Scientists discovered: a common beverage reduces inflammation in the body

Compounds found in coffee may influence the cellular receptor NR4A1, which is responsible for regulating inflammatory processes and the body's stress response. This is the conclusion reached by researchers from Texas A&M University. The results of their work have been published in the scientific journal Nutrients.

As reported by TUT.AZ with reference to the study, epidemiological observations had previously indicated that regular coffee consumption is associated with reduced mortality and a decreased risk of age-related diseases. However, the specific molecular mechanisms behind these beneficial effects had long remained a mystery. The new research provides, for the first time, an understanding of exactly how individual components of the beverage can affect processes within cells.

In the course of their work, the scientists studied in detail how coffee and its key biologically active compounds interact with the NR4A1 receptor. This protein plays an important role in regulating the activity of genes that control cellular stress and inflammatory responses.

The researchers analyzed several substances characteristic of coffee beans: caffeic, ferulic, chlorogenic, and para-coumaric acids, as well as kahweol and cafestol. Experiments demonstrated that these compounds are capable of binding to the NR4A1 receptor and altering the activity of cellular processes under its control.

Notably, different coffee components affect the receptor in different ways. The main polyphenols showed pronounced interaction with NR4A1, whereas caffeine and quinic acid exhibited noticeably weaker and less stable activity.