O-20: Role of a polyphenol-rich dietary pattern in the modulation of Intestinal Permeability and related markers in older subjects

摘要

Introduction: Gut barrier dysfunction may be related to age-related inflammation and metabolic features. A higher intestinal permeability (IP) in older subjects could favour the translocation of pro-inflammatory bacterial factors into the blood stream and activate the immune system. The MaPLE project (Microbiome mAnipulation through Polyphenols for managing gut Leakiness in the Elderly) aims to evaluate whether a polyphenol rich dietary pattern can modulate IP, promoting an overall protective metabolic phenotype in older subjects. Methods: A randomised, controlled, cross-over dietary intervention study (8-weeks, polyphenol-rich versus control diet, separated by a wash-out period) has been carried out in older subjects living in a well-controlled setting, i.e. a nursing home. Three portion per day of selected polyphenol-rich products were consumed and markers related to IP, inflammation, gut microbial ecosystem and metabolomics have been evaluated. Results: Subjects completed successfully the dietary intervention and increased the intake of polyphenols demonstrating a good compliance with dietary instructions. At baseline, an increased IP evaluated by means of zonulin serum level, a protein involved in tight junction modulation, was observed. The intervention reduced significantly zonulin levels while the other related markers are under elaboration. Key conclusions: Polyphenol-rich products seem to be easily consumed in the older subjects and may contribute to the reduction of markers associated to IP, e.g. zonulin. The measurement of the other markers will enable a better comprehension of the role of a polyphenol-rich dietary pattern in the modulation of IP and related conditions.