Quercetin Intake Research Articles

Reshaping faecal gut microbiota composition by the intake of trans-resveratrol and quercetin in high-fat sucrose diet-fed rats

Diet-induced obesity is associated to an imbalance in the normal gut microbiota composition. Resveratrol and quercetin, widely known for their health beneficial properties, have low bioavailability, and when they reach the colon, they are targets of the gut microbial ecosystem. Hence, the use of these molecules in obesity might be considered as a potential strategy to modulate intestinal bacterial composition. The purpose of this study was to determine whether trans-resveratrol and quercetin administration could counteract gut microbiota dysbiosis produced by high-fat sucrose diet (HFS) and, in turn, improve gut health. Wistar rats were randomised into four groups fed an HFS diet supplemented or not with trans-resveratrol [15 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day], quercetin (30 mg/kg BW/day) or a combination of both polyphenols at those doses. Administration of both polyphenols together prevented body weight gain and reduced serum insulin levels. Moreover, individual supplementation of trans-resveratrol and quercetin effectively reduced serum insulin levels and insulin resistance. Quercetin supplementation generated a great impact on gut microbiota composition at different taxonomic levels, attenuating Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and inhibiting the growth of bacterial species previously associated to diet-induced obesity (Erysipelotrichaceae, Bacillus, Eubacterium cylindroides). Overall, the administration of quercetin was found to be effective in lessening HFS-diet-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis. In contrast, trans-resveratrol supplementation alone or in combination with quercetin scarcely modified the profile of gut bacteria but acted at the intestinal level, altering the mRNA expression of tight-junction proteins and inflammation-associated genes.

Evaluation of the effects of quercetin on damaged salivary secretion.

With the aim of discovering an effective method to treat dry mouth, we analyzed the effects of quercetin on salivary secretion and its mechanism of action. We created a mouse model with impaired salivary secretion by exposure to radiation and found that impaired secretion is suppressed by quercetin intake. Moreover, secretion levels were enhanced in quercetin-fed normal mice. To elucidate the mechanisms of these effects on salivary secretion, we conducted an analysis using mouse submandibular gland tissues, a human salivary gland epithelial cell line (HSY), and mouse aortic endothelial cells (MAECs). The results showed that quercetin augments aquaporin 5 (AQP5) expression and calcium uptake, and suppresses oxidative stress and inflammatory responses induced by radiation exposure, suggesting that quercetin intake may be an effective method to treat impaired salivary secretion.

Effects of dietary quercetin on female fertility in mice: implication of transglutaminase 2.

Use of the dietary supplement quercetin is on the rise. Because previous studies imply an inhibitory effect of quercetin on male fertility, we explored the effects of this flavonoid on fertility in female mice. Birth outcomes, and ovarian morphology in 4-week-old offspring, were assessed in mice receiving dietary quercetin (5mgkg-1day-1) for 9 months during two breeding periods: from 2 to 6 months (prime reproductive age) and 8 to11 months of age. Quercetin increased birth spacing, leading to a 60% reduction in the number of litters, but enhanced folliculogenesis in ovaries of female offspring. While in young females quercetin caused an almost 70% increase in litter size, in older animals this effect was reversed. Consistent with the inhibitory activity of quercetin on the enzyme transglutaminase 2 (TG2), genetic ablation of TG2 in mice mirrors the effects of quercetin on birth outcomes and follicular development. Further, TG2-null mice lack responsiveness to quercetin ingestion. Our study shows for the first time that dietary quercetin can cause reduced reproductive potential in female mice and implies that TG2 may regulate ovarian ageing.

