Introduction Adipose Tissue Biology Modified lignin as a potential new food supplement with antioxidant effects

Modified lignin as a potential new food supplement with antioxidant effects

This project focuses on biological activity of modified lignin, which can be isolated from a by-product of paper and cellulose production. Modified lignin could apply to biomedicine as a food supplement with antioxidant effect, which could protect organism against negative environmental factors and diseases of affluence.

Effects of lignin will be characterized

in vitro by testing cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, antioxidant effects, and occurrence of DNA modifications, as well as
in vivo using an animal experimental model of diet-induced obesity and metabolic syndrome to reveal potential protective effects on tissue damage, low-grade chronic inflammation, and oxidative stress. Furthermore, we will characterize effects of lignin on lipid and glucose homeostasis by quantification of appropriate metabolites levels in plasma.

This project is based on a unique cooperation of commercial company VIDIA Inc. (Vestec), which focuses on a development of diagnostics in human medicine and environment, and the Department of Adipose Tissue Biology at the Institute of Physiology, ASCR. The results should help to introduce new nutritional supplements to protect humans against diseases of affluence, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Supported by TA CR (TA03010581; 2013-2015, PI: Ing. Michaela Poláková, VIDIA Inc.; collaborator: Martin Rossmeisl, MD, PhD, Institute of Physiology, ASCR.