Mechanistic insights to the cardioprotective effect of blueberry nutraceutical extract in isoprenaline-induced cardiac hypertrophy

Fumaria indica (Hausskn.) Pugsley Hydromethanolic Extract: Bioactive Compounds Identification, Hypotensive Mechanism, and Cardioprotective Potential Exploration

Fumaria indica (Hausskn.) Pugsley (FIP), a member of the Papaveraceae family, has a documented history of use in traditional medicine to treat cardiovascular ailments, particularly hypertension, and has shown substantial therapeutic efficacy among native cultures worldwide. However, the identification of bioactive compounds and the mechanism of hypotensive effect with the cardioprotective potential investigations are yet to be determined. The study aimed to identify bioactive compounds, explore the hypotensive mechanism and cardioprotective potential, and assess the safety of Fumaria indica (Hausskn.) Pugsley hydromethanolic extract (Fip.Cr). LC ESI-MS/MS analysis was performed to identify the bioactive compounds. In vitro experiments were conducted on isolated rat aorta and atria, and an in vivo invasive BP measurement model was used. Acute and subacute toxicities were assessed for 14 and 28 days, respectively. Isoproterenol (ISO) was used to develop the rats' myocardial infarction damage model. The mRNA levels of NLRP3 inflammasome and the abundance level of Firmicutes and Lactobacillus were measured by qRT-PCR. The hypotensive effect of FIP bioactive compounds was also investigated using in silico methods. Fip. Cr LC ESI-MS/MS analysis discovered 33 bioactive compounds, including alkaloids and flavonoids. In isolated rat aorta, Fip.Cr reversed contractions induced by K+ (80 mM), demonstrating a calcium entry-blocking function, and had a vasorelaxant impact on phenylephrine (PE) (1 μM)-induced contractions unaffected by L-NAME, ruling out endothelial NO participation. Fip.Cr caused negative chronotropic and inotropic effects in isolated rat atria unaffected by atropine pretreatment, eliminating cardiac muscarinic receptor involvement. Safety evaluation showed no major adverse effects. In vivo, invasive BP measurement demonstrated a hypotensive effect comparable to verapamil. Fip.Cr protected the rats from ISO-induced MI interventions significantly in biometrical and cardiac serum biochemical indicators and histological examinations by reducing inflammation via inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome and elevating Firmicutes and Lactobacillus levels. The network pharmacology study revealed that the FIP hypotensive mechanism might involve MMP9, JAK2, HMOX1, NOS2, NOS3, TEK, SERPINE1, CCL2, and VEGFA. The molecular docking study revealed that FIP bioactive compounds docked better with CAC1C_ HUMAN than verapamil. These findings demonstrated that Fip.Cr's hypotensive mechanism may include calcium channel blocker activity. Fip.Cr ameliorated ISO-induced myocardial infarction in rats by attenuating inflammation, which might be via inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome and may prove beneficial for treating MI.

Grapevine Shoot Extract Rich in Trans-Resveratrol and Trans-ε-Viniferin: Evaluation of Their Potential Use for Cardiac Health

A grapevine shoot extract (GSE) was obtained using ultrasound-assisted extraction and characterized. The main phenolic constituents were identified as stilbenoids. Among them, trans-resveratrol and trans-ε-viniferin stood out. The GSE was administered to an isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury animal model. The extract alleviated the associated symptoms of the administration of the drug, i.e., the plasma lipid profile was improved, while the disturbed plasma ion concentration, the cardiac dysfunction markers, the DNA laddering, and the necrosis of myocardial tissue were diminished. This effect could be related to the anti-oxidative potential of GSE associated with its antioxidant properties, the increased levels of endogenous antioxidants (glutathione and enzymatic antioxidants), and the diminished lipid peroxidative markers in the heart. The results also revealed angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory activity, which indicated the potential of GSE to deal with cardiovascular disease events. This work suggests that not only trans-resveratrol has a protective role in heart function but also GSE containing this biomolecule and derivatives. Therefore, GSE has the potential to be utilized in the creation of innovative functional ingredients.

