SAN CLEMENTE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Metagenics, Inc., a nutrigenomics and lifestyle medicine company focused on improving health and reversing chronic illness, today announced that three separate studies show that a novel phytonutrient reduces inflammation, the root cause of many chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, obesity and intestinal hyperpermeability, or “leaky gut.” These groundbreaking studies have been accepted for publication in the journals Nutrition, PLoS ONE and Atherosclerosis.
Research scientists discovered that the compound THIAA (tetrahydro iso-alpha acids) derived from hops was effective in inhibiting the early stages of atherosclerosis in two cell models. In studies with mice on a high-fat diet, THIAA was also shown to prevent weight gain and reduce intestinal hyperpermeability. Studies indicate this phytonutrient acts as a selective kinase response modulator (SKRM) to assist in resolving inflammation-induced illnesses related to weight, heart and gut health.
“These significant findings demonstrate a milestone in effectively impacting inflammation and its implications on chronic diseases,” said Jeffrey Bland, Ph.D., chief science officer for Metagenics and a pioneer in nutrigenomics and lifestyle medicine for Metagenics. “The therapeutic approach of nutrigenomics presents a novel, viable solution for treating chronic illnesses in patients that was previously not understood.”
The studies concluded:
- The animal study conducted by Dr. Voshol at Cambridge University in the U.K. and Dr. Vroegrijk at Leiden University in The Netherlands, “META060 Protects Against Diet-induced Obesity and Insulin Resistance in a High-fat Diet Fed Mouse,” soon to be published in Nutrition found that mice on a high-fat diet and THIAA for 14 weeks had a significantly lower body weight than mice fed on a high-fat diet-alone. Additionally, increased metabolic flexibility was observed and glucose tolerance was improved.
- The animal study conducted by the Université catholique de Louvain in Belgium and authored by Drs. Everard, Cani and colleagues,“Tetrahydro Iso-alpha Acids from Hops Improve Glucose Homeostasis and Reduce Body Weight Gain and Metabolic Endotoxemia in High-fat Diet-fed Mice,” recently published in PLoS ONE (2012) indicated that THIAA reduced body weight gain, the development of fat mass, glucose intolerance, and fasted hyperinsulinemia, and normalized insulin sensitivity markers in mice. THIAA was also associated with reduced gut permeability and endotoxemia.
- The cell model study conducted by Metagenics and authored by Dr. Desai and colleagues,“META060 Attenuates TNFα-activated Inflammation, Endothelial-monocyte Interactions, and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Expression, and Inhibits NFκB and AP1 in THP-1 monocytes,” soon to be published in Atherosclerosis demonstrated that THIAA inhibited monocyte-endothelial cell interactions and suppressed multiple biomarkers of inflammation in both cell lines. The study concluded that THIAA may have beneficial effects for prevention or treatment of early cardiovascular diseases by reducing inflammation and plaque destabilization.
“This suggests that THIAA may be useful in preventing the early stages of inflammation which is the cause of many chronic diseases,” said Dr. Bland.
Dr. Bland’s leadership was instrumental in this research, as he continues to play a significant role in developing proprietary, innovative technologies. The global Metagenics research and development (R&D) team advances the company’s products with the support of other leading scientists, including Matthew Tripp Ph.D., vice president of R&D, and Deanna Minich, Ph.D., FACN, CNS, vice president of scientific affairs.
Metagenics’ global scientific staff has published more than 80 articles in peer-reviewed journals and has been awarded 78 international or domestic patents. The company's R&D team consists of more than 40 scientific professionals throughout the world, headquartered in Gig Harbor, WA, with operating subsidiaries in Brussels, Belgium and Brisbane, Australia.
About Metagenics, Inc.
Metagenics, Inc. (www.metagenics.com) is a nutrigenomics and lifestyle medicine company focused on improving health and reversing chronic illness. Founded in 1983, Metagenics serves more than 75,000 healthcare providers worldwide through premium quality, science-based medical foods, nutritional formulas, and lifestyle therapy programs to help their patients achieve a lifetime of good health. Metagenics’ scientific staff—among the largest in the nutrigenomics industry—has published more than 80 articles in peer-reviewed journals and has been awarded 78 international or domestic patents. The company’s educational arm, Metagenics University, collaborates with renowned medical experts to annually deliver more than 200 events designed to help healthcare professionals stay on the leading edge of lifestyle medicine and incorporate nutrition into their clinical practice.
Metagenics maintains its corporate headquarters in San Clemente, CA; R&D headquarters in Gig Harbor, WA; and operating subsidiaries in Brussels, Belgium and Brisbane, Australia.