Beneficial effects of tropical fruit-derived polyphenols against lipid-mediated stress in vitro.

Fatty liver formation is a consequence of hyperlipidemia, associated with an imbalance between lipid uptake and its metabolism. Persistent lipid load in the liver cells results in lipid-mediated toxicity or lipotoxicity which leads to the pathogenesis of several metabolic diseases. Recent studies suggest that activation of autophagic pathway might be useful to remove excess hepatic fat. Dietary polyphenols present in fresh fruits and vegetables are able to induce autophagy apart from their well-known anti-oxidative property. Our preliminary observation suggests that fruit-derived polyphenols might be effective to prevent hepatic fat accumulation by inducing autophagy. Total phenolic contents from dragon fruit and mangosteen have been used to address the beneficial properties of these two tropical fruits. Results showed that these polyphenols protect cells against lipotoxicity and oxidative stress. Expression levels of several key genes that are involved in lipid metabolism and energy expenditure were upregulated in presence of these polyphenols. This preliminary study suggests that the underutilized tropical fruits might be useful to develop functional foods, especially those containing beneficial phenolics.