Conocarpus lancifolius (Combretaceae): Pharmacological Effects, LC-ESI-MS/MS Profiling and In Silico Attributes

In folklore medicine, Conocarpus lancifolius is used to treat various illnesses. The main objective of this study was a comprehensive investigation of Conocarpus lancifolius leaf aqueous extract (CLAE) for its antioxidant, cardioprotective, anxiolytic, antidepressant and memory-enhancing capabilities by using different in vitro, in vivo and in silico models. The in vitro experimentation revealed that CLAE consumed an ample amount of total phenolics (67.70 ± 0.15 µg GAE/mg) and flavonoids (47.54 ± 0.45 µg QE/mg) with stronger antiradical effects through DPPH (IC₅₀ = 16.66 ± 0.42 µg/mL), TAC (77.33 ± 0.41 µg AAE/mg) and TRP (79.11 ± 0.67 µg GAE/mg) assays. The extract also displayed suitable acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory (IC₅₀ = 110.13 ± 1.71 µg/mL) activity through a modified Ellman's method. The toxicology examination presented no mortality or any signs of clinical toxicity in both single-dose and repeated-dose tests. In line with the cardioprotective study, the pretreatment of CLAE was found to be effective in relieving the isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial injury in rats by normalizing the heart weight index, serum cardiac biomarkers, lipid profile and various histopathological variations. In the noise-stress-induced model for behavior attributes, the results demonstrated that CLAE has the tendency to increase the time spent in the central zone and elevated open arms in the open field and elevated plus maze tests (examined for anxiety assessment), reduced periods of immobility in the forced swimming test (for depression) and improved recognition and working memory in the novel object recognition and Morris water maze tests, respectively. Moreover, the LC-ESI-MS/MS profiling predicted 53 phytocompounds in CLAE. The drug-likeness and ADMET analysis exhibited that the majority of the identified compounds have reasonable physicochemical and pharmacokinetic profiles. The co-expression of molecular docking and network analysis indicated that top-ranked CLAE phytoconstituents act efficiently against the key proteins and target multiple signaling pathways to exert its cardiovascular-protectant, anxiolytic, antidepressant and memory-enhancing activity. Hence, this artifact illustrates that the observed biological properties of CLAE elucidate its significance as a sustainable source of bioactive phytochemicals, which appears to be advantageous for pursuing further studies for the development of new therapeutic agents of desired interest.

In vivo evaluation and molecular docking studies of Schinus molle L. fruit extract protective effect against isoproterenol-induced infarction in rats

The aim of the current study was to assess the potential cardiopreventive effect of the methanolic extract of S. molle L. (MESM) on isoproterenol-induced infarction in rats. The biomolecules content was evaluated using HPLC-DAD-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS analysis. On the 29^th and 30^th days, two successive injections of isoproterenol (ISO) were given to Wistar rats to provoke myocardial infarction following pretreatment with either MESM (60 mg/kg b.w) or Pidogrel (Pid; 2 mg/kg b.w.). A total of sixteen phenolics were identified with masazino-flavanone as the most prevalent compound (1726.12 µg/g dm). Results showed that MESM offered cardioprevention by normalizing the ST segment and reducing the elevated cardiac risk parameters. The altered lipid biomarkers together with the plasma ionic levels were improved. Additionally, MESM inhibited the cardiac oxidative stress generated by ISO injection though enhancing antioxidant enzymes (GSH, CAT, SOD and GPX) which reduced lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation. MESM reduced myocardial apoptosis by significantly repressing mRNA expressions of Caspase-3 and Bax, with an upregulated Bcl-2 expression. Moreover, MESM reduced DNA fragmentation as well as the infarct size observed by TTC staining. In addition, MESM exhibited an antifibrotic effect by downregulating TGF-1β expression and reducing collagen deposition in myocardial tissue, as confirmed by Trichrom Masson analysis. The histopathological findings revealed less muscle separation and fewer inflammatory cells in the ISO + MESM-treated rats. Results of the docking simulation indicated that catechin in MESM was inhibitory mainly due to hydrogen bonding interactions with PDI, ACE and TGF-β1 proteins which could highlight the antithrombotic and antifibrotic capacity of MESM.

Recovering high value-added anthocyanins from blueberry pomace with ultrasound-assisted extraction

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Food waste blueberry pomace offers a high potential to recover anthocyanins.

