Description:
Present State of the Art:
Each year, autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases affect millions of people worldwide; and the incidence rates are trending upward. Accepted clinical interventions include, NSAIDS, steroids, genetic alteration of inflammatory molecule receptors and therapeutic antibodies; but presently, there are no effective cures. Toxicity and cost are a significant downside of these protocols. Green Tea Polyphenols (GTPs) have been shown to be anti-apoptotic and inhibit inflammation. Additionally, clinical trial data suggests that constant consumption of polyphenols is protective against cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.
Problem with the Current Art:
Standard autoimmune and inflammatory disease therapies can be toxic and immunosuppressive.
Advantage of Present Art:
Augusta University researcher’s novel finding that the most abundant GTPs potently inhibit autoantigen expression in keratinocytes and salivary gland cells portends a more cost effective and less toxic alternative for addressing the symptoms of autoimmunity and inflammation. Dietary supplementation of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) could safely and inexpensively address the autoantibody production, inflammation and apoptosis in affected tissues associated with these conditions.