CDL for Bioactive Aroma Compounds

The first Austrian obesity report published in 2006 showed that 50 % of male and 33 % of female Austrians are overweight. Additionally, more than 15 % of school-aged children are overweight or obese. Obesity is associated with numerous metabolic diseases and a higher mortality. Risk factors for obesity are overeating and an inactive lifestyle. Therefore, available products should be optimized to reduce the energy intake by increasing the satiety signals. Satiety is regulated by neural, hormonal and metabolic signals from oral and nasal cavity, gastrointestinal tract, blood and tissues, which are released in response to food intake and digestion as well as nutrient and metabolic status and transmitted to the CNS.

In the CDL for Bioactive Aroma Compounds, we are screening aroma compounds for their ability to influence serotonin release from neural cells (SH-SY5Y) and for their effects on gene expression by cDNA microarray. After validating the effects in further in vitro experiments (Caco-2 cells, 3T3-L1 adipocytes), the bioactive compounds will be tested in a human intervention trial. Furthermore, the mechanism of action will be evaluated in vitro. Finally, a proof-of-concept study will lead to the development of satiating products.