Flavonoid-membrane Interactions: A Protective Role of Flavonoids at the Membrane Surface?
Flavonoids can exert beneficial health effects through multiple mechanisms. In this paper, we address the important, although not fully understood, capacity of flavonoids to interact with cell membranes. The interactions of polyphenols with bilayers include: (a...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Hindawi Limited
2005-01-01
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| Series: | Clinical and Developmental Immunology |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10446670410001722168 |
| Summary: | Flavonoids can exert beneficial health effects through multiple mechanisms. In
this paper, we address the important, although not fully understood, capacity of
flavonoids to interact with cell membranes. The interactions of polyphenols with
bilayers include: (a) the partition of the more non-polar compounds in the
hydrophobic interior of the membrane, and (b) the formation of hydrogen bonds
between the polar head groups of lipids and the more hydrophilic flavonoids at the
membrane interface. The consequences of these interactions are discussed. The
induction of changes in membrane physical properties can affect the rates of
membrane lipid and protein oxidation. The partition of certain flavonoids in the
hydrophobic core can result in a chain breaking antioxidant activity. We suggest
that interactions of polyphenols at the surface of bilayers through hydrogen
bonding, can act to reduce the access of deleterious
molecules (i.e. oxidants), thus protecting the structure and function of membranes. |
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| ISSN: | 1740-2522 1740-2530 |