Elucidating the mechanisms of action of dietary anthocyanins in women’s cardiovascular system by in silico, in vitro and in vivo studies

Dr Ana Rodriguez-Mateos (primary)
Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine
King's College London
Prof. Carla Molteni (secondary)
Department of Physics
King's College London

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is less common in premenopausal women, suggesting vascular benefits of estrogen. Clinical studies have highlighted that a diet rich in anthocyanins, phytochemicals present in berries and red wine, can improve vascular function in women. The chemical structure of anthocyanins is similar to estrogen and they may therefore interact with estrogen receptors. We will explore whether and how selected phenolic metabolites, in which the ingested anthocyanins are transformed after consumption, interact with estrogen receptors, through in silico computer simulations to elucidate the mechanisms of action at the molecular level, in vitro and in vivo studies.


References

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BBSRC Area
Animal disease, health and welfare
Area of Biology
Chemical Biology
Techniques & Approaches
BiochemistryChemistryImage ProcessingSimulation / Modelling