Attenuation of low-grade chronic inflammation by phytonutrients: A computational systems biology analysis

Background: Low-grade chronic inflammation (LGCI) is a strong and independent risk factor for many chronic diseases, like cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, metabolic, and neurological conditions. Dietary intervention studies have reported evidence for the role of plant-derived flavonoids in modulation of LGCI. This research explores the efficacy of Fruit/Berry/Vegetable (FBV) juice powder on LGCI. Methods: The study employs computational systems biology: 1) to identify biomolecular mechanisms of LGCI; 2) to identify the bioactive compounds of FBV juice powder and their specific effects on mechanisms of LGCI; and, 3) to predict the quantitative effects of those bioactive compounds on LGCI. Results: Four molecular pathways that are affected by the compounds of FBV include: 1) TNF-a production; 2) CCL2 production; 3) IL-1(3 production; and 4) reactive oxygen species production. The bioactive compounds including luteolin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin gallate, lycopene, quercetin, vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E in FBV significantly lowered TNF-a production, CCL2 production, IL1(3 production, and reactive oxygen species production. Conclusion: FBV provides a combination of active ingredients that synergistically affect multiple modalities of low grade chronic inflammation to help improve blood circulation and energy levels, and lower muscle soreness. (c) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ by/4.0/).

Automated summary

This study investigates the efficacy of Fruit/Berry/Vegetable (FBV) juice powder on low-grade chronic inflammation (LGCI) using computational systems biology. The results demonstrate that bioactive compounds in the juice powder can significantly reduce the production of inflammation-related factors, thereby improving blood circulation, energy levels, and muscle soreness.