Journal
CURRENT DRUG METABOLISM
Volume 10, Issue 4, Pages 369-394Publisher
BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBL LTD
DOI: 10.2174/138920009788498950
Keywords
Flavonoids; bioavailability; membrane transporters; bilitranslocase; mammals; plants
Funding
- Regione Friuli Venezia Giulia [26/2005]
- Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Trieste [10.1424-2007.0128]
- Ministero degli Esteri (Cooperazione Scientifica e Tecnologica Italia-Slovenia [269/P.0084218]
- Slovenian Research Agency [J4-7146, BIIT/05-08-031, V4-0321]
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Fruits and vegetables are rich in flavonoids, and ample epidemiological data show that diets rich in fruits and vegetables confer protection against cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases, and cancer. However, flavonoid bioavailability is reportedly very low in mammals and the molecular mechanisms of their action are still poorly known. This review focuses on membrane transport of flavonoids, a critical determinant of their bioavailability. Cellular influx and efflux transporters are reviewed for their involvement in the absorption of flavonoids from the gastro-intestinal tract and their subsequent tissue distribution. A focus on the mammalian bilirubin transporter bilitranslocase (TCDB 2.A.65.1.1) provides further insight into flavonoid bioavailability and its relationship with plasma bilirubin (an endogenous antioxidant). The general function of bilitranslocase as a flavonoid membrane transporter is further demonstrated by the occurrence of a plant homologue in organs (petals, berries) where flavonoid biosynthesis is most active. Bilitranslocase appears associated with sub-cellular membrane compartments and operates as a flavonoid membrane transporter.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available