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Ultrasonic-assisted extraction of anthocyanins was optimized by Box-Behnken design.

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The optimal parameters of ultrasonic treatment were 40 °C and 400 W for 40 min.

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Highly purified blueberry anthocyanins were obtained after SCX cation exchange.

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Malvidin was the main anthocyanins in the purified fractions from blueberry pomace.

Food waste is a potential source to replace fresh materials for obtaining functional ingredients. Blueberry pomace contains considerable amounts of anthocyanins. In this study, we investigated ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) of anthocyanins from blueberry pomace. We used a Box-Behnken design (BBD) to screen and optimize the important factors influencing yield. The optimum extraction conditions were a temperature of 40 °C, an ultrasonic power of 400 W and an extraction time of 40 min. The optimum yield was 108.23 mg/100 g DW. In addition, we used a cation column to separate anthocyanins, and optimized the chromatographic conditions of HPLC to analyze and identify the main anthocyanins. Thirteen anthocyanins were found in blueberry pomace, of which Malvidin-3-Galactoside (22.65 %) was the highest. These findings provide a theoretical basis and optimized process parameters for the recovery of high value-added anthocyanins from blueberry pomace with ultrasound-assisted extraction, thus facilitating the comprehensive utilization of blueberry pomace.

Metabolomics based mechanistic insights to vasorelaxant and cardioprotective effect of ethanolic extract of Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai. seeds in isoproterenol induced myocardial infraction

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a significant cause of morbidity and death in the current world, posing a challenge to both developing and industrialized nation's health systems. Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai. seeds have long been utilized to supplement and enhance health and treat cardiovascular illnesses. However, its treatments for CVDs are still unknown. More research is required to fully comprehend the impact of C. lanatus seeds on vasorelaxation and myocardial infractions.

PURPOSE

Therefore, an integrated metabolomics profiling technique was used to investigate possible pathways of C. lanatus in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction (MI). Isoproterenol causes long-term cardiac hypertrophy by causing cardiomyocyte compensatory loss, eventually leading to heart failure.

METHODS

In vitro models of vasoconstriction, atrium, and in vivo models of invasive blood pressure measurement and isoproterenol (ISO) induced cardiac hypertrophy in rats were used to understand underlying mechanistic by LC-MS/MS based dynamic metabolomics analysis of the serum and heart samples to be investigated the effect of ethanolic extract of C. lanatus (Cl.EtOH).

RESULTS

Cl.EtOH exhibited vasorelaxant, negative chronotropic, and inotropic effects in in-vitro models whereas, a potent hypotensive effect was observed in normotensive rats. The Cl.EtOH protected the animals from ISO-induced myocardial infarction (MI) with therapeutic interventions in left ventricular thickness, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, mRNA gene expression, biochemical assays, and metabolomic profiling of serum and heart tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

For the first time, our study confirmed that C. lanatus seeds (Cl.EtOH) possess significant antihypertensive and prevent ISO-induced myocardial infarction. These findings comprehensively demonstrated mechanistic insights of Cl.EtOH in vasorelaxation and myocardial infarction. The current study provides evidence for further mechanistic studies and the development of C. lanatus seeds as a potential therapeutic intervention for patients with cardiovascular disorders.

Probiotics and plant extracts: a promising synergy and delivery systems

There is a current interest in healthy diets and supplements, indicating the relevance of novel delivery systems for plant extracts rich in bioactive compounds and probiotics. This simultaneous delivery system can be prospective for health. In this sense, investigating foods rich in bioactive compounds or supplemented by them for incorporating probiotics and some approaches to improve probiotic survivability, such as the choice of resistant probiotic strains or microencapsulation, is valuable. This review addresses a brief discussion about the role of phenolic compounds, chlorophyll and carotenoids from plants and probiotics in gut health, indicating the benefits of this association. Also, an overview of delivery systems used in recent studies is shown, considering their advantages for incorporation in food matrices. Delivery systems containing compounds recovered from plants can reduce probiotic oxidative stress, improving survivability. However, investigating the beneficial concentration of some bioactive compounds from plant extracts is relevant due to their antimicrobial potential. In addition, further clinical trials and toxicological studies of plant extracts are pertinent to ensure safety. Thus, the recovery of extracts from plants emerges as an alternative to providing multiple compounds with antioxidant potential, increasing the preservation of probiotics and allowing the fortification or enrichment of food matrices.

