Multigenomic modifications in human circulating immune cells in response to consumption of polyphenol rich extract of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil.) are suggestive of cardiometabolic protective effects.

Mate is a traditional drink obtained from the leaves of yerba mate and rich in a diversity of plant bioactive compounds including polyphenols, particularly chlorogenic acids. Studies, even though limited, suggest that consumption of mate is associated with health effects, including prevention of cardiometabolic disorders. Molecular mechanisms underlying the potential health properties are still largely unknown, especially in humans. The aim of this study was to investigate nutrigenomic effects of mate consumption and identify regulatory networks potentially mediating cardiometabolic health benefits. Healthy middle-aged men at risk for cardiovascular disease consumed a standardized mate extract or placebo for 4 weeks. Global gene expression, including protein coding and non-coding RNAs profiles were determined using microarrays. Biological function analyses were performed using integrated bioinformatic tools. Comparison of global gene expression profiles showed significant change following mate consumption with 2635 significantly differentially expressed genes, among which 6 are miRNAs and 244 are lncRNAs. Functional analyses showed that these genes are involved in regulation of cell interactions and motility, inflammation or cell signaling. Transcription factors, such as MEF2A, MYB or HNF1A, could have their activity modulated by mate consumption either by direct interaction with polyphenol metabolites or by interactions of metabolites with cell signaling proteins, like p38 or ERK1/2, that could modulate transcription factor activity and regulate expression of genes observed. Correlation analysis suggests that expression profile is inversely associated with gene expression profiles of patients with cardiometabolic disorders. Therefore, mate consumption may exert cardiometabolic protective effects by modulating gene expression towards a protective profile.

Daily Intake of Chlorogenic Acids from Consumption of Maté (Ilex paraguariensis A.St.-Hil.) Traditional Beverages.

The main objective of this study was to investigate the daily intake of chlorogenic acids (CGAs) and methylxanthines by consumers of maté traditional beverages (MTBs), terere and chimarrão (Ilex paraguariensis A.St.-Hill). In the studied population (450 citizens from Toledo, PR, Brazil), 63% consume the chimarrão and 37% terere, with weighted mean daily intakes estimated at 648-2160 and 244-746 mL, respectively. For every 100 mL of beverage consumed, the average amount of total phenol compounds extracted was 673.6 mg for chimarrão and 1184.9 mg for terere. Regarding CGAs composition, caffeoylquinic acids (CQAs) constitute about 38.4% for chimarrão and 55.3% for terere, and dicaffeoylquinic acids (diCQAs) represent 61.6 and 44.7% of the extracted compounds, respectively. The daily intake of phenolic compounds by MTB consumers was estimated for chimarrão (512.5-1708.5 mg/day) and terere (583.0-1779.7 mg/day). These results allow us to conclude that MTBs are important dietary sources of CGAs, mainly CQAs and di-CQAs.

Mechanisms underlying antiatherosclerotic properties of an enriched fraction obtained from Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil.

BACKGROUND: Ilex paraguariensis A. St. Hil. var. paraguariensis (Aquifoliaceae) popularly known as 'mate' is an important species native to South America. Despite numerous studies showing significant antioxidant and lipid lowering properties, the antiatherosclerotic mechanisms of this species remain unknown. PURPOSE: To evaluate the possible antiatherosclerotic effects of a butanolic fraction (n-BFIP) obtained from I. paraguariensis and to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in this activity. METHODS: First, n-BFIP was obtained from the hydroalcoholic extract and a detailed phytochemical investigation about its main secondary metabolites was performed. Then, during 8 experimental weeks, rabbits received diet supplemented with 1% cholesterol (CRD). After 4 weeks of CDR, animals were redistributed into five groups (n = 6) and treated (p.o.) with n-BFIP (10, 30 and 100 mg/kg), simvastatin (5 mg/kg), or vehicle (filtered water, 1 ml/kg) once daily for 4 weeks. An additional group was fed with cholesterol-free diet and treated with vehicle. At the end of 8 weeks, serum samples were obtained for the measurement of serum lipids, lipid and protein oxidation and indirect nitric oxide levels. In addition, serum IL-1ß, IL-6, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and intracellular cGMP levels in rabbit aortic rings were measured. Samples from the aortic arch and thoracic segment were collected for histopathological analysis. RESULTS: CRD induced oxidative and nitrosative stress and increased serum lipids, IL-1ß, IL-6, sICAM-1, and sVCAM-1 levels. In addition, structural changes in the intima layers of different arterial branches were also found. Although it did not change serum lipids, n-BFIP reverted oxidative and nitrosative stress and reduced IL-1ß, IL-6, sICAM-1, and sVCAM-1 levels, besides to increasing intracellular levels of cGMP in vitro. In addition, the formation of atherosclerotic plaques was reduced to values close to those of animals fed with cholesterol-free diet. CONCLUSIONS: A 4-week n-FBIP treatment reduces the progression of the atherosclerotic disease in New Zealand rabbits. These effects are associated with an attenuation of oxidative and nitrosative stress, affecting IL-1ß, IL-6, sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 levels.