Potential Benefits of Berry Anthocyanins on Vascular Function

Aronia-derived anthocyanins and metabolites ameliorate TNFα-induced disruption of myogenic differentiation in satellite cells

This study investigates the effects of Aronia berries, their primary anthocyanins and other second metabolites-mimicking dietary anthocyanin consumption-on enhancing muscular myogenesis under chronic inflammation. Murine muscle satellite cells (MuSCs) were cultured ex vivo, allowing for expansion and differentiation into myotubes. Myogenic differentiation was disrupted by TNFα at both early and terminal stages, with treatment using Aronia berries applied at physiologically relevant concentrations alongside TNFα. The results demonstrated that Aronia berries treatments, particularly phenolic metabolites, significantly stimulated the proliferative capacity of MuSCs. Furthermore, Aronia berries treatment enhanced early-stage myogenesis, marked by increased MymX and MyoG expression and nascent myotube formation, with metabolites showing the most pronounced effects. Aronia berry powder and individual anthocyanins exerted milder regulatory effects. Similar trends were observed during terminal differentiation, where Aronia berries treatment promoted myotube growth and inhibited TNFα-induced inflammatory atrophic ubiquitin-conjugating activity. Additionally, the secondary metabolites of Aronia berries significantly prevented muscle-specific ubiquitination in the dexamethasone-induced atrophy model. Overall, the treatment with Aronia berries enhanced myogenesis in a cellular model of chronic muscular inflammation, with Aronia-derived metabolites showing the strongest response, likely through TLR4/NF-κB modulation. In this case, enhanced regeneration capacity and anti-atrophy potential were associated with TLR4/NF-κB modulation.

Determination of Biologically Active Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity In Vitro in Fruit of Small Cranberries (Vaccinium oxycoccos L.) Growing in Natural Habitats in Lithuania

The composition of flavonols, proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, triterpene compounds, and chlorogenic acid in small cranberry fruit samples collected in natural habitats in Lithuania and variation in the antioxidant capacity of cranberry fruit extracts was determined. This study showed that in the flavonol group, hyperoside and myricetin-3-O-galactoside predominated in cranberry fruit samples; in the anthocyanin group, the predominant compounds were cyanidin-3-O-galactoside, cyanidin-3-O-arabinoside, peonidin-3-O-galactoside, and peonidin-3-O-arabinoside, and in the group of triterpene compounds, ursolic acid was predominant. The highest total amounts of flavonols and anthocyanins were found in the samples collected in Čepkeliai State Strict Nature Reserve (2079.44 ± 102.99 μg/g and 6993.79 ± 350.22 μg/g, respectively). Cluster analysis of the chemical composition of small cranberry fruit samples revealed trends in the accumulation of bioactive compounds in cranberry fruit. Cranberry fruit samples collected in central Lithuania had higher levels of triterpene compounds. Statistical correlation analysis showed the strongest correlation between the quantitative composition of cyanidin-3-O-arabinoside and peonidin-3-O-arabinoside and the reducing capacity of the ethanolic extracts of the cranberry fruit samples assessed in vitro by the FRAP assay (r = 0.882, p < 0.01 and r = 0.805, p < 0.01, respectively). Summarizing the results, the geographical factor affects the variation of the quantitative composition of biologically active compounds in cranberry fruit samples.

Unveiling the impact of high-pressure processing on anthocyanin-protein/polysaccharide interactions: A comprehensive review

Anthocyanins, natural plant pigments responsible for the vibrant hues in fruits, vegetables, and flowers, boast antioxidant properties with potential human health benefits. However, their susceptibility to degradation under conditions such as heat, light, and pH fluctuations necessitates strategies to safeguard their stability. Recent investigations have focused on exploring the interactions between anthocyanins and biomacromolecules, specifically proteins and polysaccharides, with the aim of enhancing their resilience. Notably, proteins like soy protein isolate and whey protein, alongside polysaccharides such as pectin, starch, and chitosan, have exhibited promising affinities with anthocyanins, thereby enhancing their stability and functional attributes. High-pressure processing (HPP), emerging as a non-thermal technology, has garnered attention for its potential to modulate these interactions. The application of high pressure can impact the structural features and stability of anthocyanin-protein/polysaccharide complexes, thereby altering their functionalities. However, caution must be exercised, as excessively high pressures may yield adverse effects. Consequently, while HPP holds promise in upholding anthocyanin stability, further exploration is warranted to elucidate its efficacy across diverse anthocyanin variants, macromolecular partners, pressure regimes, and their effects within real food matrices.

