Antiobesity effects of phytochemicals from an epigenetic perspective

DİNCER Y., Yuksel S.

Nutrition, vol.84, 2021 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Review
  • Volume: 84
  • Publication Date: 2021
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.nut.2020.111119
  • Journal Name: Nutrition
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, PASCAL, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), CAB Abstracts, CINAHL, EMBASE, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database
  • Keywords: Citrus flavonoids, Curcumin, Epigenetics, Folic acid, Obesity, Tea polyphenols, Vitamin B12
  • İstanbul Yeni Yüzyıl University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Obesity is an important cause of morbidity and mortality due to its close association with metabolic disorders including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancer. According to the Developmental Origins of Adult Health and Disease hypothesis, obesity is likely caused by epigenetic changes. Recent studies have shown an association between epigenetic dysregulation of certain genes and obesity. Due to their reversible characteristic, epigenetic dysregulations can be restored. Restoration of epigenetic dysregulation in obesity-related genes by epigenetic modifiers may be a new treatment option for obesity. Certain phytochemicals such as tea polyphenols, curcumin, genistein, isothiocyanates, and citrus isoflavonoids were shown to prevent weight gain. These phytochemicals are known for their antioxidant effects but they also modify epigenetic mechanisms. These phytochemicals may have a therapeutic potential in the management of obesity. The aim of this study was to review the epigenetic effects of certain phytochemicals on the expression of obesity-related genes.