Flavonoid intake and the risk of age-related cataract in China's Heilongjiang Province

Background/objectivesEpidemiological evidence suggests that diets rich in flavonoids may reduce the risk of developing age-related cataract (ARC). Flavonoids are widely distributed in foods of plant origin, and the objective of this study was to evaluate retrospectively the association between the intakes of the five flavonoid subclasses and the risk of ARC.Subjects/methodsA population-based case-control study (249 cases and 66 controls) was carried out in Heilongjiang province, which is located in the northeast of China, and where intakes and availability of fresh vegetables and fruits can be limited. Dietary data gathered by food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) were used to calculate flavonoid intake. Adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated by logistic regression.ResultsNo linear associations between risk of developing ARC and intakes of total dietary flavonoids, anthocyanidins, flavon-3-ol, flavanone, total flavones or total flavonols were found, but quercetin and isorhamnetin intake was inversely associated with ARC risk (OR 11.78, 95% CI: 1.62–85.84, p<0.05, and OR 6.99, 95% CI: 1.12–43.44, p<0.05, quartile 4 vs. quartile 1, respectively).ConclusionAs quercetin is contained in many plant foods and isorhamnetin in very few foods, we concluded that higher quercetin intake may be an important dietary factor in the reduction of the risk of ARC.

A dietary pattern rich in lignans, quercetin and resveratrol decreases the risk of oesophageal cancer.

Dietary lignans, quercetin and resveratrol have oestrogenic properties, and animal studies suggest that they synergistically decrease cancer risk. A protective effect of lignans on the development of oesophageal cancer in humans has recently been demonstrated, and the present study aimed to test whether these three phytochemicals synergistically decrease the risk of oesophageal cancer. Data from a Swedish nationwide population-based case-control study that recruited 181 cases of oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC), 158 cases of oesophageal squamous-cell carcinoma (OSCC), 255 cases of gastro-oesophageal junctional adenocarcinoma (JAC) and 806 controls were analysed. Exposure data were collected through face-to-face interviews and questionnaires. The intake of lignans, quercetin and resveratrol was assessed using a sixty-three-item FFQ. Reduced-rank regression was used to assess a dietary pattern, and a simplified dietary pattern score was categorised into quintiles on the basis of the distribution among the control subjects. Unconditional multivariable logistic regression provided OR with 95% CI, adjusted for all the potential risk factors. A dietary pattern rich in lignans, quercetin and resveratrol was mainly characterised by a high intake of tea, wine, lettuce, mixed vegetables, tomatoes, and whole-grain bread and a low intake of milk. There were dose-dependent associations between simplified dietary pattern scores and all types of oesophageal cancer (all P for trend < 0.05). On comparing the highest quintiles with the lowest, the adjusted OR were found to be 0.24 (95% CI 0.12, 0.49) for OAC, 0.31 (95% CI 0.15, 0.65) for OSCC, and 0.49 (95% CI 0.28, 0.84) for JAC. The results of the present study indicate that a dietary pattern characterised by the intake of lignans, quercetin and resveratrol may play a protective role in the development of oesophageal cancer in the Swedish population.

Metabolites of dietary quercetin: Profile, isolation, identification, and antioxidant capacity

The study of the profile, isolation and antioxidant capacity of pig quercetin metabolites after onion dry skin intake was performed. Onion dry skin contain very high content of quercetin, which occurred mainly in aglycone form (87%). Urine was collected from seventeen pigs before and within 2-6 hours after intake of onion dry skin providing quercetin. Quercetin metabolites profile was analyzed by HPLC-MS/MS. Upon quercetin intake, quercetin was absorbed and occurred in pig urine in methylated, glucuronided, sulfated and combined derivatives. Among 12 quercetin metabolites identified, quercetin monoglucuronides were predominant. Quercetin metabolites were isolated and purified by Amberlite XAD-16 column chromatography and on HPLC C18 semi-preparative column. Quercetin metabolites mixture showed higher radical-scavenging activities compared to native quercetin derivatives of onion skin. Results indicated that the profile of quercetin metabolites in pig reflects that in a humans. Moreover, quercetin metabolites present in systemic circulation after quercetin intake still acted as antioxidants.

