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Schini-Kerth VB, Diouf I, Muzammel H, Said A, Auger C. Natural Products to Promote Vascular Health. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 39317849 DOI: 10.1007/164_2024_721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2024]
Abstract
Maintaining good vascular health is a major component in healthy ageing as it reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Endothelial dysfunction, in particular, is a key mechanism in the development of major cardiovascular diseases including hypertension, atherosclerosis and diabetes. Recently, endothelial senescence has emerged as a pivotal early event in age-related endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial function is characterized by an imbalance between the endothelial formation of vasoprotective mechanisms, including the formation of nitric oxide (NO) and endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization responses, and an increased level of oxidative stress involving several pro-oxidant enzymes such as NADPH oxidases and, often also, the appearance of cyclooxygenase-derived vasoconstrictors. Pre-clinical studies have indicated that natural products, in particular several polyphenol-rich foods, can trigger activating pathways in endothelial cells promoting an increased formation of NO and endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization. In addition, some can even exert beneficial effects on endothelial senescence. Moreover, some of these products have been associated with the prevention and/or improvement of established endothelial dysfunction in several experimental models of cardiovascular diseases and in humans with cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, intake of certain natural products, such as dietary and plant-derived polyphenol-rich products, appears to be an attractive approach for a healthy vascular system in ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie B Schini-Kerth
- Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, UR 3074, CRBS, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Ibrahima Diouf
- Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, UR 3074, CRBS, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Hira Muzammel
- Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, UR 3074, CRBS, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Amissi Said
- Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, UR 3074, CRBS, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Cyril Auger
- Regenerative Nanomedicine, INSERM UMR 1260, CRBS, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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Latif HM, Richardson SR, Marshall JM. Beneficial Effects of Cocoa Flavanols on Microvascular Responses in Young Men May Be Dependent on Ethnicity and Lifestyle. Nutrients 2024; 16:2911. [PMID: 39275227 PMCID: PMC11403714 DOI: 10.3390/nu16172911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cocoa flavan-3-ols affect endothelium-dependent responses in resistance vessels and microcirculation has received little attention. We tested the effects of dark chocolate consumption (396 mg total flavanols/day for 3 days) in two Groups of 10 men (18-25 years; non-smokers) each comprising equal numbers of White European (WE) and South Asian (SA) ethnicity. In Group 1, dark chocolate did not affect reactive hyperaemia in forearm muscle, but augmented muscle dilatation evoked by acute mental stress, and reactive hyperaemia and acetylcholine (ACh)-evoked dilatation in cutaneous microcirculation. Conversely, in Group 2, chocolate did not affect cutaneous reactive hyperaemia or ACh-evoked dilatation, but these responses were blunted in Group 1 relative to Group 2. Further, when Groups 1 and 2 were combined, responses were blunted in SAs relative to WEs, augmented by chocolate in SAs only. In Group 2 individuals whose ACh-evoked dilatation was attenuated by nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibition, ACh-evoked dilatation was not altered after chocolate, but the attenuating effect of NOS inhibition was lost. Conversely, in Group 2 individuals whose ACh-evoked dilatation was enhanced by NOS inhibition, ACh-evoked dilatation was also augmented by chocolate. We propose that in resistance and microvessels of young men, cocoa flavan-3-ols preferentially augment endothelium-dependent dilator responses whose responses are depressed by familial and lifestyle factors more prevalent in SAs than Wes. Flavan-3-ols may facilitate the NOS pathway but also influence other endothelium-dependent dilators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan M Latif
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Sophie R Richardson
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Janice M Marshall
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