Association between dietary flavonoid intake and hypertension among U.S. adults

Background

Hypertension is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Dietary flavonoids have been reported to reduce inflammation, protect against oxidative stress, protect the vascular endothelium, and improve vascular health. However, the relationship between dietary flavonoid intake and the prevalence of hypertension remains controversial.

Methods

This study included 8010 adults from the 2007-2010 and 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES). The relationship between dietary flavonoid intake and the prevalence of hypertension was explored by weighted logistic regression and weighted restricted cubic spline.

Results

We found an inverse relationship between total anthocyanin intake and the prevalence of hypertension in the fourth quartile compared with the first quartile [0.81(0.66,0.99), p = 0.04]. Moreover, the prevalence of hypertension tended to decrease with increasing total anthocyanin intake in participants over 60 years of age. In addition, we found a U-shaped relationship between the prevalence of hypertension and total flavan-3-ol intake. Total flavan-3-ol intake was inversely associated with hypertension prevalence in the third quartile compared with the first quartile [0.79 (0.63,0.99), p = 0.04]. Moreover, there was a significant negative association between the prevalence of hypertension and total flavan-3-ol intake when total flavan-3-ol intake was below 48.26 mg/day.

Conclusion

Our study found a negative association between the prevalence of hypertension and moderate total anthocyanins intake and total flavan-3-ols intake. Our study provides evidence from a population-based study for a negative association between dietary flavonoid intake and the prevalence of hypertension.

Effectiveness of anthocyanin-containing foods and nutraceuticals in mitigating oxidative stress, inflammation, and cardiovascular health-related biomarkers: a systematic review of animal and human interventions

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a group of chronic health disorders prevalent worldwide that claim millions of lives yearly. Inflammation and oxidative stress are intricately associated with myocardial tissue damage, endothelial dysfunction, and increased odds of heart failure. Thus, dietary strategies aimed at decreasing the odds of CVDs are paramount. In this regard, the consumption of anthocyanins, natural pigments found in edible flowers, fruits, and vegetables, has attracted attention due to their potential to promote cardiovascular health. The main mechanisms of action linked with their protective effects on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, serum lipid profile modulation, and other cardiovascular health parameters are explained and exemplified. However, little is known about the dose-dependency nature of the effects, which anthocyanin has better efficiency, and whether anthocyanin-containing foods display better in vivo efficacy than nutraceuticals (i.e., concentrated extracts containing higher levels of anthocyanins than foods). Thus, this systematic review focused on determining the effects of anthocyanin-containing foods and nutraceuticals on biomarkers associated with CVDs using animal studies and human interventions supported by in vitro mechanistic insights. Overall, the results showed that the regular consumption of anthocyanin-containing foods and nutraceuticals improved vascular function, lipid profile, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The daily dosage, the participants' health status, and the duration of the intervention also significantly influenced the results.

The effects of blueberry and cranberry supplementation on blood pressure in patients with cardiovascular diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Blueberries and cranberries are berry fruits with the highest number of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) focusing on blood pressure (BP). This systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs analyzed the effects of blueberry and cranberry supplementation alone and in concert with systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) in patients with cardiometabolic diseases. The searches were performed until August 2023 in the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Embase. Studies that examined the effects of blueberry or cranberry intake/supplementation were included. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Rob 2 scale. A meta-analysis was performed to estimate the effects of blueberry and cranberry supplementation on BP levels in patients with cardiometabolic diseases. A total of 17 articles were included, from which two found significant results from blueberry and/or cranberry supplementation in reducing BP. Pooled results revealed statistically non-significant reductions of -0.81 mm Hg for SBP (95% confidence interval [CI]: -2.26, 0.63; I2  = 0%) and -0.15 mm Hg for DBP (95% CI: -1.36, 1.05; I2  = 27%). Blueberry and/or cranberry supplementation had neutral effects on SBP and DBP in patients with cardiometabolic diseases, regardless of duration or age. Further high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish clinical efficacy.

