Epigenetic active phytoceuticals activate immune relevant miRNAs important in virus response systems | Functional Foods in Health and Disease - Online ISSN: 2160-3855; Print ISSN: 2378-7007 Skip to main content Skip to main navigation menu Skip to site footer Open Menu Functional Foods in Health and Disease - Online ISSN: 2160-3855; Print ISSN: 2378-7007 Home Food Science Publisher Functional Food Center Current Archives About About the Journal Aims and Scope Contact Editing Services Editorial Team Express Peer Review Graphical Abstract Journal Insights Privacy Statement Submissions Announcements Search Search Register Login Home / Archives / Vol. 12 No. 8 (2022): August 2022 / Research Articles Epigenetic active phytoceuticals activate immune relevant miRNAs important in virus response systems Authors Berit Hippe HealthBioCare GmbH, Vienna, Austria, 2 Department of Nutritional Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria Ulrike Krammer HealthBioCare GmbH, Vienna, Austria, 2 Department of Nutritional Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria Franziska Modder Department of Nutritional Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria Anna Mayer Department of Nutritional Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria Sandra Speich DTMD University, Luxembourg, day clinic for prevention and regeneration, Muinic, Germany Urs Gruber DTMD University, Luxembourg, day clinic for prevention and regeneration, Muinic, Germany Ursula Jacob DTMD University, Luxembourg, day clinic for prevention and regeneration, Muinic, Germany Alexander Haslberger HealthBioCare GmbH, Vienna, Austria, Department of Nutritional Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria DOI: https://doi.org/10.31989/ffhd.v12i8.950 Abstract Background: Viruses significantly affect global health. The few available viricidal and antiviral therapies are expensive and often associated with unwanted side effects. Functional foods as plant extracts (nutraceuticals) are epigenetically active, and multi-target antiviral compounds that affect several steps of the viral life cycle and host proteins. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) post-transcriptionally regulate host and viral gene expression and are responsible for the fine-tuning of gene expression by controlling the expression of their target messenger RNAs (mRNA) in host cells and viruses. Several plant ingredients have been proven to be active against RNA virus infections. Obviously, miRNAs play a central role in the regulation of gene transcription in viral replication and host immune defense. A healthy diet and nutraceuticals can support the fine-tuning of miRNAs.  Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of epigenetic active phytoceuticals and/or functional foods on immune relevant miRNAs and mRNAs in a healthy human study population.  Methods: In a 2-month human intervention study (n=80), a mix of plant extracts (sage extract, green tea extract, berberine, apple extract, onion extract, elderberry extract, and grape skin extract) with proven activity against RNA viruses were examined for the change of miRNA and mRNA patterns involved in virus response systems. Lifestyle and nutritional behavior, including self-reported stress levels, as well as infection frequency as potential cofounders have been raised.   Results: The intervention with secondary plant extracts could modulate the expression of miRNAs involved in the virus defense (miR-30e, miR-877, miR-150) and the expression of NF-κB. The intervention also increased miRNA expression patterns associated with a positive lifestyle. The intervention adapted miRNAs that correlate with an increased risk of infection, smoking, stress, and processed meat products. Conclusion: Plant extracts can enhance the beneficial effects of a healthy nutrition and lifestyle by modulating miRNAs. MiRNAs are promising drug targets for maintaining immune homeostasis. Keywords: antiviral, epigenetic active nutraceutical, miRNA, secondary plant extracts, virus response, plant ingredients, functional foods  Downloads {Abstract} {Full Article} Published 2022-08-04 Issue Vol. 12 No. 8 (2022): August 2022 Section Research Articles License Authors retain the copyright of their articles and grant the Functional Food Center (FFC) and its journals the right of first publication under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. 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