EXPLORER proposes the development of a human intervention study to
evaluate the effect of ellagitannin-rich pomegranate supplements in the
metabolic and β-cells functional markers, IAPP aggregation risk, urolithin B
(UroB) circulating levels, and microbiota status in individuals with pre-diabetes
to test the hypothesis that UroB is the bioactive molecule improving metabolic
health via mitigation of IAPP cytotoxicity. Given the poor UroB bioavailability
and scarcity of information on its tissue distribution, an innovative
nanotechnology solution, followed by the required safety studies, is proposed to
ensure the proper delivery of the molecule to β-cells in the pancreatic tissue.
With this experimental design, the team expects to overcome the limitations
associated with the low circulating concentrations of UroB provided by the diet.
A powerful Science Communication plan was designed to efficiently
disseminate the findings for stakeholders at the community, academia, and
industry levels, to improve literacy about diabetes and mainly its prevention.