Blueberry extract improves redox balance and functional parameters in the right ventricle from rats with pulmonary arterial hypertension

PURPOSE

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a disease characterized by increased pulmonary vascular resistance and right ventricle (RV) failure. In this context, oxidative stress is an essential element contributing to PAH's pathophysiology. Thus, blueberry (BB), which has a high antioxidant capacity, emerges as a natural therapeutic approach in PAH. This work evaluated the effect of BB extract on redox balance in RV in a PAH's animal model.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats (200 ± 20 g) (n = 72) were randomized into eight groups: control (CTR); monocrotaline (MCT); CTR and MCT treated at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg BB. PAH was induced by administration of MCT (60 mg/kg, intraperitoneal). Rats were treated with BB orally for 5 weeks (2 weeks before monocrotaline and 3 weeks after monocrotaline injection). On day 35, rats were submitted to echocardiography and catheterization, then euthanasia and RV harvesting for biochemical analyses.

RESULTS

RV hypertrophy, observed in the MCT groups, was reduced with BB treatment. MCT elevated RV systolic pressure and pressure/time derivatives, while the intervention with BB decreased these parameters. PAH decreased RV output and pulmonary artery outflow acceleration/ejection time ratio, while increased RV diameters, parameters restored by BB treatment. Animals from the MCT group showed elevated lipid peroxidation and NADPH oxidase activity, outcomes attenuated in animals treated with BB, which also led to increased catalase activity.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with BB partially mitigated PAH, which could be associated with improvement of RV redox state. Such findings constitute an advance in the investigation of the role of BB extract in chronic progressive cardiovascular diseases that involve the redox balance, such as PAH.

Oxidative stress in cardiac hypertrophy: From molecular mechanisms to novel therapeutic targets

When faced with increased workload the heart undergoes remodelling, where it increases its muscle mass in an attempt to preserve normal function. This is referred to as cardiac hypertrophy and if sustained, can lead to impaired contractile function. Experimental evidence supports oxidative stress as a critical inducer of both genetic and acquired forms of cardiac hypertrophy, a finding which is reinforced by elevated levels of circulating oxidative stress markers in patients with cardiac hypertrophy. These observations formed the basis for using antioxidants as a therapeutic means to attenuate cardiac hypertrophy and improve clinical outcomes. However, the use of antioxidant therapies in the clinical setting has been associated with inconsistent results, despite antioxidants having been shown to exert protection in several animal models of cardiac hypertrophy. This has forced us to revaluate the mechanisms, both upstream and downstream of oxidative stress, where recent studies demonstrate that apart from conventional mediators of oxidative stress, metabolic disturbances, mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation as well as dysregulated autophagy and protein homeostasis contribute to disease pathophysiology through mechanisms involving oxidative stress. Importantly, novel therapeutic targets have been identified to counteract oxidative stress and attenuate cardiac hypertrophy but more interestingly, the repurposing of drugs commonly used to treat metabolic disorders, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, sleep disorders and arthritis have also been shown to improve cardiac function through suppression of oxidative stress. Here, we review the latest literature on these novel mechanisms and intervention strategies with the aim of better understanding the complexities of oxidative stress for more precise targeted therapeutic approaches to prevent cardiac hypertrophy.

Celecoxib-Loaded Electrospun Fibrous Antiadhesion Membranes Reduce COX-2/PGE2 Induced Inflammation and Epidural Fibrosis in a Rat Failed Back Surgery Syndrome Model

To date, failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) remains a therapy-refractory clinical condition after spinal surgery. The antiadhesion membrane is applied to prevent FBSS by isolating fibrosis; however, the inflammation stimulated by the foreign body and surgical trauma needs to be further resolved simultaneously. Therefore, we developed new electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) fibrous membranes loaded with celecoxib (CEL) to prevent fibrosis and inflammation associated with FBSS. The CEL-loaded PCL fibers were randomly distributed, and the drug was released over two weeks. Fluorescence micrographs revealed that the fibroblasts proliferated less on the PCL-CEL fibrous membranes than in the PCL group and the blank control. In the rat laminectomy model after 4 weeks, magnetic resonance imaging of epidural fibrosis was least in the PCL-CEL group. Expression of COX-2 and PGE2 was lower in the PCL-CEL group. It concluded that the CEL-loaded PCL membrane could reduce fibrosis and inflammation in a rat model of FBSS via COX-2/PGE2 signaling pathways.

