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Dr. Andrew Neilson, NC State University

September 19, 2022 @ 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Characterizing the human translational potential of EGCG from green tea for obesity prevention: a proof-of-concept study in a genetically diverse Diversity Outbred mouse cohort

Dr. Andrew Neilson, Associate Professor, Department of Food, Bioprocessing & Nutrition Science and Plants for Human Health Institute at NC State

Website | aneilso@ncsu.edu

Abstract

The CDC estimates that >42% of US adults are obese. Obesity burdens society with reduced economic productivity, elevated healthcare costs, and increased risk for other diseases. Complementary strategies such as dietary interventions are needed to combat this epidemic. Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world (behind water). Green tea (GT) is rich in flavonoids, including (−)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Extensive preclinical research from a few inbred strains (C57BL/6J, etc.) consistently demonstrates strong anti-obesity and anti-hyperglycemia activities of EGCG. However, results from GT and EGCG clinical trials indicate weak, variable effects. It is not known whether reported effects of EGCG in mice are artifacts from use of a few inbred strains, or if they are observable across many strains. As a result, it is unknown whether EGCG as the potential to benefit a large % of genetically diverse obese individuals. Mechanistically, it is also unknown which genetic loci and/or genes are associated with efficacy of EGCG in mice and humans. Lack of genetic diversity in preclinical models has been proposed as a source of poor translational success, but this concept is still “under the radar” in this field and to date little research has been done to test this hypothesis. Despite extensive gene × environment (G×E) studies in other fields, few studies have assessed the influence of genetics on flavonoid bioactivity in mouse models. Genetic diversity models, including Collaborative Cross (CC) and Diversity Outbred (DO), represent a potential tool to answer these fundamental questions. DO mice model metabolic disease and diet-induced obesity can be studied in a G×E model. Our long-term goal is to use precision nutrition approaches to develop effective interventions to prevent and ameliorate obesity in humans. We currently utilize DO mice to develop preliminary “proof-of-concept” data regarding the impact of background genetics on the anti-obesity activities of EGCG. We hypothesize that DO mice with will exhibit significant variability in the anti-obesity activities of EGCG.


The GGA Seminar Series is held In-Person and on Zoom: https://ncsu.zoom.us/j/99920963547?pwd=alRnK21UMDVHRVgxT2tWa3JoK1pPdz09

Details

Date:
September 19, 2022
Time:
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Event Category:

Venue

Stephens Room, 3503 Thomas Hall OR Zoom
112 Derieux Place
Raleigh, NC 27607 United States
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