Inhibitory effects of the anthocyanins from Lycium ruthenicum Murray on angiotensin-I-converting enzyme: in vitro and molecular docking studies

BACKGROUND

Lycium ruthenicum Murray (LRM), a perennial shrub plant belonging to the Solanaceae family, is rich in anthocyanins, which have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, lipid-lowering, intestinal flora regulating, and other pharmacological qualities. This study was primarily aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of different anthocyanin purities from LRM on angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) activity in vitro. Moreover, the inhibitory mechanism was further analyzed by molecular docking technology.

RESULTS

Two main anthocyanin isomers were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and proton/carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance, namely petunidin-3-O-[rhamnopyranosyl-(trans-p-coumaroyl)]-5-O-(β-d-glucopyranoside) (trans-Pt3R5G) and petunidin-3-O-[rhamnopyranosyl-(cis-p-coumaroyl)]-5-O-(β-d-glucopyranoside) (cis-Pt3R5G), with a molar ratio of 9:1. Three purification grades of Pt3R5G all showed excellent inhibitory effects on ACE, with the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50 ) values being 0.562, 0.421, and 0.106 mg·mL-1 . Increasing the purity may reduce the IC50 within a certain concentration range. An enzymatic kinetic experiment showed that the inhibitory effect of Pt3R5G on ACE was reversible and non-competitive: Pt3R5G and substrate were not in competition for the active sites of ACE. Molecular docking technology further revealed the possible mechanism was that Pt3R5G and ACE amino acid residues were interacting by hydrogen bonds to exert the inhibitory effect.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that Pt3R5G from LRM was highly effective at inhibiting ACE activity in vitro, with the hydrogen bonds of Pt3R5G and ACE amino acid residues exerting the inhibition. As a potential plant-based ACE inhibitor, Pt3R5G can be used as a functional ingredient for antihypertensive effects. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Anthocyanin Effects on Vascular and Endothelial Health: Evidence from Clinical Trials and Role of Gut Microbiota Metabolites

Hypertension and derived cardiovascular disease (CVD) are among the leading causes of death worldwide. Increased oxidative stress and inflammatory state are involved in different alterations in endothelial functions that contribute to the onset of CVD. Polyphenols, and in particular anthocyanins, have aroused great interest for their antioxidant effects and their cardioprotective role. However, anthocyanins are rarely detected in blood serum because they are primarily metabolized by the gut microbiota. This review presents studies published to date that report the main results from clinical studies on the cardioprotective effects of anthocyanins and the role of the gut microbiota in the metabolism and bioavailability of anthocyanins and their influence on the composition of the microbiota. Even if it seems that anthocyanins have a significant effect on vascular health, more studies are required to better clarify which molecules and doses show vascular benefits without forgetting the crucial role of the microbiota.

Elderberry extract improves molecular markers of endothelial dysfunction linked to atherosclerosis

Endothelial dysfunction (ED), secondary to diminished nitric oxide (NO) production and oxidative stress, is an early subclinical marker of atherosclerosis. Reduced NO bioavailability enhances the adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells and promotes atherosclerosis. Elderberry extract (EB) is known to contain high levels of anthocyanins which could exert vascular protective effects. Specifically, we investigated the functional capacity of EB on various markers of ED. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were pretreated with EB 50 μg/mL and stimulated with TNF-α 10 ng/mL. Cell viability, apoptosis, oxidative stress; eNOS, Akt, Nrf2, NOX-4, and NF-κB at the protein level were measured. A co-culture model was used to determine whether EB could prevent the adhesion of monocytes (THP-1) to HUVECs. Moreover, the expression of adhesion molecules and pro-inflammatory cytokines were also measured. It was demonstrated that EB prevented TNF-α induced apoptosis and reactive oxygen species production in HUVECs. Additionally, EB upregulated Akt and eNOS activity, and Nrf2 expression in response to TNF-α, whereas it decreased NOX-4 expression and NF-κB activity. EB prevented the adhesion of monocytes to HUVECs, as well as reduced IL-6 and MCP-1 levels, which was associated with inhibition of VCAM-1 expression. Our results demonstrate that EB upregulates key cellular markers of endothelial function and ameliorates markers of ED. EB could be used as a potential nutritional aid for preventing atherosclerosis progression.

