An Investigation of the mechanisms of action for the effects of dietary phytosterols and Saskatoon berries on physiologic cholesterol and glucose metabolism in experimental mice: The crosstalk between gut microbiota and functional foods

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BACKGROUND: Genetics and diets are 2 main contributing factors to physiologic organ function. Some foods offer more benefits than just their nutritional values; these foods are called "functional foods." The term "functional foods" was made in Japan in 1980s. Since then hundreds of functional foods have been produced and marketed worldwide. I have been involved in this area of research since mid 1990s. My research team has contributed to our understanding of how phytosterols (Plant sterols and stanols) impact physiologic cholesterol metabolism and cardiovascular function in experimental mice. Phytosterols are produced by all plants and reduce blood bad cholesterol levels in humans. More recently, we elucidated the mechanisms of the effects of several other foods, including wild rice, Saskatoon berries, and wild watermelon seeds on normal vessel function as well as glucose and cholesterol metabolism in mouse models. My long-term goal is to develop new ways of synthesizing and/or formulating novel nutraceuticals and/or active pharmaceutical ingredients for preserving physiologic cholesterol and glucose metabolism. The following 2 objectives are my short-term objectives for the next 5 years: OBJECTIVE 1: To establish a new mechanism of action for the effects of phytosterols on physiologic cholesterol metabolism and normal vascular function in mouse models. OBJECTIVE 2: To establish how Saskatoon berries affect physiologic glucose metabolism in experimental mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Both male and female mouse models of cholesterol and glucose metabolism will be used. The mice will be fed with appropriate experimental diets supplemented with or without phytosterols or Saskatoon berries over 12-24 weeks. SIGNIFICANCE: The proposed studies are in line with NSERC's mandates, because they are designed to elucidate the mechanisms of action for the effects of functional foods on physiologic cholesterol and glucose metabolism in healthy state. The proposed studies will produce data that will shed light on understanding how dietary agents preserve the integrity of biological systems. Our data will provide new directions for development of novel nutraceuticals and/or active pharmaceutical ingredients, leading to filing patent application(s). This endorses a positive impact on the Canadian Agriculture, Health and Economy sectors. These studies allow training of several graduate and undergraduate students. The students will gain knowledge of how functional foods can impact physiologic organ function, thereby, can contribute to future research and development in this field. These trainees will have access to the state-of-the-art equipment and expertise in our multidisciplinary facilities available in the Departments of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, Medical Microbiology and Chemistry at the University of Manitoba as well as St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre.