Supplementation of Jucara Berry (Euterpe edulis Mart.) Modulates Epigenetic Markers in Monocytes from Obese Adults: A Double-Blind Randomized Trial

Nutrigenomics is an emerging field in obesity since epigenetic markers can be modified by environmental factors including diet. Considering jucara compositionrich in anthocyanins, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and fibersit has the potential for epigenetic modulation. We evaluated the jucara supplementation modulating the serum fatty acids profile and epigenetic markers in monocytes of adult obese humans. It was a randomized double-blind, controlled trial with 27 obese (Body mass index between 30.0 and 39.9 kg/m(2)) participants of both genders aged from 31 to 59 years, divided into jucara group (5 g jucara freeze-dried pulp) or placebo group (5 g of maltodextrin) for 6 weeks. Before and after supplementation, blood samples were collected. The serum and monocytes cells obtained were cultured and stimulated with lipopolysaccharides as proinflammatory stimulus. After 24 h of incubation, the cells and supernatants were collected and analyzed. Jucara improved the serum fatty acids profile on unsaturated fatty acids levels. The epigenetic markers evaluated were improved post-treatment. Also, the methylated DNA level was increased after treatment. We find that jucara supplementation is a predictor of methyl CpG binding proteins 2 (MeCP2) in monocytes. Concluding, jucara supplementation improved the serum fatty acids profile, modulating the epigenetic markers in monocytes from obese individuals.