Anthocyanins and Vascular Health: A Matter of Metabolites

Anthocyanins are a subgroup of flavonoid polyphenols previously investigated for improving cardiovascular health and preventing the development of endothelial dysfunction. However, their poor bioavailability raises the question of whether the observed biological activity is due to their metabolites. Phenolic metabolites can reach higher plasma concentrations and can persist in the circulation for periods much longer than their original anthocyanin form; therefore, the biological activity and health promoting effects of anthocyanins may differ from their metabolites. To address this, recent studies have facilitated different cell models, in vivo studies and explored physiologically relevant concentrations to better understand their mechanisms of action. The criteria were chosen based on previous reports demonstrating that anthocyanins can improve endothelial function via modulation of the Akt-endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway and transcription factors Nrf2 and NF-κB, which made it critical to assess the phenolic metabolites' modes of action via these pathways. This review demonstrates how phenolic metabolites differ in bioactivity from their precursor anthocyanin, demonstrating improved endothelial function in response to inflammatory mediators at concentrations that are tolerated in vivo. The review highlights the crucial need for further studies to focus on improving the bioavailability of metabolites in isolation and explore the effect of metabolites in mixtures.

The Effects of Blackcurrant and Raspberry Consumption on Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

A systematic review and meta-analysis were designed to summarize studies conducted on the effects of raspberry and blackcurrant consumption on blood pressure (BP). Eligible studies were detected by searching numerous five online databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, until December 17, 2022. We pooled the mean difference and its 95% confidence interval (CI) by applying a random-effects model. Overall, the impact of raspberry and blackcurrant on BP was reported in ten randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (420 subjects). Pooled analysis of six clinical trials revealed that raspberry consumption has no significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) (weighted mean differences [WMDs], -1.42; 95% CI, -3.27 to 0.87; p = 0.224) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (WMD, -0.53; 95% CI, -1.77 to 0.71; p = 0.401), in comparison with placebo. Moreover, pooled analysis of four clinical trials indicated that blackcurrant consumption did not reduce SBP (WMD, -1.46; 95% CI, -6.62 to 3.7; p = 0.579), and DBP (WMD, -2.09; 95% CI, -4.38 to 0.20; p = 0.07). Raspberry and blackcurrant consumption elicited no significant reductions in BP. More accurate RCTs are required to clarify the impact of raspberry and blackcurrant intake on BP.

Nutrition Strategies Promoting Healthy Aging: From Improvement of Cardiovascular and Brain Health to Prevention of Age-Associated Diseases

BACKGROUND

An increasing number of studies suggest that diet plays an important role in regulating aging processes and modulates the development of the most important age-related diseases.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the relationship between nutrition and critical age-associated diseases.

METHODS

A literature review was conducted to survey recent pre-clinical and clinical findings related to the role of nutritional factors in modulation of fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms of aging and their role in prevention of the genesis of the diseases of aging.

RESULTS

Studies show that the development of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, cognitive impairment and dementia can be slowed down or prevented by certain diets with anti-aging action. The protective effects of diets, at least in part, may be mediated by their beneficial macro- (protein, fat, carbohydrate) and micronutrient (vitamins, minerals) composition.

CONCLUSIONS

Certain diets, such as the Mediterranean diet, may play a significant role in healthy aging by preventing the onset of certain diseases and by improving the aging process itself. This latter can be strengthened by incorporating fasting elements into the diet. As dietary recommendations change with age, this should be taken into consideration as well, when developing a diet tailored to the needs of elderly individuals. Future and ongoing clinical studies on complex anti-aging dietary interventions translating the results of preclinical investigations are expected to lead to novel nutritional guidelines for older adults in the near future.

Natural products against inflammation and atherosclerosis: Targeting on gut microbiota

The gut microbiota (GM) has become recognized as a crucial element in preserving human fitness and influencing disease consequences. Commensal and pathogenic gut microorganisms are correlated with pathological progress in atherosclerosis (AS). GM may thus be a promising therapeutic target for AS. Natural products with cardioprotective qualities might improve the inflammation of AS by modulating the GM ecosystem, opening new avenues for researches and therapies. However, it is unclear what components of natural products are useful and what the actual mechanisms are. In this review, we have summarized the natural products relieving inflammation of AS by regulating the GM balance and active metabolites produced by GM.

