Chronic dietary intake of plant-derived anthocyanins protects the rat heart against ischemia-reperfusion injury

Cellular apoptosis and cardiac dysfunction in STZ-induced diabetic rats attenuated by anthocyanins via activation of IGFI-R/PI3K/Akt survival signaling

Anthocyanins are known cyto-protective agents against various stress conditions. In this study cardio-protective effect of anthocyanins from black rice against diabetic mellitus (DM) was evaluated using a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DM rat model. Five-week-old male Wistar rats were administered with STZ (55 mg kg^-1 , IP) to induce DM; rats in the treatment group received 250 mg oral anthocyanin/kg/day during the 4-week treatment period. DM and the control rats received normal saline through oral gavage. The results reveal that STZ-induced DM elevates myocardial apoptosis and associated proapoptotic proteins but down-regulates the proteins of IGF1R mediated survival signaling mechanism. Furthermore, the functional parameters such as the ejection-fraction and fraction-shortening in the DM rat hearts declined considerably. However, the rats treated with anthocyanins significantly reduced apoptosis and the associated proapoptotic proteins and further increased the survival signals to restore the cardiac functions in DM rats. Anthocyanin supplementation enhances cardiomyocyte survival and restores cardiac function.

Medicine is not health care, food is health care: plant metabolic engineering, diet and human health

Contents 699 I. 699 II. 700 III. 700 IV. 706 V. 707 VI. 714 714 References 714 SUMMARY: Plants make substantial contributions to our health through our diets, providing macronutrients for energy and growth as well as essential vitamins and phytonutrients that protect us from chronic diseases. Imbalances in our food can lead to deficiency diseases or obesity and associated metabolic disorders, increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Nutritional security is now a global challenge which can be addressed, at least in part, through plant metabolic engineering for nutritional improvement of foods that are accessible to and eaten by many. We review the progress that has been made in nutritional enhancement of foods, both improvements through breeding and through biotechnology and the engineering principles on which increased phytonutrient levels are based. We also consider the evidence, where available, that such foods do enhance health and protect against chronic diseases.

Dietary Anthocyanins and Insulin Resistance: When Food Becomes a Medicine

Insulin resistance is an abnormal physiological state that occurs when insulin from pancreatic β-cells is unable to trigger a signal transduction pathway in target organs such as the liver, muscles and adipose tissues. The loss of insulin sensitivity is generally associated with persistent hyperglycemia (diabetes), hyperinsulinemia, fatty acids and/or lipid dysregulation which are often prevalent under obesity conditions. Hence, insulin sensitizers are one class of drugs currently employed to treat diabetes and associated metabolic disorders. A number of natural products that act through multiple mechanisms have also been identified to enhance insulin sensitivity in target organs. One group of such compounds that gained interest in recent years are the dietary anthocyanins. Data from their in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies are scrutinized in this communication to show their potential health benefit through ameliorating insulin resistance. Specific mechanism of action ranging from targeting specific signal transduction receptors/enzymes to the general antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of insulin resistance are presented.

Anthocyanidins and anthocyanins: colored pigments as food, pharmaceutical ingredients, and the potential health benefits

Anthocyanins are colored water-soluble pigments belonging to the phenolic group. The pigments are in glycosylated forms. Anthocyanins responsible for the colors, red, purple, and blue, are in fruits and vegetables. Berries, currants, grapes, and some tropical fruits have high anthocyanins content. Red to purplish blue-colored leafy vegetables, grains, roots, and tubers are the edible vegetables that contain a high level of anthocyanins. Among the anthocyanin pigments, cyanidin-3-glucoside is the major anthocyanin found in most of the plants. The colored anthocyanin pigments have been traditionally used as a natural food colorant. The color and stability of these pigments are influenced by pH, light, temperature, and structure. In acidic condition, anthocyanins appear as red but turn blue when the pH increases. Chromatography has been largely applied in extraction, separation, and quantification of anthocyanins. Besides the use of anthocyanidins and anthocyanins as natural dyes, these colored pigments are potential pharmaceutical ingredients that give various beneficial health effects. Scientific studies, such as cell culture studies, animal models, and human clinical trials, show that anthocyanidins and anthocyanins possess antioxidative and antimicrobial activities, improve visual and neurological health, and protect against various non-communicable diseases. These studies confer the health effects of anthocyanidins and anthocyanins, which are due to their potent antioxidant properties. Different mechanisms and pathways are involved in the protective effects, including free-radical scavenging pathway, cyclooxygenase pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, and inflammatory cytokines signaling. Therefore, this review focuses on the role of anthocyanidins and anthocyanins as natural food colorants and their nutraceutical properties for health. Abbreviations: CVD: Cardiovascular disease VEGF: Vascular endothelial growth factor.

Effects of Vegetables on Cardiovascular Diseases and Related Mechanisms

Epidemiological studies have shown that vegetable consumption is inversely related to the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, research has indicated that many vegetables like potatoes, soybeans, sesame, tomatoes, dioscorea, onions, celery, broccoli, lettuce and asparagus showed great potential in preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases, and vitamins, essential elements, dietary fibers, botanic proteins and phytochemicals were bioactive components. The cardioprotective effects of vegetables might involve antioxidation; anti-inflammation; anti-platelet; regulating blood pressure, blood glucose, and lipid profile; attenuating myocardial damage; and modulating relevant enzyme activities, gene expression, and signaling pathways as well as some other biomarkers associated to cardiovascular diseases. In addition, several vegetables and their bioactive components have been proven to protect against cardiovascular diseases in clinical trials. In this review, we analyze and summarize the effects of vegetables on cardiovascular diseases based on epidemiological studies, experimental research, and clinical trials, which are significant to the application of vegetables in prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

The dominant allele Aft induces a shift from flavonol to anthocyanin production in response to UV-B radiation in tomato fruit