Supplemental Genistein, Quercetin, and Resveratrol Intake in Active Duty Army Soldiers

Previous reports indicate that the majority of U.S. Army soldiers consume dietary supplements (DSs) > 1 time/wk. However, these studies did not evaluate phytonutrient supplementation. A growing literature suggests inclusion of phytonutrients in DSs may pose a risk for toxicity, which could impact the performance of soldier duties, as well as long-term health and wellness. This study was conducted to assess and understand soldiers' motivations to consume phytonutrient-containing DSs, specifically genistein, quercetin, and resveratrol. The study was a cross-sectional, descriptive mixed-methods design using a survey and semistructured interviews. There were 436 soldiers stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington who completed the survey, from which 36 soldiers completed an interview. Overall, 34% of soldiers reported taking a single or multicomponent phytonutrient DS > 1 time/wk, from which 41 soldiers took >1 supplement/wk. Soldiers' reasons for use included unsure (54%), weight loss (12%), and other, unspecified (24%). The majority of interviewees did not consume DSs based on inclusion of genistein, quercetin, or resveratrol. The majority of soldiers, in our study, appear unable to rationalize their phytonutrient DS choices. Findings from this study illuminate the need for future research to further explore DS practices within military populations and encourage informed use of DSs.

Quercetin intake with exercise modulates lipoprotein metabolism and reduces atherosclerosis plaque formation.

Study objectivesWe proposed that mice supplemented with quercetin, a class of flavonoids known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, will have profound effects on the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis when combined with exercise.Study designForty C57BL6 LDLr −/− mice were divided into four groups (n = 10): control untreated (NN); control group supplemented with 100 μg/day of quercetin (NQ); exercise group (EN); and exercise group supplemented with 100 μg/day of quercetin (EQ). All animals were fed atherogenic diet. The exercise groups were run on a treadmill for 30 minutes, 15 m/min for 5 days/week for 30 days. After 30 day animals were sacrificed and tissues were harvested.Results and conclusionMice supplemented with quercetin during exercise sessions had 78% atherosclerotic plaque reduction compared to control mice and 40% less atherosclerotic plaque formation compared to control group supplemented with quercetin. The manifestation of the combination of quercetin supplementation with exercise was more evident in the pro-reverse cholesterol transport genes, indicating a plausible mechanism for their combined beneficial effect.The pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, the major cause of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), is multifactorial and therefore its treatment approaches and the ability to regress the plaque are complicated. Data from research on animal models and clinical studies have indicated that moderate daily exercise can alleviate the risk for the development of atherosclerotic plaques, while the same has not been true for the supplementation of antioxidants.

A metabonomic analysis of the effect of quercetin on toxicity induced by chronic exposure to low-level dichlorvos in rat plasma.

A previous study of ours has reported that chronic exposure to low-level dichlorvos (DDVP, 7.2 mg per kg bw) damages the liver, interferes with fatty acid metabolism, and disturbs the antioxidant defense system in rats. This study aims to investigate whether or not quercetin can protect against DDVP-induced toxicity through metabonomics and to elucidate the mechanism underlying this protective effect. Rats were randomly assigned into the control group, DDVP-treated group, quercetin-treated group, and quercetin plus DDVP-treated group. DDVP and quercetin were administered to the rats daily via drinking water and gavage, respectively, continuously for 90 d. The metabonomic profiles of rat plasma were analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Finally, 11 metabolites were identified, including those of quercetin, isorhamnetin, and quercetin-3-glucuronide. The 11 metabolites showed significant changes in some treatment groups compared with the control group. Arachidonic acid, phytosphingosine, and C16 sphinganine significantly decreased while p-cresol, lysoPE (16:0/0:0), lysoPC (15:0/0:0), lysoPC (16:0/0:0), lysoPC (0:0/18:0), and tryptophan significantly increased in the DDVP-treated group compared with the control group. The tendency of the aforementioned metabolites to change was significantly ameliorated in the high-dose quercetin (50 mg per kg bw per day) plus DDVP-treated group compared with the DDVP-treated group. However, the levels of these metabolites in the high-dose quercetin plus DDVP-treated group were still significantly different from those in the control group. The results indicate that high-dose quercetin (50 mg per kg bw per day) elicits a partial protective effect on DDVP-induced toxicity. The histopathology of the liver tissues was consistent with the above results. Quercetin demonstrated regulatory effects on the metabolism of lipids and amino acids, the antioxidant defense system, etc. Therefore, increasing the daily intake of quercetin can ameliorate the toxicity induced by chronic exposure to low-level DDVP residue in food and/or water.

