Effects of short-term continuous Montmorency tart cherry juice supplementation in participants with metabolic syndrome

Health effects of 100% fruit and vegetable juices: evidence from human subject intervention studies

The health effects of 100% fruit and vegetable juices (FVJ) represent a controversial topic. FVJ contain notable amounts of free sugars, but also vitamins, minerals, and secondary compounds with proven biological activities like (poly)phenols and carotenoids. The review aimed to shed light on the potential impact of 100% FVJ on human subject health, comprehensively assessing the role each type of juice may have in specific health outcomes for a particular target population, as reported in dietary interventions. The effects of a wide range of FVJ (orange, grapefruit, mandarin, lemon, apple, white, red, and Concord grapes, pomegranate, cranberry, chokeberry, blueberry, other minor berries, sweet and tart cherry, plum, tomato, carrot, beetroot, and watermelon, among others) were evaluated on a series of outcomes (anthropometric parameters, body composition, blood pressure and vascular function, lipid profile, glucose homeostasis, biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress, cognitive function, exercise performance, gut microbiota composition and bacterial infections), providing a thorough picture of the contribution of each FVJ to a health outcome. Some juices demonstrated their ability to exert potential preventive effects on some outcomes while others on other health outcomes, emphasising how the differential composition in bioactive compounds defines juice effects. Research gaps and future prospects were discussed. Although 100% FVJ appear to have beneficial effects on some cardiometabolic health outcomes, cognition and exercise performance, or neutral effects on anthropometric parameters and body composition, further efforts are needed to better understand the impact of 100% FVJ on human subject health.

Anthocyanins and Type 2 Diabetes: An Update of Human Study and Clinical Trial

Anthocyanins are phenolic compounds occurring in fruits and vegetables. Evidence from pre-clinical studies indicates their role in glucose level regulation, gut microbiota improvement, and inflammation reduction under diabetic conditions. Therefore, incorporating these research advancements into clinical practice would significantly improve the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes. This narrative review provides a concise overview of 18 findings from recent clinical research published over the last 5 years that investigate the therapeutic effects of dietary anthocyanins on diabetes. Anthocyanin supplementation has been shown to have a regulatory effect on fasting blood glucose levels, glycated hemoglobin, and other diabetes-related indicators. Furthermore, increased anthocyanin dosages had more favorable implications for diabetes treatment. This review provides evidence that an anthocyanin-rich diet can improve diabetes outcomes, especially in at-risk groups. Future research should focus on optimal intervention duration, consider multiple clinical biomarkers, and analyze anthocyanin effects among well-controlled versus poorly controlled groups of patients with diabetes.

Phenolic Compounds from Cherries and Berries for Chronic Disease Management and Cardiovascular Risk Reduction

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Therefore, there is increasing interest in dietary interventions to reduce risk factors associated with these conditions. Cherries and berries are rich sources of bioactive compounds and have attracted attention for their potential cardiovascular benefits. This review summarises the current research on the effects of cherry and berry consumption on cardiovascular health, including in vivo studies and clinical trials. These red fruits are rich in phenolic compounds, such as anthocyanins and flavonoids, which have multiple bioactive properties. These properties include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilatory effects. Studies suggest that regular consumption of these fruits may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to lower blood pressure, improved lipid profiles, and enhanced endothelial function. However, interpreting findings and establishing optimal dosages is a challenge due to the variability in fruit composition, processing methods, and study design. Despite these limitations, the evidence highlights the potential of cherries and berries as components of preventive strategies against CVD. Further research is needed to maximise their health benefits and improve clinical practice.

Dose-dependent effect of tart cherry on selected cardiometabolic risk factors: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AIMS

This study aimed to clarify the effectiveness of tart cherries on anthropometric, lipid, and glycemic indices. We also aimed to clarify the appropriate dosage for this effect and suggest directions for future studies.

METHODS

PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched until May 2022. Twelve eligible trials were included. The pooled results were reported as weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). The Cochrane risk of bias and GRADE tools were used to assess the risk of bias and certainty of the evidence, respectively.

