Role of “mate tea” extracts modulating DNA methylation: in vitro studies for future significances for human health

It is known that a healthy and balanced diet is essential for maintaining a state of good health of the individual, and that the onset of many diseases is related to inadequate nutrition. Many small molecules contained in foods (Food Small Molecules, SFMs) have the ability to influence the functioning of many cellular metabolic pathways. The term nutrigenomics, in fact, refers to an emerging branch of genetics and biochemistry which has the aim of identifying how the nutrients can determine the innate risk of developing diseases (diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and some cancers). In addition, with the help of epigenetics, it is possible to further understand how the SFMs act on DN…