Chlorogenic Acid Alleviates Hyperglycemia-Induced Cardiac Fibrosis through Activation of the NO/cGMP/PKG Pathway in Cardiac Fibroblasts

SCOPE

Hyperglycemia-induced cardiac fibrosis is one of the main causes of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DM). Chlorogenic acid (CGA) found in many foods has excellent hypoglycemic effectiveness, but it is not known whether CGA can improve DM by inhibiting cardiac fibrosis caused by hyperglycemia.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Type I diabetic mice are induced by streptozotocin, and after treatment with CGA for 12 weeks, cardiac functions and fibrosis are determined. CGA significantly attenuates hyperglycemia-induced cardiac fibrosis and improves cardiac functions. The mechanism of CGA on fibrotic inhibition is further studied by immunofluorescence, western blot and RNA interference technology in vivo and in vitro. The results show CGA exerted its anti-fibrotic effects through activating the cyclic GMP/protein kinase G pathway (cGMP/PKG) to block hyperglycemia-induced nuclear translocation of p-Smad2/3, and then inhibiting pro-fibrotic gene expression in cardiac fibroblasts without depending on its hypoglycemic function. Moreover, the data also revealed that CGA increased cGMP level and activated PKG in cardiac fibroblasts by enhancing endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity and NO production.

CONCLUSION

Besides lowering blood glucose, CGA also has an independent ability to inhibit cardiac fibrosis. Therefore, long-term consumption of foods rich in CGA for diabetic patients will have great benefits to improve diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Blueberry Consumption Challenges Hepatic Mitochondrial Bioenergetics and Elicits Transcriptomics Reprogramming in Healthy Wistar Rats

An emergent trend of blueberries’ (BB) “prophylactic” consumption, due to their phytochemicals’ richness and well-known health-promoting claims, is widely scaled-up. However, the benefits arising from BB indiscriminate intake remains puzzling based on incongruent preclinical and human data. To provide a more in-depth elucidation and support towards a healthier and safer consumption, we conducted a translation-minded experimental study in healthy Wistar rats that consumed BB in a juice form (25 g/kg body weight (BW)/day; 14 weeks’ protocol). Particular attention was paid to the physiological adaptations succeeding in the gut and liver tissues regarding the acknowledged BB-induced metabolic benefits. Systemically, BB boosted serum antioxidant activity and repressed the circulating levels of 3-hydroxybutyrate (3-HB) ketone bodies and 3-HB/acetoacetate ratio. Moreover, BB elicited increased fecal succinic acid levels without major changes on gut microbiota (GM) composition and gut ultra-structural organization. Remarkably, an accentuated hepatic mitochondrial bioenergetic challenge, ensuing metabolic transcriptomic reprogramming along with a concerted anti-inflammatory pre-conditioning, was clearly detected upon long-term consumption of BB phytochemicals. Altogether, the results disclosed herein portray a quiescent mitochondrial-related metabolomics and hint for a unified adaptive response to this nutritional challenge. The beneficial or noxious consequences arising from this dietary trend should be carefully interpreted and necessarily claims future research.

