Urolithins: an update on their metabolism, bioactivity and associated gut microbiota

Urolithins, metabolites produced by the gut microbiota from the polyphenols ellagitannins and ellagic acid, are discovered by the research group in humans almost 20 years ago. Pioneering research suggests urolithins as pleiotropic bioactive contributors to explain the health benefits after consuming...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: García-Villalba, Rocío, Giménez-Bastida, J. A., Cortés-Martín, Adrián, Ávila-Gálvez, María Ángeles, Tomás Barberán, Francisco, Selma, María Victoria, Espín de Gea, Juan Carlos, González-Sarrías, Antonio
Tipo de recurso: conjunto de datos
Fecha de publicación:2022
País:España
Institución:Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
Repositorio:DIGITAL.CSIC. Repositorio Institucional del CSIC
OAI Identifier:oai:digital.csic.es:10261/285766
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10261/285766
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Polyphenols
Urolithins
In vitro
Inflammation
Cancer
Neuroprotection
Cardiovascular health
Descripción
Sumario:Urolithins, metabolites produced by the gut microbiota from the polyphenols ellagitannins and ellagic acid, are discovered by the research group in humans almost 20 years ago. Pioneering research suggests urolithins as pleiotropic bioactive contributors to explain the health benefits after consuming ellagitannin-rich sources (pomegranates, walnuts, strawberries, etc.). Here, this study comprehensively updates the knowledge on urolithins, emphasizing the review of the literature published during the last 5 years. To date, 13 urolithins and their corresponding conjugated metabolites (glucuronides, sulfates, etc.) have been described and, depending on the urolithin, detected in different human fluids and tissues (urine, blood, feces, breastmilk, prostate, colon, and breast tissues). There has been a substantial advance in the research on microorganisms involved in urolithin production, along with the compositional and functional characterization of the gut microbiota associated with urolithins metabolism that gives rise to the so-called urolithin metabotypes (UM-A, UM-B, and UM-0), relevant in human health. The design of in vitro studies using physiologically relevant assay conditions (molecular forms and concentrations) is still a pending subject, making some reported urolithin activities questionable. In contrast, remarkable progress has been made in the research on the safety, bioactivity, and associated mechanisms of urolithin A, including the first human interventions.