RESULTS

Tart cherry generally showed no significant effects on cardiometabolic risk factors. But subgroup analysis revealed that tart cherry significantly lowered total cholesterol (WMD: -0.33 mmol/l; 95 % CI: -0.55, -0.10), triglyceride (WMD: -0.19 mmol/l; 95 % CI: -0.26, -0.12), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD: -0.36 mmol/l; 95 % CI: -0.58, -0.14), in unhealthy populations. Additionally, subgroup analysis indicated that the favorable effects of tart cherry were more pronounced in a single dose, longer duration, elderly, and obese individuals. Dose-response analysis revealed that 20 ml concentrate has the greatest effect in reducing total cholesterol (WMD: -0.40 mmol/l; 95 % CI: -0.61, -0.19), triglyceride (WMD: -0.23 mmol/l; 95 % CI: -0.33, -0.13), and elevating high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD: 0.20 mmol/l; 95 % CI: 0.17, 0.22).

CONCLUSIONS

Tart cherry supplementation did not have significant effects on anthropometric and glycemic indices, but can improve lipid profile, especially in a single dose, longer duration, and in elderly, obese, and unhealthy individuals.

Efficacy and safety of tart cherry supplementary citrate mixture on gout patients: a prospective, randomized, controlled study

BACKGROUND

Low urine pH, which may be mediated by metabolic syndrome (MetS), is common in gout. Tart cherries are shown to improve MetS symptoms and possess anti-inflammatory properties. However, the efficacy of tart cherry supplements on urine pH has yet to be studied.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of tart cherry supplementary citrate (TaCCi) mixture on urine pH, serum urate (sUA), C-reactive protein (CRP), and gout flares in gout patients initiating urate-lowering therapy (ULT), in comparison to citrate mixture and sodium bicarbonate.

METHODS

A prospective, randomized (1:1:1), open-label, parallel-controlled trial was conducted among 282 men with gout and fasting urine pH ≤ 6, who were initiating ULT with febuxostat (initially 20 mg daily, escalating to 40 mg daily if serum urate ≥ 360 μmol/L). Participants were randomized to groups taking either sodium bicarbonate, citrate mixture, or TaCCi mixture. All participants were followed every 4 weeks until week 12. Urine pH and sUA were co-primary outcomes, with various biochemical and clinical secondary endpoints.

RESULTS

Urine pH increased to a similar extent in all three groups. SUA levels declined in all three groups as well, with no significant differences observed between the groups. At week 12, the TaCCi mixture group exhibited a greater reduction in the urine albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR) compared to the other two groups (p < 0.05). Participants taking TaCCi mixture or citrate mixture experienced fewer gout flares than those in the sodium bicarbonate group over the study period (p < 0.05). Additionally, the TaCCi mixture group had a lower CRP level at week 12 relative to the other two groups (p < 0.01). Adverse events were similar across all three groups.

CONCLUSION

The TaCCi mixture had similar efficacy and safety on urine alkalization and sUA-lowering as the citrate mixture and sodium bicarbonate in patients with gout. However, the TaCCi mixture resulted in greater improvements in UACR and CRP, which suggests that tart cherry supplements may provide additional benefits for renal protection and reduce inflammation in gout, particularly when starting ULT.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This project was registered in ChiCTR ( www.chictr.org.cn ), with the registration number: ChiCTR2100050749.

Dose-dependent effect of tart cherry on blood pressure and selected inflammation biomarkers: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objectives

As a nutritious food, Tart cherries (Prunus cerasus L) benefit cardiovascular health. This study aims to clarify the effectiveness of Tart cherry in controlling blood pressure, heart rate, and inflammatory biomarkers, the appropriate dosage for this effect, and suggest directions for future studies.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched (up to May 2022), to identify eligible randomized controlled trials. It measured publication bias and was assessed for all outcomes. Evidence quality was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and GRADE (Grades of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations).

Results

Regarding the 21 included trials, Tart cherry didn't affect blood pressure, heart rate, high-sensitive C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6 (P > 0.05). In contrast, with moderate certainty, it can reduce serum C-reactive protein (WMD: - 0.39 mg/l; 95% CI: - 0.74, - 0.05; P = 0.024) and with very low certainty can decrease tumor necrosis factor-alpha (WMD: - 0.14 pg/ml; 95% CI: - 0.27, - 0.02; P = 0.026). In addition, dose-response analysis implies that with each 30 ml elevation in dose, CRP reduces by 0.19 mg/l (95% CI: - 0.37, - 0.01).