The introgression of the A ft allele into domesticated tomato induced a shift from flavonol to anthocyanin production in response to UV-B radiation, while the hp - 1 allele negatively influenced the response of flavonoid biosynthesis to UV-B. Introgression of the dominant allele Anthocyanin fruit (Aft) from Solanum chilense induces anthocyanin accumulation in the peel of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruit. UV-B radiation can influence plant secondary metabolism regulating the expression of several genes, among which those involved in flavonoid biosynthesis. Here, we investigated whether post-harvest UV-B treatment could up-regulate flavonoid production in tomato fruits and whether the Aft allele could affect flavonoid biosynthesis under UV-B radiation. Mature green fruits of an anthocyanin-rich tomato mutant line (SA206) and of its wild-type reference, cv. Roma, were daily subjected to post-harvest UV-B treatment until full ripening. Up-regulation of CHS and CHI transcription by UV-B treatment induced flavonoid accumulation in the peel of cv. Roma. Conversely, UV-B decreased the total flavonoid content and CHS transcript levels in the SA206 peel. SA206 being a double mutant containing also hp-1 allele, we investigated also the behavior of hp-1 fruit. The decreased peel flavonoid accumulation and gene transcription in response to UV-B suggest that hp-1 allele is involved in the marked down-regulation of the flavonoid biosynthesis observed in SA206 fruit. Interestingly, in SA206, UV-B radiation promoted the synthesis of delphinidin, petunidin, and malvidin by increasing F3'5'H and DFR transcription, but it decreased rutin production, suggesting a switch from flavonols to anthocyanins. Finally, although UV-B radiation does not reach the inner fruit tissues, it down-regulated flavonoid biosynthesis in the flesh of both genotypes. This study provides, for the first time, evidence that the presence of the functional Aft allele, under UV-B radiation, redirects flavonoid synthesis towards anthocyanin production and suggests that the hp-1 allele negatively influences the response of flavonoid biosynthesis to UV-B.

Anthocyanins from Black Chokeberry (Aroniamelanocarpa Elliot) Delayed Aging-Related Degenerative Changes of Brain

Aging is the greatest risk factor for most neurodegenerative diseases, which is associated with decreasing cognitive function and significantly affecting life quality in the elderly. Computational analysis suggested that 4 anthocyanins from chokeberry fruit increased Klotho (aging-suppressor) structural stability, so we hypothesized that chokeberry anthocyanins could antiaging. To explore the effects of anthocyanins treatment on brain aging, mice treated with 15 or 30 mg/kg anthocyanins by gavage and injected D-galactose accelerated aging per day. After 8 weeks, cognitive and noncognitive components of behavior were determined. Our studies showed that anthocyanins blocked age-associated cognitive decline and response capacity in senescence accelerated mice. Furthermore, mice treated with anthocyanins-supplemented showed better balance of redox systems (SOD, GSH-PX, and MDA) in all age tests. Three major monoamines were norepinephrine, dopamine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine, and their levels were significantly increased; the levels of inflammatory cytokines (COX2, TGF-β1, and IL-1) transcription and DNA damage were decreased significantly in brains of anthocyanins treated mice compared to aged models. The DNA damage signaling pathway was also regulated with anthocyanins. Our results suggested that anthocyanins was a potential approach for maintaining thinking and memory in aging mice, possibly by regulating the balance of redox system and reducing inflammation accumulation, and the most important factor was inhibiting DNA damage.

Berry anthocyanin intake and cardiovascular health

Over half of all cardiovascular (CV) events could be prevented by improved diet. This is reflected in government targets for fruit/vegetable intake, yet these are variable across the world (UK: 5-a-day; USA: 9-a-day), do not identify specific fruits/vegetables, and prove hard to achieve. Mounting evidence from prospective studies, supported by recent randomised controlled trials suggest that the benefits of fruits/vegetables may be due to bioactive substances called flavonoids. Specifically one sub-class of flavonoids, the anthocyanins, responsible for the red/blue hue, are receiving growing attention. Although promising data is emerging from cohort studies, and cell/animal studies, proof of efficacy from longer-term randomised controlled trials, and an understanding of the importance of differential metabolism in relation to clinical efficacy are distinctly lacking. Diet related ill-health are among the leading priorities of our time and simple dietary change, including incorporating a few portions of anthocyanin-rich fruit into our diet could have a significant impact at a public health level.

Dietary cyanidin 3-glucoside from purple corn ameliorates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in mice

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Anthracyclines are effective anticancer drugs that have improved prognosis of hundred thousand cancer patients worldwide and are currently the most common chemotherapeutic agents used for the treatment of blood, breast, ovarian and lung cancers. However, their use is limited because of a cumulative dose-dependent and irreversible cardiotoxicity that can cause progressive cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure. Aim of the present study was to determine the cardioprotective activity of a dietary source of cyanidin 3-glucoside (C3G), such as purple corn, against doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity in mice.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In vitro studies on murine HL-1 cardiomyocytes showed that pretreatment with both pure C3G and purple corn extract improved survival upon DOX treatment. However, C3G and purple corn extract did not affect the cytotoxic effect of DOX on human cancer cell lines. We then validated in vivo the protective role of a C3G-enriched diet against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by comparing the effect of dietary consumption of corn isogenic lines with high levels of anthocyanins (purple corn - Red diet - RD) or without anthocyanins (yellow corn - Yellow diet - YD) incorporated in standard rodent diets. Results showed that mice fed RD survived longer than mice fed YD upon injection of a toxic amount of DOX. In addition, ultrastructural analysis of hearts from mice fed RD showed reduced histopathological alterations.

CONCLUSION

Dietary intake of C3G from purple corn protects mice against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity.

The effects of anthocyanin-rich wheat diet on the oxidative status and behavior of rats

Aim

To evaluate the effect of food containing anthocyanin-rich wheat on oxidative status and behavior of healthy rats.

Methods

Twenty male rats were divided into the control and anthocyanin group. Oral glucose tolerance test was performed, and proteinuria and creatinine clearance were measured. Behavioral analysis was performed in Phenotyper cages. Serum and tissues were collected to measure the markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant status.

Results

Anthocyanins significantly increased total antioxidant capacity in serum (P = 0.039), decreased advanced oxidation protein products in the kidney (P = 0.002), but increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in the kidney compared to the control group. No significant difference between the groups was found in the markers of oxidative stress in the liver and colon, as well as in renal functions and glucose metabolism. The anthocyanin group spent significantly less time in the spotlight zone of the Phenotyper cages (P = 0.040), indicating higher anxiety-like behavior.

Conclusion

Food containing anthocyanin-rich wheat had positive effects on serum antioxidant status and kidney protein oxidation, but increased lipid peroxidation in the kidney and modified animal behavior related to anxiety. The molecular mechanisms leading to observed effects should be further elucidated.