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Norouzkhani N, Afshari S, Sadatmadani SF, Mollaqasem MM, Mosadeghi S, Ghadri H, Fazlizade S, Alizadeh K, Akbari Javar P, Amiri H, Foroughi E, Ansari A, Mousazadeh K, Davany BA, Akhtari kohnehshahri A, Alizadeh A, Dadkhah PA, Poudineh M. Therapeutic potential of berries in age-related neurological disorders. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1348127. [PMID: 38783949 PMCID: PMC11112503 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1348127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging significantly impacts several age-related neurological problems, such as stroke, brain tumors, oxidative stress, neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and dementia), neuroinflammation, and neurotoxicity. Current treatments for these conditions often come with side effects like hallucinations, dyskinesia, nausea, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal distress. Given the widespread availability and cultural acceptance of natural remedies, research is exploring the potential effectiveness of plants in common medicines. The ancient medical system used many botanical drugs and medicinal plants to treat a wide range of diseases, including age-related neurological problems. According to current clinical investigations, berries improve motor and cognitive functions and protect against age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, berries may influence signaling pathways critical to neurotransmission, cell survival, inflammation regulation, and neuroplasticity. The abundance of phytochemicals in berries is believed to contribute to these potentially neuroprotective effects. This review aimed to explore the potential benefits of berries as a source of natural neuroprotective agents for age-related neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narges Norouzkhani
- Department of Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Shaghayegh Afshari
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | | | | | - Shakila Mosadeghi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Hani Ghadri
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Safa Fazlizade
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Keyvan Alizadeh
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Pouyan Akbari Javar
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Amiri
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Elaheh Foroughi
- School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Arina Ansari
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Kourosh Mousazadeh
- School of Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Ata Akhtari kohnehshahri
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Alaleh Alizadeh
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Parisa Alsadat Dadkhah
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohadeseh Poudineh
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
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Climie RE, Alastruey J, Mayer CC, Schwarz A, Laucyte-Cibulskiene A, Voicehovska J, Bianchini E, Bruno RM, Charlton PH, Grillo A, Guala A, Hallab M, Hametner B, Jankowski P, Königstein K, Lebedeva A, Mozos I, Pucci G, Puzantian H, Terentes-Printzios D, Yetik-Anacak G, Park C, Nilsson PM, Weber T. Vascular ageing: moving from bench towards bedside. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2023; 30:1101-1117. [PMID: 36738307 PMCID: PMC7614971 DOI: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwad028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains one of the largest public health challenges of our time. Identifying individuals at increased cardiovascular risk at an asymptomatic, sub-clinical stage is of paramount importance for minimizing disease progression as well as the substantial health and economic burden associated with overt CVD. Vascular ageing (VA) involves the deterioration in vascular structure and function over time and ultimately leads to damage in the heart, brain, kidney, and other organs. Vascular ageing encompasses the cumulative effect of all cardiovascular risk factors on the arterial wall over the life course and thus may help identify those at elevated cardiovascular risk, early in disease development. Although the concept of VA is gaining interest clinically, it is seldom measured in routine clinical practice due to lack of consensus on how to characterize VA as physiological vs. pathological and various practical issues. In this state-of-the-art review and as a network of scientists, clinicians, engineers, and industry partners with expertise in VA, we address six questions related to VA in an attempt to increase knowledge among the broader medical community and move the routine measurement of VA a little closer from bench towards bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E. Climie
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool St, 7000 Hobart, Australia
- Sports Cardiology, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 99 Commercial Rd, Melbourne 3000, Australia
- Integrative Epidemiology of Cardiovascular Disease, Université de Paris, INSERM, U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center (PARCC), 56 rue Leblanc, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Jordi Alastruey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, 249 Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Christopher C. Mayer
- Medical Signal Analysis, Center for Health & Bioresources, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, Giefinggasse 4, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Achim Schwarz
- ALF Distribution GmbH, Stephanstrasse 19, 52064 Aachen, Germany
| | - Agne Laucyte-Cibulskiene
