Quercetin uptake and metabolism by murine peritoneal macrophages in vitro

C.-J. Liu
Y.-R. Liao
J.-Y. Lin

Abstract

Quercetin (Q), a bioflavonoid ubiquitously distributed in vegetables, fruits, leaves, and grains, can be absorbed, transported, and excreted after oral intake. However, little is known about Q uptake and metabolism by macrophages. To clarify the puzzle, Q at its noncytotoxic concentration (44μM) was incubated without or with mouse peritoneal macrophages for different time periods. Medium alone, extracellular, and intracellular fluids of macrophages were collected to detect changes in Q and its possible metabolites using high-performance liquid chromatography. The results showed that Q was unstable and easily oxidized in either the absence or the presence of macrophages. The remaining Q and its metabolites, including isorhamnetin and an unknown Q metabolite [possibly Q- (O-semiquinone)], might be absorbed by macrophages. The percentage of maximal Q uptake by macrophages was found to be 2.28% immediately after incubation; however, Q uptake might persist for about 24 hours. Q uptake by macrophages was greater than the uptake of its methylated derivative isorhamnetin. As Q or its metabolites entered macrophages, those compounds were metabolized primarily into isorhamnetin, kaempferol, or unknown endogenous Q metabolites. The present study, which aimed to clarify cellular uptake and metabolism of Q by macrophages, may have great potential for future practical applications for human health and immunopharmacology. © 2015, Food and Drug Administration, Taiwan. Published by Elsevier Taiwan LLC.

ScienceDirect Link

10.1016/j.jfda.2014.06.011

Recommended Citation

Liu, C.-J.; Liao, Y.-R.; and Lin, J.-Y. (2015) "Quercetin uptake and metabolism by murine peritoneal macrophages in vitro," Journal of Food and Drug Analysis: Vol. 23 : Iss. 4 , Article 24.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfda.2014.06.011