Luteolinidin Protects the Postischemic Heart through CD38 Inhibition with Preservation of NAD(P)(H)

We recently showed that ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) of the heart causes CD38 activation with resultant depletion of the cardiac NADP(H) pool, which is most marked in the endothelium. This NADP(H) depletion was shown to limit the production of nitric oxide by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), which requires NADPH for nitric oxide production, resulting in greatly altered endothelial function. Therefore, intervention with CD38 inhibitors could reverse postischemic eNOS-mediated endothelial dysfunction. Here, we evaluated the potency of the CD38 inhibitor luteolinidin, an anthocyanidin, at blocking CD38 activity and preserving endothelial and myocardial function in the postischemic heart. Initially, we characterized luteolinidin as a CD38 inhibitor in vitro to determine its potency and mechanism of inhibition. We then tested luteolinidin in the ex vivo isolated heart model, where we determined luteolinidin uptake with aqueous and liposomal delivery methods. Optimal delivery methods were then further tested to determine the effect of luteolinidin on postischemic NAD(P)(H) and tetrahydrobiopterin levels. Finally, through nitric oxide synthase-dependent coronary flow and left ventricular functional measurements, we evaluated the efficacy of luteolinidin to protect vascular and contractile function, respectively, after I/R. With enhanced postischemic preservation of NADPH and tetrahydrobiopterin, there was a dose-dependent effect of luteolinidin on increasing recovery of endothelium-dependent vasodilatory function, as well as enhancing the recovery of left ventricular contractile function with increased myocardial salvage. Thus, luteolinidin is a potent CD38 inhibitor that protects the heart against I/R injury with preservation of eNOS function and prevention of endothelial dysfunction.

Effects of blueberries on migration, invasion, proliferation, the cell cycle and apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of blueberry consumption on the migration, invasion, proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, in order to provide clinical treatment and prevention strategies for liver cancer using anticancer therapeutic agents. Rabbiteye blueberry was prepared as fresh juice and fed to rats at low, moderate and high dosages (25, 50 and 100%, respectively) by daily gastric gavage. Seven days later, the rats were sacrificed and the blood serum was obtained for co-culture with HEPG2 cells. The MTT assay was used for detecting cell proliferation, Transwell assay was performed for migration and invasion evaluation, and cell cycle and apoptosis were assessed by flow cytometry. After co-culturing with the blood serum of rats that were fed different dosages of blueberry juice, the inhibition rate of HEPG2 cells in the three groups was significantly lower than that in the control group at 48 and 72 h (P<0.05). The number of migrated and transmembrane HEPG2 cells in the three groups was significantly lower than that in the control group at 48 and 72 h (P<0.05). The number of migrated HEPG2 cells in the high dosage group was significantly lower than that in the low dosage group at 48 h, and the numbers of migrated HEPG2 cells in the high and moderate dosage groups were significantly lower than that in the low dosage group at 72 h (P<0.05). The number of transmembrane HEPG2 cells in the high dosage group was significantly lower than that in the low dosage group at 48 h (P<0.05). The numbers of HEPG2 cells at the G2/M stage in the three groups were significantly lower than that in the control group, and the number of HEPG2 cells in the high dosage group was significantly lower than that in the low dosage group, at 48 and 72 h (P<0.05). The apoptosis rate in the three groups was significantly higher than that in the control group, and the apoptosis rate in the high dosage group was significantly higher than that in the low dosage group at 48 and 72 h (P<0.05). Thus, blueberries may facilitate the clinical treatment of HCC, providing a novel therapeutic and prevention strategy for HCC as an anticancer therapeutic agent.

Hypotensive, cardiodepressant, and vasorelaxant activities of black currant (Ribes nigrum ‘Ben Sarek’) juice

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of black currant (Ribes nigrum L. ‘Ben Sarek’) juice on the blood pressure and frequency of cardiac contractions, as well as vasomotor responses of rat aortic rings. Arterial blood pressure was measured directly from the carotid artery in the anaesthetized rabbits. The aortic rings were pre-contracted with KCl (80 mmol·L−1), after which black currant juice was added. An intravenous injection of black currant juice (0.33–166.5 mg·kg−1) induced a significant and dose-dependent decrease of rabbit arterial blood pressure and heart rate. The black currant juice decreased arterial blood pressure of rabbit by 22.33% ± 3.76% (p < 0.05) and heart rate by 17.18% ± 2.93% (p < 0.05). Cumulative addition of the black currant juice (0.01–3 mg·mL−1) inhibited concentration-dependent KCl induced contractions of the isolated rat aorta. The black currant juice, at the concentration of 3 mg·mL−1, caused a maximum relaxation of 21.75% ± 3.15% (p < 0.05). These results demonstrate that black currant juice can induce hypotension. The hypotensive effect of the black currant may occur as the consequence of its inhibitory activity on the rate of heart contraction and vasorelaxant effects.

Determination of polyphenolic profile, antioxidant activity and antibacterial properties of maqui [Aristotelia chilensis (Molina) Stuntz] a Chilean blackberry

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to determine (1) the polyphenolic profile (phenolic acids, flavonoids and anthocyanins), (2) the antioxidant using four different methodologies (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and FIC) and (3) the antibacterial properties of maqui berry [Aristotelia chilensis (Molina) Stuntz] (MB) grown in Chile.

RESULTS

The HPLC analysis of MB showed a total of 19 polyphenolic compounds identified as anthocyanins (eight compounds), flavonols (10 compounds) and ellagic acid. Delphinidin derivatives were the predominant anthocyanins while quercetin derivatives were the predominant flavonols. MB showed an antioxidant activity measured with DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and FIC methods of 28.18, 18.66, 25.22 g Trolox equivalent kg(-1) and 0.12 g ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid equivalent kg(-1) , respectively. With regard to the antibacterial activity, all strains tested were affected by MB. Aeromonas hydrophila and Listeria innocua showed the highest sensitivity to maqui berry extracts with MIC values of 40 and a 50 mg mL(-1) , respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that maqui berry has a great potential to be employed in the food industry as potential food ingredient to functional food development or as bio-preservative. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Habitual intake of anthocyanins and flavanones and risk of cardiovascular disease in men

BACKGROUND

Although increased fruit intake reduces cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, which fruits are most beneficial and what key constituents are responsible are unclear. Habitual intakes of flavonoids, specifically anthocyanins and flavanones, in which >90% of habitual intake is derived from fruit, are associated with decreased CVD risk in women, but associations in men are largely unknown.

OBJECTIVE

We examined the relation between habitual anthocyanin and flavanone intake and coronary artery disease and stroke in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study.

