Anti-inflammatory mechanisms of polyphenols in adipose tissue: role of gut microbiota, intestinal barrier integrity and zinc homeostasis

Obesity is associated with an imbalance of micro-and macro-nutrients, gut dysbiosis, and a leaky gut phenomenon. Polyphenols, such as curcumin, resveratrol, and anthocyanins may alleviate the systemic effects of obesity, potentially by improving gut microbiota, intestinal barrier integrity (IBI), and zinc homeostasis. The essential micronutrient zinc plays a crucial role in the regulation of enzymatic processes, including inflammation, maintenance of the microbial ecology, and intestinal barrier integrity. In this review, we focus on IBI- which prevents intestinal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) leakage - as a critical player in polyphenol-mediated protective effects against obesity-associated white adipose tissue (WAT) inflammation. This occurs through mechanisms that block the movement of the bacterial endotoxin LPS across the gut barrier. Available research suggests that polyphenols reduce WAT and systemic inflammation via crosstalk with inflammatory NF-Kappa B, the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling and zinc homeostasis.(c) 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Obesity is linked to nutrient imbalance, gut dysbiosis, and a leaky gut. Polyphenols like curcumin, resveratrol, and anthocyanins can help improve gut microbiota, intestinal barrier integrity, and zinc homeostasis, alleviating the effects of obesity. The review focuses on the role of intestinal barrier integrity in polyphenol-mediated protection against obesity-related inflammation, and how polyphenols interact with inflammatory signaling and zinc homeostasis to reduce inflammation.