Elderberries as a potential supplement to improve vascular function in a SARS-CoV-2 environment

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been triggered by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Although recent studies demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2 possibly does not directly infect endothelial cells (EC), the endothelium may be affected as a secondary response due to the damage of neighboring cells, circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, and/or other mechanisms. Long-term COVID-19 symptoms specifically nonrespiratory symptoms are due to the persistence of endothelial dysfunction (ED). Based on the literature, anthocyanins a major subgroup of flavonoid polyphenols found in berries, have been well researched for their vascular protective properties as well as the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related deaths. Elderberries have been previously used as a natural remedy for treating influenza, cold, and consequently cardiovascular health due to a high content of cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) a major anthocyanin found in the human diet. The literature reported many studies demonstrating that EE has both antiviral and vascular protective properties that should be further investigated as a nutritional component used against the (in)direct effect of SARS-CoV-2 in vascular function. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: While previous work among the literature looks promising and builds a suggestion for investigating elderberry extract (EE) against COVID-19, further in vitro and in vivo research is required to fully evaluate EE mechanisms of action and its use as a supplement to aid current therapies.

Urinary Nitric Oxide Levels Are Associated with Blood Pressure, Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Total Polyphenol Excretion in Adolescents from the SI! Program

Nitric oxide (NO) is important to cardiovascular health (CVH), and its bioavailability could be regulated by the antioxidant effect of polyphenols, improving endothelial function and consequently blood pressure (BP). However, scant research has been carried out on NO and CVH correlates in adolescent populations. Therefore, our aim was to investigate the association between NO and the CVH status and other health factors in adolescents. NO, total polyphenol excretion (TPE), anthropometric measurements, BP, blood lipid profile, blood glucose, diet, physical activity, and smoking status were recorded, while CVH score was classified as ideal, intermediate, and poor. Negative associations were observed between NO and body mass index, body fat percentage, BP, and triglycerides; and positive associations between NO and skeletal muscle percentage, HDL-cholesterol, fruit and vegetable intake, and TPE was observed. To capture more complex interactions among different factors, multiple linear regression was performed, obtaining a significant association between NO and fruit and vegetable intake (β = 0.175), TPE (β = 0.225), and systolic BP (β = -0.235). We conclude that urinary NO levels are positively associated with the consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants such as polyphenols and negatively associated with systolic BP.

Bioactives in the Food Supply: Effects on CVD Health

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Interest in preventing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease extends beyond essential nutrients and dietary patterns. This article reviews the potential for bioactive compounds to play a role in prevention and the recent process in guidance for developing policy for bioactives.

RECENT FINDINGS

A framework for developing recommended intakes of bioactives dietary substances was recently developed and the first guideline expected is for a bioactive targeted for cardiometabolic health. Bioactives target endothelial health, the gut microbiome, serum lipids, blood pressure, inflammation, and oxidative stress. The evidence base is growing and will be enhanced further with the discovery of good biomarkers of exposure and health outcomes. A robust evidence base is essential to develop policy and influence clinical practice for bioactives, an exciting and growing area of research.

Anthocyanins in Chronic Diseases: The Power of Purple

Anthocyanins are mainly purple-coloured phenolic compounds of plant origin that as secondary metabolites are important in plant survival. Understanding their health benefits in humans requires sourcing these unstable compounds in sufficient quantities at a reasonable cost, which has led to improved methods of extraction. Dark-coloured fruits, cereals and vegetables are current sources of these compounds. The range of potential sustainable sources is much larger and includes non-commercialised native plants from around the world and agri-waste containing anthocyanins. In the last 5 years, there have been significant advances in developing the therapeutic potential of anthocyanins in chronic human diseases. Anthocyanins exert their beneficial effects through improvements in gut microbiota, oxidative stress and inflammation, and modulation of neuropeptides such as insulin-like growth factor-1. Their health benefits in humans include reduced cognitive decline; protection of organs such as the liver, as well as the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract and kidneys; improvements in bone health and obesity; and regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism. This review summarises some of the sources of anthocyanins and their mechanisms and benefits in the treatment of chronic human diseases.