DESIGN

We followed 43,880 healthy men who had no prior diagnosed CVD or cancer. Flavonoid intake was calculated with the use of validated food-frequency questionnaires.

RESULTS

During 24 y of follow-up, 4046 myocardial infarction (MI) and 1572 stroke cases were confirmed by medical records. Although higher anthocyanin intake was not associated with total or fatal MI risk, after multivariate adjustment an inverse association with nonfatal MI was observed (HR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.75, 1.00; P = 0.04; P-trend = 0.098); this association was stronger in normotensive participants (HR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.69, 0.96; P-interaction = 0.03). Anthocyanin intake was not associated with stroke risk. Although flavanone intake was not associated with MI or total stroke risk, higher intake was associated with a lower risk of ischemic stroke (HR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.62, 0.97; P = 0.03, P-trend = 0.059), with the greatest magnitude in participants aged ≥65 y (P-interaction = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher intakes of fruit-based flavonoids were associated with a lower risk of nonfatal MI and ischemic stroke in men. Mechanistic studies and clinical trials are needed to unravel the differential benefits of anthocyanin- and flavanone-rich foods on cardiovascular health.

Dietary anthocyanins and health: data from FLORA and ATHENA EU projects

Adherence to a 'Mediterranean diet' has been shown to be beneficial to human health. Fruit and vegetables represent some of the main components of the Mediterranean diet and their role has been increasingly considered in the process of preventing or reducing the risk of chronic degenerative diseases, such as cerebrovascular or coronary heart disorders, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. To investigate the beneficial effect of these dietary compounds, two EU-funded projects were conducted during the last 10 years. Their results from experimental models suggest that dietary anthocyanin enrichment is beneficial against a number of ischemic and degenerative conditions. On the other hand, human studies demonstrated that anthocyanin supplementation can counteract the inflammatory response to stress conditions, such as a fatty meal. Moreover, an intervention trial in patients with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy is presently testing the possible beneficial effect of the administration of a product enriched in anthocyanins on the inflammatory response to radiation and on its consequent skin toxicity, as well as on systemic low-grade inflammation reaction.

Anthocyanins in cardioprotection: A path through mitochondria

Constantly growing experimental data from in vitro, in vivo and epidemiological studies show the great potential of anthocyanin-containing fruit and berry extracts or pure individual anthocyanins as cardioprotective food components or pharmacological compounds. In general it is regarded that the cardioprotective activity of anthocyanins is related to their antioxidant properties. However there are recent reports that certain anthocyanins may protect the heart against ischemia/reperfusion-induced injury by activating signal transduction pathways and sustaining mitochondrial functions instead of acting solely as antioxidants. In this review, we summarize the proposed mechanisms of direct or indirect actions of anthocyanins within cardiac cells with the special emphasis on recently discovered their pharmacological effects on mitochondria in cardioprotection: reduction of cytosolic cytochrome c preventing apoptosis and sustainment of electron transfer between NADH dehydrogenase and cytochrome c supporting oxidative phosphorylation in ischemia-damaged mitochondria.

Purple rice anthocyanin extract protects cardiac function in STZ-induced diabetes rat hearts by inhibiting cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis

Diabetes mellitus (DM) often causes chronic inflammation, hypertrophy, apoptosis and fibrosis in the heart and subsequently leads to myocardial remodeling, deteriorated cardiac function and heart failure. Anthocyanins are strong antioxidants that show effective cardioprotective properties. Our aim was to determine whether anthocyanin extracted from purple rice provides protective effects in DM hearts. Five-week-old male Wistar rats were administered with streptozotocin (STZ) to induce type 1 diabetes. Animals were randomly divided into normal group, DM group (induced by 55mg/kg STZ, i.p.) and DM with anthocyanin group (250mg/kg/day, feeding 4 weeks). After treatment, the left ventricular tissues were collected to observe the relevant changes in the heart and the associated molecular events were determined by Western blotting assay. STZ-induced DM increased the proinflammatory signaling proteins in the heart and triggered the development of cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. Significant reduction in the heart function index such as left ventricular end-diastolic dimension and left ventricular end-systolic dimension was observed in the STZ-induced DM rat hearts, suggesting myocardial tissue damage and loss of heart function. Treatment with anthocyanin from purple rice extract, however, reduced the effect of DM and showed significant reduction in cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. Anthocyanin therefore restores the deteriorating cardiac functions in DM rats as evident from their heart functional parameters.

Soy Isoflavone Protects Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury through Increasing Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase and Decreasing Oxidative Stress in Ovariectomized Rats

There is a special role for estrogens in preventing and curing cardiovascular disease in women. Soy isoflavone (SI), a soy-derived phytoestrogen, has similar chemical structure to endogenous estrogen-estradiol. We investigate to elucidate the protective mechanism of SI on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury. Female SD rats underwent bilateral ovariectomy. One week later, rats were randomly divided into several groups, sham ovariectomy (control group), ovariectomy with MI/R, or ovariectomy with sham MI/R. Other ovariectomy rats were given different doses of SI or 17β-estradiol (E2). Four weeks later, they were exposed to 30 minutes of left coronary artery occlusion followed by 6 or 24 hours of reperfusion. SI administration significantly reduced myocardial infarct size and improved left ventricle function and restored endothelium-dependent relaxation function of thoracic aortas after MI/R in ovariectomized rats. SI also decreased serum creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase activity, reduced plasma malonaldehyde, and attenuated oxidative stress in the myocardium. Meanwhile, SI increased phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt/endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) signal pathway. SI failed to decrease infarct size of hearts with I/R in ovariectomized rats if PI3K was inhibited. Overall, these results indicated that SI protects myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in ovariectomized rats through increasing PI3K/Akt/eNOS signal pathway and decreasing oxidative stress.

Anthocyanin composition and expression analysis of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes in kidney bean pod

Kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important dietary legume crop cultivated and consumed worldwide. A purple cultivar (Zi Bawang) and a green cultivar (Chun Qiu), the main difference of which is in the pod skin color, were selected for the study. Malvidin 3, 5-diglucoside is identified as the major anthocyanin in the pod skin of Zi Bawang by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Three regulatory genes PvMYB1, PvMYB2, PvTT8-1 and most structural genes are dramatically up-regulated in purple pod skin compared to those in other materials. Significantly decreased expression levels of all regulatory genes and most biosynthetic genes are also detected in the purple skin of pods covered with bags compared to non-covered ones. All the results suggest that PvMYB1, PvMYB2 and PvTT8-1 might play a critical role in transcriptional activation of most anthocyanin biosynthetic genes in purple kidney bean pod.

