Phloridzin improves absorption of genistin in isolated rat small intestine.
OBJECTIVE
Cancer-protective effects of isoflavones like genistin or genistein are well known. High intakes and an adequate absorption rate of isoflavones are necessary for efficient chemoprevention, though other dietary agents might increase absorption efficacy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of phloridzin, an inhibitor of the sodium-dependent glucose transporter (SGLT1), on genistin absorption and metabolism.


METHODS
Phloridzin and genistin were luminally administered in an isolated preparation of luminally and vascularly perfused rat small intestine. A synthetic perfusate free from blood components was used as vascular medium, with a perfluorocarbon as oxygen carrier. Luminal media consisted of a bicarbonate buffered sodium chloride solution spiked with genistin (24.5 micromol/l) and phloridzin (1 mmol/l).


RESULTS
In previous experiments, genistin absorption rate of 17.2% has been observed. In the present study, phloridzin administered simultaneously with genistin, increased genistin uptake 2.5 fold (44.5%).


CONCLUSIONS
The naturally occurring substance phloridzin, present in apples, thus considerably amplify genistin absorption. These effects might offer a promising novel method in designing functional foods for cancer prevention by combining genistin- and phloridzin-containing foods.
Andlauer
Wilfried
W
Haute Ecole Valaisanne, Route du Rawyl 47, CH-1950 Sion 2, Switzerland. anw@hevs.ch
Kolb
Jochen
J
Fürst
Peter
P
D000818:Animals; D058870:Food, Organic; D007408:Intestinal Absorption / Q000187:drug effects; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000378:metabolism*; D007529:Isoflavones / Q000378:metabolism / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control; D010695:Phlorhizin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley
D007529:Isoflavones; C040641:genistin; D010695:Phlorhizin