Exercise and quercetin intake reduces body weight in c57bl6 mice

Exercise and quercetin intake reduces body weight in c57bl6 mice

Modulation of microRNA 21, 125 b and 451 expression by quercetin intake and exercise in mice fed atherogenic diet

IntroductionQuercetin is shown to exhibits wide range of metabolic functions including its antioxidant and anti-inflammation properties. Paradoxically, exercise which induces a severe oxidative stress resulting in the depletion of plasma and tissue antioxidants is an important deterrent of CVD. We therefore hypothesized that the combination of quercetin and exercise would have favorable impact at the cellular level by augmenting antioxidant/anti-inflammatory pathways involving set of microRNAs signaling. The discovery of microRNAs (miRs), a little more than a decade ago, has dramatically changed our perspective of gene expression regulation, and has provided a unique opportunity for researchers to address some of these unexplained metabolic ambiguities. Study designForty C57BL6 LDL−/− mice fed atherogenic diet. Mice were divided into four groups (10 each) as follows: control mice (NN), left untreated; control quercetin group (NQ), orally supplied with 100μg/day of quercetin without exercising; exercise group without quercetin (NE), and exercise group with quercetin (EQ) supplements. The exercise groups were run on a treadmill for 30minutes, 15m/m/5days/week for 30days. All animals were on atherogenic diet containing 1.5% cholesterol with total 42% Fat Kcal Diet. At the end of the month of treatment, mice were sacrificed, liver, and aorta were collected for genes micRNAs analysis. ResultsmiR-21 was significantly (P<0.05) up-regulated in both liver and aorta samples, similar trend were observed in animals on exercise with or without the intake of quercetin (P<0.05); however miR-451 was significantly (P<0.05) down-regulated in mice livers. ConclusionExercise and quercetin intake modulates the expression of miR-21, 125b and 451.

Abstract 615: Rigorous Exercise and Quercetin Intake Modulate Adiponectin and Reduce Body Weight in Normal C57BL6 Mice

Introduction: Adiponectin has been suggested to play an important role in the modulation of glucose and lipid metabolism in in both humans and animals. We previously reported that intake of quercetin during exercise decreases body weight in LDL -/- C57BL6 mice. This finding has encouraged us to expand the investigation by increasing the exercise duration, intensity and also by testing these effects in normal C57BL mice Aims and Objectives: In the current study we proposed that quercetin will have profound effects on the modulators of adipose tissue if combined with exercise, we hypothesized that this may be the major mechanism that contribute to the body weight reduction seeing in our previous findings. Study Design: 40 mice were divided into four groups (10 each). These groups are as follows: Control mice, left untreated; control quercetin group, orally supplied with 100 μg/day of quercetin without exercising; exercise group without quercetin, and exercise group with quercetin supplements. The exercise groups were run on a treadmill for 30 minutes, 20-30m/m/ 5 days/week for two month. All animals were on normal mouse chow. At the end of the two month treatment, tissues gene expressions for genes associated with obesity, oxidative stress, inflammation and lipoproteins were analyzed. We also measured plasma markers such as paraoxonase-1 enzyme activity and adiponectin Results: Data from the current study confirmed our previous findings that the combination of the intake of quercetin and exercise reduces body weight. This study demonstrated a significant (P&lt;0.0009) drop in changes of body weight (43.5%) compared to control. Mice on quercetin intake without exercise had 29% drops in body weight. Conversely in the current study all the three groups illustrated significant changes in the plasma adiponectin levels compared to the control. Plasma diponectin levels in mice on exercise regimen with or without quercetin intake, or only quercetin intake have significantly (P&lt;0.007) decreased compared to the controls. Conclusion: The combination of exercise and quercetin or separately modulate plasma adiponectin levels. An adiponectin dependent mechanism may be responsible for the reduction in body weight observed in this study with the combination of exercise.