Phytochemical Compounds and Protection from Cardiovascular Diseases: A State of the Art

Cardiovascular diseases represent a worldwide relevant socioeconomical problem. Cardiovascular disease prevention relies also on lifestyle changes, including dietary habits. The cardioprotective effects of several foods and dietary supplements in both animal models and in humans have been explored. It was found that beneficial effects are mainly dependent on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, also involving modulation of mitochondrial function. Resveratrol is one of the most studied phytochemical compounds and it is provided with several benefits in cardiovascular diseases as well as in other pathological conditions (such as cancer). Other relevant compounds are Brassica oleracea, curcumin, and berberine, and they all exert beneficial effects in several diseases. In the attempt to provide a comprehensive reference tool for both researchers and clinicians, we summarized in the present paper the existing literature on both preclinical and clinical cardioprotective effects of each mentioned phytochemical. We structured the discussion of each compound by analyzing, first, its cellular molecular targets of action, subsequently focusing on results from applications in both ex vivo and in vivo models, finally discussing the relevance of the compound in the context of human diseases.

Flavonoids and mitochondrial pharmacology: A new paradigm for cardioprotection

Acute myocardial ischemia is one of the major causes of illness and of deaths in Western society; therefore the definition of the signaling pathways involved in the cardioprotection represents a challenging goal in order to discover novel pharmacological approaches. In this regard, a number of epidemiologic studies demonstrate a relationship between intake of flavonoid-rich foods and reduction of cardiovascular risk factors and mortality. Moreover, numerous experimental studies have examined flavonoid-induced cardioprotective effects on several animal models of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion. As concerns the mechanisms of action, although the antioxidant effect of flavonoids has been long thought to be a crucial factor accounting for cardioprotection, mitochondrial pathways (ion channels, protein kinases, etc.) are presently emerging as specific pharmacological targets more relevantly involved in the anti-ischemic effects of some flavonoids. Since these pharmacodynamic features seem to be poorly considered, this review examines the mitochondrial role in the cardioprotective mechanisms of some members of this phytochemical class, by describing the biological pathways and reporting an overview of the most important experimental evidence in this field.

Study and characterization of an ancient European flint white maize rich in anthocyanins: Millo Corvo from Galicia

In the second half of the last century, the American dent hybrids began to be widely grown, leading to the disappearance or marginalization of the less productive traditional varieties. Nowadays the characterization of traditional landraces can help breeders to discover precious alleles that could be useful for modern genetic improvement and allow a correct conservation of these open pollinated varieties (opvs). In this work we characterized the ancient coloured cultivar "Millo Corvo" typical of the Spanish region of Galicia. We showed that this cultivar accumulates high amounts of anthocyanins (83.4 mg/100g flour), and by TLC (Thin Layer Chromatography) and HPLC (High Pressure Liquid Chromatography) analysis, we demonstrated that they mainly consisted of cyanidin. Mapping and sequencing data demonstrate that anthocyanin pigmentation is due to the presence of the red color1 gene(r1), a transcription factor driving the accumulation of this pigment in the aleurone layer. Further chemical analysis showed that the kernels are lacking in carotenoids, as confirmed by genetic study. Finally a DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging ability test showed that Millo Corvo, even though lacking carotenoids, has a high antioxidant ability, and could be considered as a functional food due to the presence of anthocyanins.

Anthocyanin Accumulation and Molecular Analysis of Correlated Genes in Purple Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes L.)

Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes L.) is an important dietary vegetable cultivated and consumed widely for the round swollen stem. Purple kohlrabi shows abundant anthocyanin accumulation in the leaf and swollen stem. Here, different kinds of anthocyanins were separated and identified from the purple kohlrabi cultivar (Kolibri) by high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. In order to study the molecular mechanism of anthocyanin biosynthesis in purple kohlrabi, the expression of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes and regulatory genes in purple kohlrabi and a green cultivar (Winner) was examined by quantitative PCR. In comparison with the colorless parts in the two cultivars, most of the anthocyanin biosynthetic genes and two transcription factors were drastically upregulated in the purple tissues. To study the effects of light shed on the anthocyanin accumulation of kohlrabi, total anthocyanin contents and transcripts of associated genes were analyzed in sprouts of both cultivars grown under light and dark conditions.

The relaxing effect of Poncirus fructus and its flavonoid content on porcine coronary artery

Coronary artery disease is a common occurrence in human, and causes enormous social cost. Poncirus fructus (PF), the dried immature fruits of Poncirus trifoliata Rafinesquem, is used in the treatment of womb contraction and dyspepsia, as a prokinetic, and in improving blood circulation. This study was performed to investigate the effects of PF and some of its flavonoids components on the coronary from the pig. The arterial ring was suspended by a pair of stainless steel stirrups in an organ bath. The end of the upper stirrup was connected to an isometric force transducer. A dose-dependent induction of relaxation was observed by both water and 70% ethanol extracts of PF in the porcine coronary artery precontracted with U46619 (100 nM), a stable analogue of the potent vasoconstrictor thromboxane A₂. The 70% ethanol extract showed more efficacy than the water extract. Pretreatment of the artery with L-NAME (100 µM), a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, resulted in a significant reduction in the relaxation induced by PF extract. In addition, ODQ (10 µM), a soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor, also significantly reduced the effects of PF extracts. Hesperidin, a flavonoid present in PF, induced very weak relaxation of the porcine coronary artery at a high concentration (100 µM), while its aglycone, hesperetin, demonstrated a dose-dependent relaxation. In conclusion, PF extracts induced relaxation in the porcine coronary artery, partially through the nitric oxide-cGMP pathway, and the aglycones of flavonoids might be also involved in the relaxation of the same artery.

Anthocyanins as substrates for mitochondrial complex I - protective effect against heart ischemic injury

Anthocyanins, a subclass of flavonoids, are known to protect against myocardial ischemia; however, little is known about their direct, acute effects on mitochondria injured by the ischemic insult. In this study, the effects of delphinidin 3-O-glucoside (Dp3G), cyanidin 3-O-glucoside (Cy3G) and pelargonidin 3-O-glucoside (Pg3G) on the activity of complex I of the mitochondrial respiratory chain were studied in mitochondria isolated from normal rat hearts and rat hearts subjected to ischemia for 45 min. Cy3G and Dp3G increased the activity of complex I, measured in the presence or absence of coenzyme Q1 (CoQ1 ), in ischemia-damaged mitochondria, whereas in nonischemic mitochondria the effect was observed only in the absence of CoQ1 . Dp3G and Cy3G but not Pg3G increased state 3 respiration and ATP synthesis with NADH-dependent substrates in mitochondria after ischemia. The results suggest that certain anthocyanins can act as electron acceptors at complex I, and bypass ischemia-induced inhibition, resulting in increased ATP production after ischemia. This study provides new information on a possible role of certain anthocyanins in the regulation of energy metabolism in mammalian cells.

