Effect of dietary polyphenols on fructose uptake by human intestinal epithelial (Caco-2) cells

Intake of high-fructose products is associated with metabolic syndrome development. We investigated if dietary polyphenols can interfere with fructose absorption by the human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cell line. Acutely, several polyphenols induced a significant decrease (15-20%) in C-14-fructose uptake. Chronically, C-14-fructose uptake was also affected by polyphenols; quercetin, chrysin and apigenin (100 mu M) were the most effective (+/- 25% decrease). These compounds (100 mu M) appear to interfere with both GLUT2 and GLUTS activity; accordingly, they caused a very marked decrease in the mRNA expression levels of GLUT2 (congruent to 90%) and GLUT5 (congruent to 75%). The effect of these compounds on C-14-fructose uptake does not involve interference with PKC, PICA, Pl3K and p38 MAPK intracellular signaling pathways. Quercetin, apigenin and chrysin might decrease the intestinal absorption of fructose. Further studies are needed to test for their beneficial effects on metabolic syndrome. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.