Recipient Organization
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE
2621 MORGAN CIR
KNOXVILLE,TN 37996-4540
Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
Pharmacological approaches to combat the global epidemic of obesity have met with limited success despite intensive investments in their development. Polyphenols are a diverse class of phytochemicals, naturally occur in plant foods that interact with numerous pathways regulating cellular metabolism. This project integrates research and education to address obesity prevention by developing new mechanistic knowledge about how dietary polyphenols influence growth and metabolism of adipose tissue in ways that may help to prevent obesity. We will test the hypothesis that increasing polyphenol-rich foods (PPF) intake increases cellular energy expenditure in ways that are meaningful for the prevention of obesity. The research component will initially focus on characterizing the synergistic effects of PPF on adipogenesis and metabolism in an experimental human obesity model, emphasizing the underlying molecular mechanisms. Concurrently, we will use the research framework conducted herein to develop an innovative educational curriculum aimed at equipping students with the necessary training and skills to (1) identify polyphenol-rich plant foods, (2) compare the risk-benefit profiles of whole foods versus isolated polyphenols, and (3) critically evaluate the scientific evidence supporting the role of polyphenols and PPFs in obesity and related comorbidities. We anticipate that the research findings from this proposal will redefine obesity treatment strategies and provide novel insights into developing more efficient, affordable, natural, and sustainable approaches with long-term clinical significance. The educational component, will provide students with fundamental knowledge of evidence-based guidelines, the role of research in informing these guidelines, the guideline development process, and how to locate relevant guidelines.
Animal Health Component
0%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
100%
Applied
0%
Developmental
0%
Goals / Objectives
Pharmacological approaches to combat the global epidemic of obesity have met with limited success despite intensive investments in their development. Polyphenols are a diverse class of phytochemicals, naturally occur in plant foods that interact with numerous pathways regulating cellular metabolism. This project integrates research and education to address obesity prevention by developing new mechanistic knowledge about how dietary polyphenols influence growth and metabolism of adipose tissue in ways that may help to prevent obesity. We will test the hypothesis that increasing polyphenol-rich foods (PPF) intake increases cellular energy expenditure in ways that are meaningful for the prevention of obesity. The research component will initially focus on characterizing the synergistic effects of PPF on adipogenesis and metabolism in an experimental human obesity model, emphasizing the underlying molecular mechanisms. Concurrently, we will use the research framework conducted herein to develop an innovative educational curriculum aimed at equipping students with the necessary training and skills to (1) identify polyphenol-rich plant foods, (2) compare the risk-benefit profiles of whole foods versus isolated polyphenols, and (3) critically evaluate the scientific evidence supporting the role of polyphenols and PPFs in obesity and related comorbidities. We anticipate that the research findings from this proposal will redefine obesity treatment strategies and provide novel insights into developing more efficient, affordable, natural, and sustainable approaches with long-term clinical significance. The educational component, will provide students with fundamental knowledge of evidence-based guidelines, the role of research in informing these guidelines, the guideline development process, and how to locate relevant guidelines.
Project Methods
Methods :1. Scientific Research Methods:Cell and Animal Models: Human fat cells and animal models of obesity will be used to investigate how combinations of low-dose polyphenol-rich plant extracts affect fat cell development, metabolism, and energy usage.Molecular Mechanisms: The research focuses on how polyphenols activate key metabolic pathways--particularly AMPK (AMP-Activated Protein Kinase)--to promote fat-burning and browning of white fat tissue. The role of purine metabolism and the metabolite ZMP in AMPK activation will also be studied using various biochemical and molecular biology assay kits. Here, key biomarkers related to fat metabolism, energy expenditure, and inflammation will be measured to evaluate the effects of polyphenols at the cellular level.Compound Screening: A broad range of polyphenol-rich compounds will be screened to identify those with the greatest effects on energy metabolism and fat reduction.2. Educational and Training Methods:2.1. Curriculum Development:A new interdisciplinary curriculum will be created for students in nutrition and food science. This will focus on:2.1.1. Identifying and evaluating polyphenol-rich foods2.1.2. Understanding their role in chronic disease prevention2.1.3. Translating scientific evidence into dietary guidelines and food products?2.2. Workforce Training: Students will be trained to bridge research and real-world application, preparing them for careers in nutrition science, public health, and functional food development.