Anthocyanins in corn: a wealth of genes for human health

Different epidemiological and preclinical studies have demonstrated that regular consumption of anthocyanin-rich foods is associated to a reduced risk of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and obesity. However, assigning a health property to anthocyanins or other classes of flavonoids may be limited by the influence of other metabolites of plant-based food consumed in the diet, acting as possible confounding factors. The development of model foods essentially isogenic and nutritionally identical except that in the type and quantity of plant bioactives to be studied represents an important tool in nutritional studies. The extensive knowledge of the regulation of flavonoid pathway in maize can be exploited to obtain 'near-isogenic' model foods, which differ only in the content of specific classes of flavonoids. Being obtainable by breeding strategies, maize model foods can provide functional foods that can be used for both animal feeding studies and human intervention trials for assessing the role of flavonoids or other bioactives in preventing chronic diseases. This review will be focused on recent advances regarding the anthocyanin biosynthesis in maize, the role of anthocyanins from corn in preventing chronic diseases and finally on the breeding activities to produce maize functional foods with increased anthocyanin content.

Beneficial effects of proanthocyanidins in the cardiac alterations induced by aldosterone in rat heart through mineralocorticoid receptor blockade

Aldosterone administration in rats results in several cardiac alterations. Previous studies have demonstrated that proanthocyanidins, phenolic bioactive compounds, have cardioprotective effects. We studied the potential beneficial effects of the proanthocyanidin-rich almond skin extract (PASE) on the cardiac alterations induced by aldosterone-salt treatment, their effects in mineralocorticoid receptor activity and we sought to confirm proanthocyanidins as the specific component of the extract involved in the beneficial cardiac effects. Male Wistar rats received aldosterone (1 mg/Kg/day) +1% NaCl for 3 weeks. Half of the animals in each group were simultaneously treated with either PASE (100 mg/Kg/day) or spironolactone (200 mg/Kg/day). The ability of PASE to act as an antagonist of the mineralocorticoid receptor was examined using a transactivation assay. High performance liquid chromatography was used to identify and to isolate proanthocyanidins. Hypertension and diastolic dysfunction induced by aldosterone were abolished by treatment with PASE. Expression of the aldosterone mediator SGK-1, together with fibrotic, inflammatory and oxidative mediators were increased by aldosterone-salt treatment; these were reduced by PASE. Aldosterone-salt induced transcriptional activity of the mineralocorticoid receptor was reduced by PASE. HPLC confirmed proanthocyanidins as the compound responsible for the beneficial effects of PASE. The effects of PASE were comparable to those seen with the mineralocorticoid antagonist, spironolactone. The observed responses in the aldosterone-salt treated rats together with the antagonism of transactivation at the mineralocorticoid receptor by PASE provides evidence that the beneficial effect of this proanthocyanidin-rich almond skin extract is via as a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist with proanthocyanidins identified as the compounds responsible for the beneficial effects of PASE.

Anthocyanins do not influence long-chain n-3 fatty acid status: studies in cells, rodents and humans

Increased tissue status of the long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFA), eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is associated with cardiovascular and cognitive benefits. Limited epidemiological and animal data suggest that flavonoids, and specifically anthocyanins, may increase EPA and DHA levels, potentially by increasing their synthesis from the shorter-chain n-3 PUFA, α-linolenic acid. Using complimentary cell, rodent and human studies we investigated the impact of anthocyanins and anthocyanin-rich foods/extracts on plasma and tissue EPA and DHA levels and on the expression of fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2), which represents the rate limiting enzymes in EPA and DHA synthesis. In experiment 1, rats were fed a standard diet containing either palm oil or rapeseed oil supplemented with pure anthocyanins for 8 weeks. Retrospective fatty acid analysis was conducted on plasma samples collected from a human randomized controlled trial where participants consumed an elderberry extract for 12 weeks (experiment 2). HepG2 cells were cultured with α-linolenic acid with or without select anthocyanins and their in vivo metabolites for 24 h and 48 h (experiment 3). The fatty acid composition of the cell membranes, plasma and liver tissues were analyzed by gas chromatography. Anthocyanins and anthocyanin-rich food intake had no significant impact on EPA or DHA status or FADS2 gene expression in any model system. These data indicate little impact of dietary anthocyanins on n-3 PUFA distribution and suggest that the increasingly recognized benefits of anthocyanins are unlikely to be the result of a beneficial impact on tissue fatty acid status.

Anthocyanin, phenolics and antioxidant activity changes in purple waxy corn as affected by traditional cooking

Antioxidant components, including anthocyanins and phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and their changes during traditional cooking of fresh purple waxy corn were investigated. As compared to the raw corn, thermal treatment caused significant (p⩽0.05) decreases in each antioxidant compound and antioxidant activity. Steam cooking preserved more antioxidant compounds than boiling. Boiling caused a significant loss of anthocyanin and phenolic compounds into the cooking water. This cooking water is a valuable co-product because it is a good source of purple pigment. By comparing levels of antioxidant compounds in raw and cooked corn, we determined that degradation results in greater loss than leaching or diffusion into cooking water. Additionally, separation of kernels from the cob prior to cooking caused increased loss of antioxidant compounds.

Pro-oxidative and antioxidative controls and signaling modification of polyphenolic phytochemicals: contribution to health promotion and disease prevention?

Polyphenolic phytochemicals (PPs) have been extensively studied as potential nutriceuticals for maintenance of health and treatment of cancer, inflammation, and neurodegeneration. However, the reported beneficial outcomes are inconsistent. The biological activities of PPs have been attributed to their pro-oxidative and antioxidative actions and effects on signaling mechanisms and epigenomic modifications. These diversified properties were described or postulated on the basis of a variety of experimental studies using cell culture and animal models, even though most have not been replicated and results are not validated. This review attempts to give an overview of biological properties of PPs, based on the coherent results from relevant studies, and evaluate critically the experimental conditions and possible artifacts. Complicated molecular mechanisms and multitargeting genomic interactions of PPs are discussed, with a view that reasonable mechanistic propositions are usually obtained from well-designed in vivo studies.

