Title:Protocatechuic Acid and Human Disease Prevention: Biological Activities and Molecular Mechanisms
Volume: 19
Issue: 18
Author(s): R. Masella, C. Santangelo, M. D’Archivio, G. LiVolti, C. Giovannini and F. Galvano
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Antioxidants, apoptosis, atherosclerosis, bioavailability, cancer, inflammation, phenolic acids, polyphenols, protocatechuic acid, signaling pathways, type 2 diabetes
Abstract: Epidemiological evidence has shown that a high dietary intake of vegetables and fruit rich in polyphenols is associated with a
reduction of cancer incidence and mortality from coronary heart disease. The healthy effects associated with polyphenol consumption
have made the study of the mechanisms of action a matter of great importance. In particular, the hydroxybenzoic acid protocatechuic acid
(PCA) has been eliciting a growing interest for several reasons. Firstly, PCA is one of the main metabolites of complex polyphenols such
as anthocyanins and procyanidins that are normally found at high concentrations in vegetables and fruit, and are absorbed by animals and
humans. Since the daily intake of anthocyanins has been estimated to be much higher than that of other polyphenols, the nutritional value
of PCA is increasingly recognized. Secondly, a growing body of evidence supports the concept that PCA can exert a variety of biological
effects by acting on different molecular targets. It has been shown that PCA possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory as well as antihyperglycemic
and neuroprotective activities. Furthermore, PCA seems to have chemopreventive potential because it inhibits the in vitro
chemical carcinogenesis and exerts pro-apoptotic and anti-proliferative effects in different tissues. This review is aimed at providing an
up-dated and comprehensive report on PCA giving a special emphasis on its biological activities and the molecular mechanisms of action
most likely responsible for a beneficial role in human disease prevention.