Glucuronidation does not suppress the estrogenic activity of quercetin in yeast and human breast cancer cell model systems

Several plant-derived molecules, referred to as phytoestrogens, are thought to mimic the actions of endogenous estrogens. Among these, quercetin, one of the most widespread flavonoids in the plant kingdom, has been reported as estrogenic in some occasions. However, quercetin occurs in substantial amounts as glycosides such as quercetin-3-O-glucoside (isoquercitrin) and quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (rutin) in dietary sources. It is now well established that quercetin undergoes substantial phase II metabolism after ingestion by humans, with plasma metabolites after a normal dietary intake rarely exceeding nmol/L concentrations. Therefore, attributing phytoestrogenic activity to flavonoids without taking into account the fact that it is their phase II metabolites that enter the circulatory system, will almost certainly lead to misleading conclusions. With the aim of clarifying the above issue, the goal of the present study was to determine if plant-associated quercetin glycosides and human phase II quercetin metabolites, actually found in human biological fluids after intake of quercetin containing foods, are capable of interacting with the estrogen receptors (ER). To this end, we used a yeast-based two-hybrid system and an estrogen response element-luciferase reporter assay in an ER-positive human cell line (MCF-7) to probe the ER interaction capacities of quercetin and its derivatives. Our results show that quercetin-3-O-glucuronide, one of the main human phase II metabolites produced after intake of dietary quercetin, displays ERα- and ERβ-dependent estrogenic activity, the functional consequences of which might be related to the protective activity of diets rich in quercetin glycosides.

Effect of single-dose and short-term administration of quercetin on the pharmacokinetics of talinolol in humans – Implications for the evaluation of transporter-mediated flavonoid–drug interactions

Quercetin has been shown to inhibit intestinal P-glycoprotein-mediated drug efflux. A crossover clinical study was performed in 10 healthy volunteers to assess the effect of single-dose and repeated quercetin intake on the pharmacokinetics of talinolol, a substrate of intestinal P-glycoprotein. Unexpectedly, mean area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC0–48h) and maximal plasma concentration (cmax) were slightly decreased following concomitant and short-term quercetin administration (3186.0 versus 2468.3 and 2527.7ngh/ml, p>0.05; 309.7 versus 212.0 and 280.6ng/ml, p>0.05). Individual analysis revealed that talinolol AUC0–48h was lowered by 23.9% up to 60.6% in 5 subjects and cmax was decreased by 29.2% up to 78.7% in 7 subjects after quercetin co-administration. These effects were less pronounced following repeated quercetin intake. Overlapping modification of efflux and uptake transport involving carrier proteins of the OATP superfamily as well as site–dependent interaction are possible explanations for these observations. In conclusion, clinically relevant quercetin–drug interaction cannot be ruled out.

The flavonoid quercetin inhibits thyroid-restricted genes expression and thyroid function

Quercetin is the most abundant flavonoid present in a broad range of fruit and vegetables. Furthermore, quercetin is available as dietary supplements that are based on its antioxidant, antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory properties. However, concerns have been raised about the potential toxic effects of excessive intake of quercetin, and several studies have demonstrated that flavonoids, included quercetin, can interfere with thyroid function. In a previous report, we showed that quercetin inhibits thyroid-cell growth and iodide uptake. The latter effect was associated with down-regulation of sodium/iodide symporter gene expression. In the present study, we have evaluated the effects of quercetin on the expression of other thyroid-restricted genes, and we show that quercetin decreases the expression of the thyrotropin receptor, thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin genes. We further investigated the inhibitory effects of quercetin on thyroid function in vivo through evaluation of radioiodine uptake in the Sprague–Dawley rat, which was significantly decreased after 14days of quercetin treatment. These data confirm that quercetin can act as a thyroid disruptor, and they suggest that caution is needed in its supplemental and therapeutic use.