Anthocyanin accumulation and molecular analysis of anthocyanin biosynthesis-associated genes in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is an edible fruit vegetable cultivated and consumed worldwide. The purple eggplant is more eye-catching and popular for the health-promoting anthocyanins contained in the fruit skin. Two kinds of anthocyanin were separated and identified from purple cultivar (Zi Chang) by high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. To investigate the molecular mechanisms of anthocyanin accumulation in eggplant, the transcripts of anthocyanin biosynthetic and regulatory genes were analyzed in the fruit skin and the flesh of the purple cultivar and the white cultivar (Bai Xue). Compared with the other tissues, SmMYB1 and all anthocyanin biosynthetic genes except PAL were dramatically upregulated in the fruit skin of the purple cultivar. Overexpression of SmMYB1 activated abundant anthocyanin accumulation in the regenerating shoots of eggplant. These results prove that transcriptional activation of SmMYB1 accounts for constitutive upregulation of most anthocyanin biosynthetic genes and the onset of anthocyanin biosynthesis in the purple cultivar.

Dietary flavonoids from modified apple reduce inflammation markers and modulate gut microbiota in mice

Apples are rich in polyphenols, which provide antioxidant properties, mediation of cellular processes such as inflammation, and modulation of gut microbiota. In this study we compared genetically engineered apples with increased flavonoids [myeloblastis transcription factor 10 (MYB10)] with nontransformed apples from the same genotype, "Royal Gala" (RG), and a control diet with no apple. Compared with the RG diet, the MYB10 diet contained elevated concentrations of the flavonoid subclasses anthocyanins, flavanol monomers (epicatechin) and oligomers (procyanidin B2), and flavonols (quercetin glycosides), but other plant secondary metabolites were largely unaltered. We used these apples to investigate the effects of dietary flavonoids on inflammation and gut microbiota in 2 mouse feeding trials. In trial 1, male mice were fed a control diet or diets supplemented with 20% MYB10 apple flesh and peel (MYB-FP) or RG apple flesh and peel (RG-FP) for 7 d. In trial 2, male mice were fed MYB-FP or RG-FP diets or diets supplemented with 20% MYB10 apple flesh or RG apple flesh for 7 or 21 d. In trial 1, the transcription levels of inflammation-linked genes in mice showed decreases of >2-fold for interleukin-2 receptor (Il2rb), chemokine receptor 2 (Ccr2), chemokine ligand 10 (Cxcl10), and chemokine receptor 10 (Ccr10) at 7 d for the MYB-FP diet compared with the RG-FP diet (P < 0.05). In trial 2, the inflammation marker prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) in the plasma of mice fed the MYB-FP diet at 21 d was reduced by 10-fold (P < 0.01) compared with the RG-FP diet. In colonic microbiota, the number of total bacteria for mice fed the MYB-FP diet was 6% higher than for mice fed the control diet at 21 d (P = 0.01). In summary, high-flavonoid apple was associated with decreases in some inflammation markers and changes in gut microbiota when fed to healthy mice.

Engineering the anthocyanin regulatory complex of strawberry (Fragaria vesca)

The woodland strawberry, Fragaria vesca is a model fruit for a number of rosaceous crops. We have engineered altered concentrations of anthocyanin in F. vesca, to determine the impact on plant growth and fruit quality. Anthocyanin concentrations were significantly increased by over-expression or decreased by knock-down of the R2R3 MYB activator, MYB10. In contrast, a potential bHLH partner for MYB10 (bHLH33) did not affect the anthocyanin pathway when knocked down using RNAi constructs. Metabolic analysis of fruits revealed that, of all the polyphenolics surveyed, only cyanidin, and pelargonidin glucoside, and coumaryl hexose were significantly affected by over-expression and knock down of MYB10. Using the F. vesca genome sequence, members of the MYB, bHLH, and WD40 families were examined. Global analysis of gene expression and targeted qPCR analysis of biosynthetic genes and regulators confirmed the effects of altering MYB10 expression, as well as the knock-down of bHLH33. Other members of the MYB transcription factor family were affected by the transgenes. Transient expression of strawberry genes in Nicotiana benthamiana revealed that MYB10 can auto-regulate itself, and potential repressors of MYB10. In tobacco, MYB10's activation of biosynthetic steps is inhibited by the strawberry repressor MYB1.

Biosynthesis and metabolic engineering of anthocyanins in Arabidopsis thaliana

Arabidopsis thaliana is the first model plant, the genome of which has been sequenced. In general, intensive studies on this model plant over the past nearly 30 years have led to many new revolutionary understandings in every single aspect of plant biology. Here, we review the current understanding of anthocyanin biosynthesis in this model plant. Although the investigation of anthocyanin structures in this model plant was not performed until 2002, numerous studies over the past three decades have been conducted to understand the biosynthesis of anthocyanins. To date, it appears that all pathway genes of anthocyanins have been molecularly, genetically and biochemically characterized in this plant. These fundamental accomplishments have made Arabidopsis an ideal model to understand the regulatory mechanisms of anthocyanin pathway. Several studies have revealed that the biosynthesis of anthocyanins is controlled by WD40-bHLH-MYB (WBM) transcription factor complexes under lighting conditions. However, how different regulatory complexes coordinately and specifically regulate the pathway genes of anthocyanins remains unclear. In this review, we discuss current progresses and findings including structural diversity, regulatory properties and metabolic engineering of anthocyanins in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Investigating the transport dynamics of anthocyanins from unprocessed fruit and processed fruit juice from sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) across intestinal epithelial cells

Anthocyanins can contribute to human health through preventing a variety of diseases. The uptake of these compounds from food and the parameters determining uptake efficiency within the human body are still poorly understood. Here we have employed a Caco-2 cell based system to investigate the transport of key antioxidant food components from sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) across the intestinal epithelial barrier. Anthocyanins and (-)-epicatechin were supplied in three contrasting matrices: fruit, processed fruit cherry juice, and polyphenolic fractions obtained by solid-phase extraction. Results show that both compound types behave differently. Fruit or juice matrices display comparable transport across the epithelial cell layer. The juice supplements sucrose and citric acid, which are regularly added to processed foods, have a positive effect on stability and transport. Polyphenolic fractions display a lower transport efficiency, relative to that of the fruit or juice, indicating the importance of food matrix components for intestinal absorption of polyphenols.

