Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of sugarcane dietary fibre (#117)
Chronic inflammation involves the dysregulation in the synthesis of pro-inflammatory mediators which are associated with several diseases including autoimmune diseases, diabetes, cancer, etc. Some natural plant products are known to possess anti-inflammatory properties based on their high content of phytochemicals. In this study, we demonstrate that sugarcane dietary fibre (SCF) is a potent source of phytochemicals presenting more than two-fold polyphenols, flavonoids and antioxidants compared with raisins and cranberry juice. In vitro studies performed in a cellular model of intestinal inflammation using LPS-stimulated SW480 and HepG2 cells show that extracts from SCF supresses the phosphorylation of transcription factor NF-kB, and the protein kinase Akt as has been shown for the well-known polyphenol, resveratrol. Mass spectrometry based phosphoproteomic analysis is being used to uncover other modes of action to explain the anti-inflammatory events associated with SCF extracts. Preliminary data shows profound changes in the phosphorylation of proteins involved in the inflammatory response. Our findings suggest that sugarcane fibre is a valuable source of antioxidants with potential to impart health benefits associated with inflammatory-related conditions.