Concomitant Intake of Quercetin with a Grain-Based Diet Acutely Lowers Postprandial Plasma Glucose and Lipid Concentrations in Pigs

Treatment goals of diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMT2) include glycemic control and reduction of nonglycemic risk factors, for example, dyslipidemia. Quercetin, a plant-derived polyphenol, often discussed for possible antidiabetic effects, was investigated for acute postprandial glucose- and lipid-lowering effects in healthy growing pigs. Male pigs (n = 16, body weight = BW 25–30 kg) were fed flavonoid-poor grain-based meals without (GBM) or with quercetin (GBMQ). In a first experiment, postprandial plasma concentrations of glucose, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), and triacylglycerols were analyzed in 8 pigs receiving 500 g of either GBM or GBMQ (10 mg/kg BW) in a cross-over design. Blood samples were collected before, and up to 5 h every 30 min, as well as 6 and 8 h after the feeding. In the second experiment, 2 h after ingestions of 1000 g of either GBM or GBMQ (50 mg/kg BW) animals were sacrificed; gastric content was collected and analyzed for dry matter content. Quercetin ingestion reduced postprandial glucose, NEFA, and TG concentration, but two hours after ingestion of the meal no effect on gastric emptying was observed. Our results point to inhibitory effects of quercetin on nutrient absorption, which appear not to be attributable to delayed gastric emptying.

Comparison of Joint Angles and Muscle Activations between Simulated Stair-climbing Machine and General Ladder

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of short-term quercetin (QE) intake on exercise performance, physiological fatigue and emotional responses during the recovery after a single bout of high intensity exercise. Twelve healthy male college students were double blindly and randomly assigned into quercetin (QE) intake trial (2 × 500 mg/day) or placebo-controlled trial (PL). The treatment was given for 7 continuous days, and then subjects performed a single bout of intensive exercise (75% VO2max) until exhaustion. Exercise duration to exhaust and VO2max were recorded before exercise. Other tests, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and profile of mood states (POMS) were conducted and analyzed before exercise and during recovery at 0, 10, 20, 30, and 60 minutes after exercise. However, the changes in lactate concentrations were tested only before exercise, and 0, 30 and 60 minutes after exercise. After completion of the trial, subjects were cross-over and the same protocols were repeated with one-week interval. The results revealed that subjects in QE trial had significantly higher VO2max compared to PL trial. Exercise time to exhaust in QE trial was longer than PE by 11%, but no significant difference. Furthermore, lactate concentration in QE trial was significantly lower than PL trial during 60 minute recovery period. The systolic blood pressure in QE trial was also lower than PL trial. However, QE trial recovered quicker in the change of heart rate than PL trial at 20 minute recovery period. In addition, the scores of fatigue and negative mental factors in POMS for QE trial were also significantly lower than PL trial. This study concluded that QE may enhance the performance of VO2max, delay physical fatigue, and improve negative emotion after an intensive exercise.

Chronic Intake of Onion Extract Containing Quercetin Improved Postprandial Endothelial Dysfunction in Healthy Men

Background: Epidemiologic studies have shown that dietary flavonoids reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. Onion is rich in quercetin, a strong antioxidant flavonoid. In some in vitro studies, quercetin improved endothelial function associated with atherosclerosis, a leading cause of cardiovascular events. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether chronic onion extract intake would improve postprandial endothelial dysfunction induced by an oral maltose load in healthy men. Methods: Healthy men (44 ± 10 years, n = 23) received 4.3 g of onion extract (containing 51 mg of quercetin) once a day for 30 days. Before and after the chronic onion extract intake, fasting and postprandial flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) responses were measured. Results: Maltose loading significantly decreased FMD both before and after chronic onion extract intake (p = 0.000037 and p = 0.0035, respectively). The chronic onion extract intake did not significantly affect fasting FMD (p = 0.069) but improved the postprandial FMD significantly from 5.1% ± 2.2% to 6.7% ± 2.6% (p = 0.00015). The chronic onion extract intake did not alter systemic and forearm hemodynamics. Conclusion: These findings suggest that chronic onion extract intake ameliorates postprandial endothelial dysfunction in healthy men and may be beneficial for improving cardiovascular health.

