with multi-benefits for human health. The thermal processing is the main food processing approach. Here, the stability of quercetin in boiling water (100 °C) was investigated by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS-MS. With the increasing boiling time, quercetin gradually degraded, and the initial degradation time is 17.57 min and the half-degradation time is 169.72 min. The degradation mechanisms included oxidation, hydroxylation and nucleophilic attack cleavage. Combining the retention time and characteristic fragment ion information of the corresponding standards, the degraded products of quercetin in boiling water were identified as 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglyoxylate, 1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene, 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid and 2,4,6-trihydroxybenzoic acid. Moreover, 2,3-dihydro-2,3′,4′,5,7-pentahydroxy-3-oxoflavone, quercetin dimers and quinones were also formed.

Zein enhanced the digestive stability of five citrus flavonoids via different binding interaction.

Zein is commonly used to construct food flavonoid delivery systems. This study investigated the effect and mechanism of zein on the digestive stability of five citrus flavonoids, namely hesperetin (HET), hesperidin (HED), neohesperidin (NHD), naringenin (NEN), and naringin (NIN). Zein enhanced the digestive stability of the five citrus flavonoids, especially that of HET and NEN, during digestion in the stomach and small intestine. Fluorescence spectroscopy results suggested that citrus flavonoids spontaneously quenched the endogenous fluorescence of zein in static quenching mode. The binding of HET, HED and NHD to zein was driven respectively by electrostatic, hydrophobic and electrostatic interaction. However, Van der Waals' force and hydrogen (H)-bond interaction represented the primary driving force for binding NEN, and NIN to zein to form complexes. The binding of the five citrus flavonoids to zein also caused a diverse bathochromic shift in ultraviolet absorbance. Analysis using Fourier-transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy revealed that the binding behavior of the five citrus flavonoids had different effects on changes in the secondary structures, disulfide bonds, and tyrosine exposure of zein. The results were also partially verified by molecular dynamic simulation. Zein enhanced the digestive stability of the five citrus flavonoids via different binding interactions that was due to the difference in molecular structure of citrus flavonoids. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Interactions between polyphenolic antioxidants quercetin and naringenin dictate the distinctive redox-related chemical and biological behaviour of their mixtures

Food synergy concept is suggested to explain observations that isolated antioxidants are less bioactive than real foods containing them. However, mechanisms behind this discrepancy were hardly studied. Here, we demonstrate the profound impact of interactions between two common food flavonoids (individual: aglycones quercetin—Q and naringenin—N− or their glycosides rutin—R and naringin—N+ vs. mixed: QN− and RN+) on their electrochemical properties and redox-related bioactivities. N− and N+ seemed weak antioxidants individually, yet in both chemical and cellular tests (DPPH and CAA, respectively), they increased reducing activity of mixtures synergistically. In-depth measurements (differential pulse voltammetry) pointed to kinetics of oxidation reaction as decisive factor for antioxidant power. In cellular (HT29 cells) tests, the mixtures exhibited properties of a new substance rather than those of components. Pure flavonoids did not influence proliferation; mixtures stimulated cell growth. Individual flavonoids tended to decrease global DNA methylation with growing concentration; this effect was more pronounced for mixtures, but not concentration-dependent. In nutrigenomic studies, expression of gene set affected by QN− differed entirely from common genes modulated by individual components. These results question the current approach of predicting bioactivity of mixtures based on research with isolated antioxidants.

Beneficial Flavonoid in Foods and Anti-obesity Effect

ABSTRACT Obesity is a global health problem. In the past decades, the prevalence rate of obesity has risen sharply in epidemiology. Obesity has become an increasingly severe epidemic burden linked with different kinds of diseases, consisting of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, metabolic associated fatty liver disease, and even in COVID-19. Beneficial flavonoids in foods, as functional ingredients, combat obesity and maintain energy balance through multiple mechanisms. This review provides a brief overview of biological targets, possible mechanisms and the current therapeutic interventions including suppressing appetite, increasing energy consumption, regulating gut microbiota, inhibiting adipogenesis, anti-inflammation. In vitro and in vivo experiments as well as available clinical evidence related to the anti-obesity effects of pure flavonoid and flavonoid-rich extracts are also summarized and depicted. Furthermore, the metabolism and bioavailability of flavonoids are also concluded and discussed. Beneficial flavonoids have become promising candidates for treating and avoiding obesity, but poor bioavailability and short elimination half-life affects the absorption and efficacy. This paper reviews the different types of flavonoids and their potential effect of preventing obesity, which provide the basis for further research.

Going “Green” in the Prevention and Management of Atherothrombotic Diseases: The Role of Dietary Polyphenols

During the 20th century processed and ready-to-eat foods became routinely consumed resulting in a sharp rise of fat, salt, and sugar intake in people’s diets. Currently, the global incidence of obesity, raised blood lipids, hypertension, and diabetes in an increasingly aged population contributes to the rise of atherothrombotic events and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) mortality. Drug-based therapies are valuable strategies to tackle and help manage the socio-economic impact of atherothrombotic disorders though not without adverse side effects. The inclusion of fresh fruits and vegetables rich in flavonoids to human diets, as recommended by WHO offers a valuable nutritional strategy, alternative to drug-based therapies, to be explored in the prevention and management of atherothrombotic diseases at early stages. Though polyphenols are mostly associated to color and taste in foods, food flavonoids are emerging as modulators of cholesterol biosynthesis, appetite and food intake, blood pressure, platelet function, clot formation, and anti-inflammatory signaling, supporting the health-promoting effects of polyphenol-rich diets in mitigating the impact of risk factors in atherothrombotic disorders and CVD events. Here we overview the current knowledge on the effect of polyphenols particularly of flavonoid intake on the atherothrombotic risk factors and discuss the caveats and challenges involved with current experimental cell-based designs.

Znaczenie nutrigenomiki w profilaktyce i wspomaganiu leczenia cukrzycy

Streszczenie Cukrzyca jest przewlekłą chorobą o charakterze metabolicznym, objawiającą się hiperglikemią. Szacuje się, że chorobą dotkniętych jest około 422 mln osób na całym świecie. Duże nadzieje w profilaktyce i wspomaganiu leczenia farmakologicznego cukrzycy wiążę się z nową dyscypliną nauki jaką jest nutrigenomika. Dziedzina ta w oparciu o doniesienia naukowe z fizjologii, bromatologii, genomiki, proteomiki, biochemii, czy epigenetyki poszukuje i wyjaśnia na poziomie molekularnym interakcje genów ze składnikami żywności. W artykule przedstawiono najważniejsze informacje na temat wpływu składników bioaktywnych obecnych w żywności (związków polifenolowych, aminokwasów, witamin, kwasów tłuszczowych) na ekspresję genów związanych z wydzielaniem/działaniem insuliny i metabolizmem glukozy w organizmie. W artykule omówiono najważniejsze funkcje genów docelowych, które wykazują istotny wpływ na patogenezę rozwoju cukrzycy, a także przedstawiono modele eksperymentalne wykorzystywane w badaniach empirycznych. Ponadto przedstawiono znaczenie epigenetyki w rozwoju cukrzycy typu 2 oraz podstawowe informacje z diagnostyki i różnicowania cukrzycy i stanów przedcukrzycowych.