Evaluation of d-limonene effects on intestinal microbiota composition and bile acid metabolism

• Grant number: 18/19189-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: September 01, 2019
• End date: August 31, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Food Science and Technology
• Principal Investigator: Jarlei Fiamoncini
• Grantee: Jarlei Fiamoncini
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The health effects of flavonoids and other bioactive compounds found in oranges have been studied for a long time. On the other hand, bioactive phytochemicals found in citrus such as d-limonene, have not yet been properly studied. Due to its antimicrobial activity, we believe that d-limonene can modulate the composition of intestinal microbiota, responsible for metabolizing bile acids. Bile acids are able to modulate fatty acid oxidation, gluconeogenesis and hormone secretion, among other important physiological processes. We believe that changes in intestinal microbiota induced by d-limonene could affect bile acid metabolism and the physiological processes regulated by these molecules. This hypothesis will be tested in mice distributed in 4 groups, 2 of which will be fed a high-fat diet and the other 2 a control diet. One group that feeds on the control diet and the other fed with the high fat-diet will receive a supplementation with d-limonene by gavage. Additionally, 2 groups of mice will receive a d-limonene supplementation in the diet (0.1% w:w) one of them receiving a high-fat diet and the other a control diet. These 2 groups will be compared to control groups that will receive similar diets, without the addition of d-limonene. The composition of the intestinal microbiota will be evaluated using next generation sequencing and metabolomics analysis will be employed to analyse the bile acids pool. Gene expression of enzymes involved in bile acid metabolism will be evaluated using real time PCR. Markers of intermediate metabolism (glucose, triglycerides, free fatty acids) will be quantified in plasma. The results obtained in this study will contribute to the elucidation of dietary monoterpenes mechanism of action and will help assessing the use of d-limonene for the prevention/ treatment of metabolic diseases. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

SILVA, VICTORIA; FARIA, HECTOR ORELIANA FERNANDES; SOUSA-FILHO, CELSO PEREIRA BATISTA; DE ALVARENGA, JOSE FERNANDO RINALDI; FIAMONCINI, JARLEI; OTTON, ROSEMARI. Thermoneutrality or standard temperature: is there an ideal housing temperature to study the antisteatotic effects of green tea in obese mice?. JOURNAL OF NUTRITIONAL BIOCHEMISTRY, v. 120, p. 15-pg., 2023-10-01. (18/19189-0, 13/07914-8, 19/10616-5, 19/11324-8)

RINALDI DE ALVARENGA, JOSE FERNANDO; GENARO, BRUNNA; COSTA, BRUNA LAMESA; PURGATTO, EDUARDO; MANACH, CLAUDINE; FIAMONCINI, JARLEI. Monoterpenes: current knowledge on food source, metabolism, and health effects. CRITICAL REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION, AUG 2021. (19/11324-8, 19/24267-2, 18/19189-0, 13/07914-8)