Conclusions

Tart cherry can control inflammation by administering the proper dose. Even though tart cherry generally doesn't affect blood pressure and heart rate, further high-quality studies are needed to determine its effect.

Revealing the Potential Impacts of Nutraceuticals Formulated with Freeze-Dried Jabuticaba Peel and Limosilactobacillus fermentum Strains Candidates for Probiotic Use on Human Intestinal Microbiota

This study evaluated the impacts of novel nutraceuticals formulated with freeze-dried jabuticaba peel (FJP) and three potentially probiotic Limosilactobacillus fermentum strains on the abundance of bacterial groups forming the human intestinal microbiota, metabolite production, and antioxidant capacity during in vitro colonic fermentation. The nutraceuticals had high viable counts of L. fermentum after freeze-drying (≥ 9.57 ± 0.09 log CFU/g). The nutraceuticals increased the abundance of Lactobacillus ssp./Enterococcus spp. (2.46-3.94%), Bifidobacterium spp. (2.28-3.02%), and Ruminococcus albus/R. flavefaciens (0.63-4.03%), while decreasing the abundance of Bacteroides spp./Prevotella spp. (3.91-2.02%), Clostridium histolyticum (1.69-0.40%), and Eubacterium rectale/C. coccoides (3.32-1.08%), which were linked to positive prebiotic indices (> 1.75). The nutraceuticals reduced the pH and increased the sugar consumption, short-chain fatty acid production, phenolic acid content, and antioxidant capacity, besides altering the metabolic profile during colonic fermentation. The combination of FJP and probiotic L. fermentum is a promising strategy to produce nutraceuticals targeting intestinal microbiota.

Are (poly)phenols contained in 100% fruit juices mediating their effects on cardiometabolic risk factors? A meta-regression analysis

Background

The consumption of 100% fruit juices has not been associated with substantial detrimental outcomes in population studies and may even contribute to improving the cardiometabolic profile if included in a healthy balanced diet. The main contributors to such potential beneficial effects include vitamins, minerals, and likely the (poly)phenol content. This study aimed to investigate whether the (poly)phenols contained in 100% fruit juices may mediate their effects on cardiometabolic risk factors based on published randomized controlled trials (RCT).

Methods

A systematic search in PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase, updated till the end of October 2022, was carried out to identify RCT providing quantitative data on (poly)phenol content in 100% fruit juices and used as an intervention to improve cardiometabolic parameters such as blood lipids, glucose, and blood pressure. Meta-regression analysis was performed to calculate the effect of the intervention [expressed as standardized mean difference and 95% confidence intervals (CI)] using the (poly)phenol content as moderator.

Results

A total of 39 articles on RCT investigating the effects of 100% fruit juices on cardiometabolic risk factors reporting data on total (poly)phenol and anthocyanin content were included in the analysis. Total (poly)phenol content was substantially unrelated to any outcome investigated. In contrast, each 100 mg per day increase in anthocyanins was related to 1.53 mg/dL decrease in total cholesterol (95% CI, -2.83, -0.22, p = 0.022) and 1.94 mg/dL decrease in LDL cholesterol (95% CI, -3.46, -0.42, p = 0.012). No other potential mediating effects of anthocyanins on blood triglycerides, glucose, systolic and diastolic pressure were found, while a lowering effect on HDL cholesterol after excluding one outlier study was observed.

Discussion

In conclusion, the present study showed that anthocyanins may mediate the potential beneficial effects of some 100% fruit juices on some blood lipids. Increasing the content of anthocyanins through specific fruit varieties or plant breeding could enhance the health benefits of 100% fruit juices.

Polyphenols: a route from bioavailability to bioactivity addressing potential health benefits to tackle human chronic diseases