Expression and functional analysis of a novel MYB gene, MdMYB110a_JP, responsible for red flesh, not skin color in apple fruit

We have succeeded in isolating an MdMYB110a_JP gene responsible for a red-fleshed trait from a fruit of apple cultivar 'JPP35' ('Jonathan' × 'Pink Pearl'). The isolated MdMYB110a_JP gene was located on chromosome (ch.) 17, which was different from the location of known MdMYB1/10 gene of ch.9, and 'JPP35' and 'Pink Pearl' did not contain the known R 6 :MdMYB10 allele responsible for the red-skin and red-fleshed trait. The MdMYB110a_JP was expressed strongly and weakly in the cortex and core of 'JPP35' fruit, respectively, at the time of coloring start in flesh, and also weakly in flower buds. Following the MdMYB110a_JP expression, the expression of the genes, MdCHS and MdLDOX, that encode the enzymes of the flavonoid pathway, was induced in flesh of 'JPP35' in accordance with anthocyanin accumulation. In contrast, the MdMYB110a_JP gene was not expressed in any tissues in red-skin and white-fleshed 'Fuji', and in red-skin and red-fleshed 'Maypole'. Instead, MdMYB1-1 allele responsible for red-skin trait was expressed in red-skin of 'Fuji' and 'JPP35', and R 6 :MdMYB10 allele responsible for red-skin and red-flesh trait was expressed in red-core and red-cortex in 'Maypole' as expected. Moreover, 35S:MdMYB110a_JP transgenic apple 'JM2' showed a red-foliage phenotype depending on the MdMYB110a_JP expression level. From the results, it was strongly suggested that the red-fleshed phenotype of 'JPP35' fruit was caused by up-regulation of the genes of anthocyanin pathway induced by the MdMYB110a_JP gene.

Diet-relevant phytochemical intake affects the cardiac AhR and nrf2 transcriptome and reduces heart failure in hypertensive rats

Intake of phytochemical-rich diets is inversely related to hypertension. Phytochemicals alter in vitro aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and NF-E2 related factor (nrf2) transcription factor activity and related genes pertinent to antioxidant defense. However, it is unknown if these molecular effects occur in the heart with dietary intake of physiologically relevant phytochemicals and if this correlates with reduced hypertension-associated heart failure. This extended feeding study used whole grapes as a model of a phytochemical-rich food and hypertensive heart failure-prone rats to assess mechanisms of effect. Grape intake reduced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis and improved diastolic function. At the development of diastolic dysfunction, hypertensive rats show reduced AhR activity, reduced expression of AhR-regulated genes, reduced glutathione and reduced activity of glutathione-regulating proteins. However, grape intake significantly increased cardiac AhR and nrf2 activity, Phase I/II gene transcripts and protein activity related to antioxidant defense. Heart failure is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the aged and the intake of phytochemicals from fruits and vegetables decreases with age. Concentrated antioxidant nutrient trials have failed to affect heart failure. However, this study demonstrates that diet-relevant intake of non-nutrient phytochemicals significantly reduces heart failure progression. Therefore, this study suggests that higher intake of phytochemical-containing foods may achieve cardiac benefits that isolated antioxidant supplements may not. In summary, intake of diet-relevant phytochemicals altered the cardiac antioxidant transcriptome, antioxidant defense, oxidative damage and fibrosis. Regular phytochemical intake may therefore increase cardiac resistance to cardiac pathology instigated by prolonged hypertension.

High anthocyanin intake is associated with a reduced risk of myocardial infarction in young and middle-aged women

BACKGROUND

Our current knowledge of modifiable risk factors to prevent myocardial infarction (MI) in young and middle-aged women is limited, and the impact of diet is largely unknown. Dietary flavonoids exert potential beneficial effects on endothelial function in short-term trials; however, the relationship between habitual intake and risk of MI in women is unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We followed up 93 600 women 25 to 42 years of age from the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) II who were healthy at baseline (1989) to examine the relationship between anthocyanins and other flavonoids and the risk of MI. Intake of flavonoid subclasses was calculated from validated food-frequency questionnaires collected every 4 years using an updated and extended US Department of Agriculture database. During 18 years of follow-up, 405 cases of MI were reported. An inverse association between higher intake of anthocyanins and risk of MI was observed (hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.49-0.96; P=0.03, highest versus lowest quintiles) after multivariate adjustment. The addition of intermediate conditions, including history of hypertension, did not significantly attenuate the relationship (hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval, 0.50-0.97; P=0.03). Combined intake of 2 anthocyanin-rich foods, blueberries and strawberries, tended to be associated with a decreased risk of MI (hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.40-1.08) in a comparison of those consuming >3 servings a week and those with lower intake. Intakes of other flavonoid subclasses were not significantly associated with MI risk.

CONCLUSIONS

A high intake of anthocyanins may reduce MI risk in predominantly young women. Intervention trials are needed to further examine the health impact of increasing intakes of commonly consumed anthocyanin-rich foods.

Plants, diet, and health

Chronic disease is a major social challenge of the twenty-first century. In this review, we examine the evidence for discordance between modern diets and those on which humankind evolved as the cause of the increasing incidence of chronic diseases, and the evidence supporting consumption of plant foods as a way to reduce the risk of chronic disease. We also examine the evidence for avoiding certain components of plant-based foods that are enriched in Western diets, and review the mechanisms by which different phytonutrients are thought to reduce the risk of chronic disease. This body of evidence strongly suggests that consuming more fruits and vegetables could contribute both to medical nutrition therapies, as part of a package of treatments for conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and obesity, and to the prevention of these diseases. Plant science should be directed toward improving the quality of plant-based foods by building on our improved understanding of the complex relationships between plants, our diet, and our health.

The interface between plant metabolic engineering and human health

The data on the benefits of consuming high levels of phytonutrients in fruit and vegetables to prevent or ameliorate chronic disease are very persuasive. To underpin reliable dietary recommendations and future campaigns for preventive medicine, significant fundamental research is required to define phytonutrients, their physiological effects following consumption, their mechanisms of action, the impact of the food matrix and synergistic interactions between phytonutrients. This information will set goals for biofortifying phytonutrients in crops, which can be achieved by metabolic engineering, either using natural variation or genetic engineering. Genetic engineering has potential to enrich diets significantly in phytonutrients to reduce the risk of chronic disease, even against an overall decline in the nutritional value of diets, in both the developing and developed worlds.