Abstract 136: Quercetin Intake With Exercise Modulate Adipose Response in Mice Fed Atherogenic Diet

Adipose tissue is shown to influence atherosclerotic plaque formation and contribute to cardiovascular disease. Recent studies have focused on the potential role of adipose tissue physiopathology on several metabolic diseases. Aims and Objectives In the current study we hypothesized that the combined action of quercetin and exercise will promote the releases of adipose anti-atherogenic metabolites and contribute to the reduction of the plaque formation. Study Design C57BL6 LDL -/- mice fed atherogenic diet (40) was divided into four groups (10 each). These groups are as follows: Control mice, left untreated; control quercetin group, orally supplied with 100 μg/day of quercetin without exercising; exercise group without quercetin, and exercise group with quercetin supplements. The exercise groups were run on a treadmill for 30 minutes, 15m/m/ 5 days/week for 30 days. All animals were on atherogenic diet. At the end of the month of treatment, mice were sacrificed, and adipose tissue gene expressions for selected genes were analyzed. Results and Conclusion We previously reported that mice on quercetin and exercise have significant (P&lt;0.001) drop in body weigh accompanied with a 78% drop in the atherosclerotic plaque development in exercising groups. In the current abstract we investigated whether the drop in weight is mediated through an adipose tissue based mechanism. The adipose gene expression studies have shown significant (P&lt;0.0001) up regulation of PPARg in exercised mice compared to the control and quercetin fed group, and PPARg also increased with exercise and quercetin intake although these changes were not significant. Adiponectin on the other hand elevated with exercise or quercetin intake alone and there was no appreciable changes with the combination of exercise and quercetin intake compared to control. Exercise; quercetin or the combination increased SREBP-1; however, interestingly quercetin intake with exercise significantly increased leptin up regulation. Circulating leptin levels are known to correlate with white adipose tissue mass. This finding brings an amazing perspective to the role of antioxidants taken with exercise which need further investigation to establish its mechanism(s) that modulate adipose metabolism.

Quercetin alleviates predator stress-induced anxiety-like and brain oxidative signs in pregnant rats and immune count disturbance in their offspring

This study was performed in rats to investigate the effect of a psychogenic stress during late gestation on the immediate behavior and brain oxidative status in dams as well as on the immune cell counts in their offspring up to weaning. Besides, the ability of quercetin (a natural flavonoid) to prevent stress effects was evaluated. Quercetin was orally administered for 6 consecutive days before the pregnant rats were acutely exposed to predator stress on gestational day 19. Post-stress corticosterone level, brain oxidative stress parameters and anxiety-like behavior were assessed in dams, whereas immune cell counts were postnatally determined in both male and female pups. Predator stress caused an oxidative stress in the brain and elicited an elevation in plasma corticosterone with concomitant behavioral impairment in dams. Prenatally-stressed pups mainly showed a decrease in total leukocytes and lymphocytes along with monocytosis and granulocytosis, but these changes were sex-dependent throughout the postnatal period studied. Quercetin pretreatment blocked the stress-induced corticosterone release and alleviated the brain oxidative stress with the maternal anxiety measures being slightly attenuated, whereas its effects on the offspring immune cell counts were mostly revealed at birth. Our findings suggest that late gestational exposure to traumatic events may cause anxiety symptoms in dams, in which corticosterone and brain oxidative stress play a certain role, and trigger negative immune changes in the early postnatal life of progeny. Notably, quercetin intake before such adverse events seems to be beneficial against negative outcomes in both dams and offspring.