Chronic pathologies or non-communicable diseases (NCDs) include cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, neurological diseases, respiratory disorders and cancer. They are the leading global cause of human mortality and morbidity. Given their chronic nature, NCDs represent a growing social and economic burden, hence urging the need for ameliorating the existing preventive strategies, and for finding novel tackling therapies. NCDs are highly correlated with unhealthy lifestyle habits (such as high-fat and high-glucose diet, or sedentary life). In general, lifestyle approaches that might improve these habits, including dietary consumption of fresh vegetables, fruits and fibers, may contrast NCD symptoms and prolong life expectancy of affected people. Polyphenols (PPLs) are plant-derived molecules with demonstrated biological activities in humans, which include: radical scavenging and anti-oxidant activities, capability to modulate inflammation, as well as human enzymes, and even to bind nuclear receptors. For these reasons, PPLs are currently tested, both preclinically and clinically, as dietary adjuvants for the prevention and treatment of NCDs. In this review, we describe the human metabolism and bioactivity of PPLs. Also, we report what is currently known about PPLs interaction with gastro-intestinal enzymes and gut microbiota, which allows their biotransformation in many different metabolites with several biological functions. The systemic bioactivity of PPLs and the newly available PPL-delivery nanosystems are also described in detail. Finally, the up-to-date clinical studies assessing both safety and efficacy of dietary PPLs in individuals with different NCDs are hereby reported. Overall, the clinical results support the notion that PPLs from fruits, vegetables, but also from leaves or seeds extracts, are safe and show significant positive results in ameliorating symptoms and improving the whole quality of life of people with NCDs.

Effects of tart cherry juice consumption on cardio-metabolic risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Tart cherries are rich in bioactive compounds, such as anthocyanins and other phytochemicals known to have antioxidant properties and exert cardiovascular protective effects. However, there is no definitive consensus on this context. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effect of tart cherry juice consumption on cardio-metabolic risk factors.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted on electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar from inception up to December 2021 to identify eligible RCT studies. A random-effect model was utilized to estimate the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence (95% CI).

RESULTS

Ten RCTs were included in the present meta-analysis. The pooled analysis revealed that tart cherry juice consumption led to a significant reduction in the fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels (WMD = -0.51 mg/dl [95% CI: -0.98, -0.06]). This lowering effect of FBS was robust in subgroups with cross-over studies, participants with age range ≥ 40, duration of follow-up ≤ 4 weeks, and baseline BMI ≥ 30. In contrast, tart cherry juice had no effect on total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), insulin, body mass index (BMI), fat mass, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. However, in the subgroup analysis, some significant effects were observed for insulin, TG, TC, LDL-C, and HDL-C.

CONCLUSION

In summary, this meta-analysis showed that tart cherry juice mostly had a favorable effect on FBG levels. However, further RCTs with long-term intervention with different doses of administration are needed.

Montmorency tart cherry supplementation does not impact sleep, body composition, cellular health, or blood pressure in healthy adults

Background: Sleep disturbances are linked with cardiovascular and metabolic disease as well as poor body composition. Aim: To investigate the use of tart cherry supplements, which are high in antioxidants and may contain melatonin, on parameters of health such as sleep, body composition, cellular health, and blood pressure (BP). Methods: Forty-four participants had completed sleep record data and were included in this analysis. Participants consumed either two 240 ml bottles per day of Montmorency tart cherry (MTC) juice or placebo or two capsules per day of powdered MTC or placebo for 30 days. Participants tracked their sleep daily via questionnaire and completed body composition and BP assessments at baseline, 14 days, and 30 days after supplementation. Results: There were no significant differences in sleep time or quality between groups, though both increased over 30 days. The capsule groups had significantly lower body mass (BM) 14 days versus baseline for placebo group (p = 0.01, mean difference: 0.70 kg) and at 30 days versus 14 days in MTC group (p = 0.02, mean difference: 0.75 kg). No other differences in body composition or cellular health were found. BP was unaffected by MTC supplementation over 30 days. Despite the potential benefits of antioxidants and melatonin, we did not find improvements in sleep time or quality, cellular health or BP in participants consuming MTC for 30 days, though BM decreased in capsule groups. Conclusion: These results conflict with previous data on MTC and sleep and BP, therefore further investigation is warranted.

The Role of Berry Consumption on Blood Pressure Regulation and Hypertension: An Overview of the Clinical Evidence

The existence of a relationship between the consumption of dietary berries and blood pressure reduction in humans has been repeatedly hypothesized and documented by an increasing body of epidemiological and clinical evidence that has accumulated in recent years. However, results are mixed and complicated by a number of potentially confounding factors. The objective of this article is to review and summarize the available clinical evidence examining the effects of berry consumption on blood pressure regulation as well as the prevention or treatment of hypertension in humans, providing an overview of the potential contribution of distinctive berry polyphenols (anthocyanins, condensed tannins and ellagic acid), and results of dietary interventions with blueberries, bilberries, cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, chokeberries, cherries, blackcurrants and açai berries. We conclude that, while there is insufficient evidence supporting the existence of a direct blood pressure lowering effect, there is stronger evidence for specific types of berries acting indirectly to normalize blood pressure in subjects that are already hypertensive.