An effective method for extracting anthocyanins from blueberry based on freeze-ultrasonic thawing technology

The aim of this study was to develop an effective method for extracting anthocyanins from blueberry Vaccinium spp. (ABVS) using freeze-ultrasonic thawing technology (FUTE). Various parameters including freezing time, ultrasonic time, ultrasonic temperature and liquid-solid ratio were optimized by a single-factor design and multiple response surface methodology. The amounts of extracted anthocyanin and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside were measured by UV and HPLC respectively. The maximum yield of anthocyanins was achieved by freezing the samples for 5.43 min in liquid nitrogen at the liquid-solid ratio of 24.07:1 mL/g, followed by ultrasonic thawing at 41.64 °C for 23.56 min. The yield and antioxidant effects of ABVS extracted using FUTE, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and freeze-thawing extraction (FTE) were compared in order to determine the overall efficacy of FUTE. In addition to the higher content, FUTE extracted ABVS showed greater ability to scavenge DPPH·, ABTS⁺ and superoxide anions, and inhibit lipid peroxidation compared to the ABVS extracted by UAE or FTE. The reducing power of the FUTE-derived ABVS was intermediate between that of the UAE and FTE samples. Taken together, FUTE can rapidly and effectively extract ABVS and retain its antioxidant capacity.

Putative anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic roles of the natural tissue guardian methyl palmitate against isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury in rats

Background

Myocardial injury is considered as a worldwide main cause of morbidity and mortality. The present study aimed to investigate the probable cardioprotective activity of the naturally occurring endogenous fatty acid ester methyl palmitate (MP) against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial injury in rats and the possible underlying molecular mechanisms. The study was carried out in two consecutive sets of experiments; the first set screened the cardioprotective dose of MP in ISO-intoxicated rats. In the second set, forty male Sprague Dawley rats received either MP (150 mg/kg, p.o) three times/week for 2 weeks and/or 2 consecutive doses of ISO separated by 24 h (85 mg/kg, s.c) on the 13th and 14th days. Different cardiotoxicity and oxidative stress markers were assessed. Furthermore, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) levels were determined. For detection of apoptosis, Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase 3 were estimated. To assess inflammation, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were measured using ELISA. Meanwhile, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were detected immunohistochemically.

Results

Pretreatment with MP significantly ameliorated the cardiotoxicity and oxidative stress markers. It also markedly elevated eNOS content, decreased apoptotic marker expression, and mitigated TLR-4 activation and other inflammatory markers. Electrocardiography and histopathological examination also confirmed the cardioprotective effect of MP.

Conclusion

The findings of this study indicated that MP possesses a potent cardioprotective activity against ISO-induced myocardial injury through its significant antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilatation activities.

Graphical abstract

Hepatoprotective Effect of Cranberry Nutraceutical Extract in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Model in Rats: Impact on Insulin Resistance and Nrf-2 Expression

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a pathological accumulation of triglycerides (TGs) in the hepatocyte in the absence of alcohol intake. Untreated NAFLD is expected to progress into liver fibrosis. Cranberry is rich in polyphenols with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Hypothesis

The present study was performed to evaluate our hypothesis of the possible anti-fibrotic effect of cranberry nutraceuticals in a high fat cholesterol diet induced (HFCD)-NAFLD in rats, focusing on improving insulin sensitivity and modulating the expression of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) (a transcription factor responsible for regulating cellular redox balance).

Method

Male albino wistar rats (12 weeks) received HFCD and/or cranberry (50 and 100 mg/kg/day, three times/week) orally for 8 consecutive weeks.

Results

In comparison to the HFCD group, cranberry treated groups (50 and 100 mg/kg) showed marked hepatoprotection, where it significantly decreased liver enzymes (alanine transaminases by 49 and 64% and aspartate transaminases by 45 and 64%; respectively), TGs, and ameliorated the histopathological alterations (such as inflammatory cells infiltration and ballooning degeneration) induced by HFCD. Cranberry also alleviated oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase) and inflammation (tumor necrosis factor- alpha, interleukine-6 and nuclear factor kappa-b) and significantly reduced the HOMA-IR and TyG index. On the other hand, cranberry treated groups (50 and 100 mg/kg) showed a marked increase in the expression of adiponectin, by 8 and 13-fold, insulin receptor substrate-2 by 21 and 79%, and Nrf2 by 13 and 61%, respectively. Notably, cranberry significantly reduced the fibrotic markers, TGF–β and α-SMA expression and collagen deposition.

Conclusion

The present study showed that cranberry significantly attenuated NAFLD, in a dose dependent manner, which could be partially recognized by its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activities, and its ability to improve insulin sensitivity. Notably, our study proves for the first time that the anti-fibrotic activity of cranberry is promising.