Physiological Effects of Red-Colored Food-Derived Bioactive Compounds on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major global cause of disease and mortality. CVDs are a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels and include coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, heart failure, and other conditions. The most important behavioral risk factors for heart disease and stroke are diet, physical activity, smoking, and drinking. Increased intake of fruits and vegetables is associated with reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome and CVDs. Red-colored foods align with cardiovascular health by protecting the heart and blood vessels. Red fruits and vegetables include tomatoes, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, cherries, red apples, beets, and pomegranate. In vitro and in vivo studies, as well as clinical trials, show that the components of red foods demonstrate various potential health benefits against disease. In conclusion, there are many advantages to eating vegetable foods, especially red fruits and vegetables.

Effect of cherry consumption on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the findings of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of tart and sweet cherries on systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP).

METHODS

PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science were searched to acquire the RCTs up to December 2020.

RESULTS

Seven RCTs comprising 201 participants were included. The meta-analysis showed that cherry supplementation does not lead to a significant decrease in SBP or DBP.

CONCLUSIONS

Incorporating cherries into the diet has no significant effect on blood pressure.

Thirty Days of Montmorency Tart Cherry Supplementation Has No Effect on Gut Microbiome Composition, Inflammation, or Glycemic Control in Healthy Adults

Tart cherries possess properties that may reduce inflammation and improve glycemic control, however human data on supplementation and the gut microbiota is equivocal. Processing (i.e., juice concentrate, dried, frozen) may affect the properties of tart cherries, and therefore alter their efficacious health benefits. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 30 days of supplementation with Montmorency tart cherry (MTC) in concentrate or freeze-dried form on the gut microbiome and markers of inflammation and glycemic control. Healthy participants with no known disease (n = 58, age: 28 ± 10 y, height: 169.76 ± 8.55 cm, body mass: 72.2 ± 12.9 kg) were randomly allocated to four groups and consumed either concentrate or freeze-dried capsules or their corresponding placebos for 30 days. Venous blood samples were drawn at baseline, day 7, 14, and 30 and analyzed for inflammatory markers TNF-alpha, uric acid, C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate and glycemic control markers glycated albumin, glucose and insulin. A fecal sample was provided at baseline, day 14 and 30 for microbiome analysis. TNF-alpha was significantly lower at 30 vs. 14 days (p = 0.01), however there was no other significant change in the inflammatory markers. Insulin was not changed over time (p = 0.16) or between groups (p = 0.24), nor was glycated albumin different over time (p = 0.08) or between groups (p = 0.56), however glucose levels increased (p < 0.001) from baseline (4.79 ± 1.00 mmol·L^-1) to 14 days (5.21 ± 1.02 mmol·L^-1) and 30 days (5.61 ± 1.22 mmol·L^-1) but this was no different between groups (p = 0.33). There was no significant change in composition of bacterial phyla, families, or subfamilies for the duration of this study nor was there a change in species richness. These data suggest that 30 days of MTC supplementation does not modulate the gut microbiome, inflammation, or improve glycemic control in a healthy, diverse group of adults. Clinical Trail Registration:https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04467372, identifier: NCT04467372.

The influence of tart cherries (Prunus Cerasus) on vascular function and the urinary metabolome: a randomised placebo-controlled pilot study

Montmorency tart cherries (MC) have been found to modulate indices of vascular function with interventions of varying duration. The objective of this preliminary study was to identify the chronic effects of MC supplementation on vascular function and the potential for urinary metabolomics to provide mechanistic evidence. We performed a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomised study on 23 healthy individuals (18M, 7F) that consumed 30 ml MC or a placebo twice daily for 28 days. Whole body measures of vascular function and spot urine collections were taken at baseline and after supplementation. There were no significant changes to vascular function including blood pressure and arterial stiffness. Urinary metabolite profiling highlighted significant changes (P < 0⋅001) with putative discriminatory metabolites related to tryptophan and histidine metabolism. Overall, MC supplementation for 28 days does not improve indices of vascular function but changes to the urinary metabolome could be suggestive of potential mechanisms.

The Influence of Tart Cherry (Prunus cerasus, cv Montmorency) Concentrate Supplementation for 3 Months on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Middle-Aged Adults: A Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Tart Montmorency cherries (MC) have been shown to be rich in anthocyanins and other phytochemicals known to have anti-inflammatory properties and influence pathways that might improve cardiometabolic health. However, there is limited evidence for the longer-term use of tart cherries on these indices. The aim of the current study was to investigate the influence of MC concentrate on cardiometabolic health indices following a 3-month supplementation period.

METHODS

Fifty middle-aged adults (34 males and 16 females; mean ± SD age: 48 ± 6 years and BMI: 27.6 ± 3.7 kg/m2) completed a randomised, placebo-controlled parallel study in which they either received MC or an isocaloric placebo. Participants drank 30 mL of their allocated treatment twice per day for 3 months. Vascular function (blood pressure [BP], heart rate [HR], pulse wave velocity and analysis [PWV/A], and flow mediated dilation [FMD]) as well as indices of metabolic health (insulin, glucose, lipid profiles, and high sensitivity C reactive protein) were measured following an overnight fast before and after the 3 months.

RESULTS

No effect of the intervention between the groups was observed for vascular function or metabolic health variables following the intervention (p > 0.05). However, MC concentrate was shown to be safe and well-tolerated and, importantly, did not have any deleterious effects on these outcomes. In conclusion, MC has no influence on cardiometabolic indices in middle-aged adults.

Effects of high fat diets and supplemental tart cherry and fish oil on obesity and type 2 diabetes in male and female C57BL/6J and TALLYHO/Jng mice

Obesogenic and diabetogenic high fat (HF) diets can influence genetic factors in disease development with sexual dimorphic responses. We investigated potential protective effects of tart cherry (TC), fish oil (FO) and TC+FO supplementation in TALLYHO/Jng (TH) and C57BL/6J (B6) mice fed HF diets. Male and female TH and B6 mice were weaned onto five different diets; low fat (LF), HF, and HF supplemented with TC, FO, or TC+FO and maintained. For both males and females on LF, TH mice were heavier and fatter than B6, which was accentuated by HF in males, but not in females. TH males, but not others, developed severe glucose intolerance and hyperglycemia on HF, with reduced mRNA levels of Adipoq and Esr1 in adipose tissue. Considering energy balance, locomotor activity was lower in TH mice than B6 for both sexes without diet effects, except B6 females where HF decreased it. Compared to LF, HF decreased energy expenditure, RER, and food intake (in grams) for both sexes without strain differences. In all mice, but B6 males, HF increased plasma IL6 levels compared to LF. No preventive effects of TC, FO or TC+FO were noted for HF-induced obesity or energy imbalance, but FO alleviated glucose intolerance in TH males. Further, TC and FO decreased plasma IL6 levels, especially in females, without additive or synergistic effects of these two. Collectively, obesogenic and diabetogenic impacts of HF diets differed depending on the genetic predisposition. Moreover, sexually dimorphic effects of dietary supplementation were observed for glucose metabolism and inflammatory markers.

Targets and mechanisms of dietary anthocyanins to combat hyperglycemia and hyperuricemia: a comprehensive review

Hyperglycemia and hyperuricemia are both metabolic disorders related to excessive amount of metabolites in blood, which are considered as high risk factors for the development of many chronic diseases. Enzymes, cells, tissues and organs, which are relevant to metabolism and excretion of glucose and UA, are usually regarded to be the targets in treatment of hyperglycemia and hyperuricemia. Several drugs have been commonly applied to combat hyperglycemia and hyperuricemia through various targets but with unignorable side effects. Anthocyanins have become promising alternatives against hyperglycemia and hyperuricemia because of their bio-activities with little side effects. Structurally different anthocyanins from berry fruits, cherries and purple sweet potato lead to the diverse functional activity and property. This review is aimed to illustrate the specific targets that are available for anthocyanins from berry fruits, cherries and purple sweet potato in hyperglycemia and hyperuricemia management, as well as discuss the structure-activity relationship, and the underlying mechanisms associated with intracellular signaling pathway, anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammation. In addition, the relationship of hyperglycemia and hyperuricemia, and the possibly regulative role of anthocyanins against them, along with the effects of anthocyanins in clinical trial are mentioned.