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Skane University Hospital, Sölvegatan 19 - BMC F12, 221 84 Lund, Malmö, Sweden
- Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, M. K. C iurlionio g. 21, 03101 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Julija Voicehovska
- Department of Internal Diseases, Riga Stradins University, Dzirciema str. 16, Riga, L-1007, Latvia
- Nephrology and Renal Replacement Therapy Clinics, Riga East University Hospital, Hipokrata str. 2, Riga, LV-1079, Latvia
| | - Elisabetta Bianchini
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Via Moruzzi, 1, 56124 Pisa (PI), Italy
| | - Rosa-Maria Bruno
- Integrative Epidemiology of Cardiovascular Disease, Université de Paris, INSERM, U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center (PARCC), 56 rue Leblanc, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Peter H. Charlton
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Strangeways Research Laboratory, 2 Worts Causeway, Cambridge CB1 8RN, UK
| | - Andrea Grillo
- Medicina Clinica, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrea Guala
- Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Paseo de la Vall d’Hebron, 129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Magid Hallab
- Clinique Bizet, 23 Georges Bizet, 75116 Paris, France
| | - Bernhard Hametner
- Medical Signal Analysis, Center for Health & Bioresources, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, Giefinggasse 4, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Piotr Jankowski
- Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatric Cardiology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 231 Czerniakowska St., 00-416 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karsten Königstein
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health (DSBG) University of Basel, Grosse Allee 6, 4052 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anna Lebedeva
- Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Dresden Heart Centre, Dresden University of Technology, Fetscher str. 76, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Ioana Mozos
- Department of Functional Sciences-Pathophysiology, Center for Translational Research and Systems Medicine, ‘Victor Babes’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, T. Vladimirescu Street 14, 300173 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Giacomo Pucci
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Terni University Hospital - Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Terni, Italy
| | - Houry Puzantian
- Hariri School of Nursing, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El Solh 1107 2020, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Dimitrios Terentes-Printzios
- First Department of Cardiology, Hippokration Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 114 Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Gunay Yetik-Anacak
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Kayisdagi Cad. No:32 Atasehir, 34752 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Chloe Park
- MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing at UCL, 1-19 Torrington Place, London WC1E 7HB, UK; and
| | - Peter M. Nilsson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Skane University Hospital, Sölvegatan 19 - BMC F12, 221 84 Lund, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Thomas Weber
- Cardiology Department, Klinikum Wels-Grieskirchen, Grieskirchnerstrasse 42, 4600 Wels, Austria
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González-Garrido JA, García-Sánchez JR, López-Victorio CJ, Escobar-Ramírez A, Olivares-Corichi IM. Cocoa: a functional food that decreases insulin resistance and oxidative damage in young adults with class II obesity. Nutr Res Pract 2023; 17:228-240. [PMID: 37009147 PMCID: PMC10042721 DOI: 10.4162/nrp.2023.17.2.228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Cocoa consumption is associated with health benefits due to its high content of polyphenols. However, the effects of short-term cocoa consumption remain unclear. We aimed to determine the effects generated by cocoa consumption (for 7 days) in young adults in normoweight and class II obesity. SUBJECTS/METHODS Before-and-after study was carried out in normoweight (NW) (n = 15) and class II obesity (CIIO) (n = 15) young adults. The NW and CIIO participants consumed 25 and 39 g of cocoa, respectively, per day for 7 days. The effect of cocoa consumption was evaluated on the lipid profile, insulin resistance (IR), and inflammation. Oxidative damage was also examined by assessing the biomarkers of oxidative damage in plasma. In addition, recombinant human insulin was incubated with blood obtained from the participants, and the molecular damage to the hormone was analyzed. RESULTS Cocoa consumption resulted in decreased low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol in both groups (P = 0.04), while the total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides were maintained at the recommended levels. Initially, IR was detected in the CIIO group (homeostasis model assessment [HOMA] = 4.78 ± 0.4), which is associated with molecular damage to insulin. Interestingly, intervention with cocoa resulted in improved IR (HOMA = 3.14 ± 0.31) (P = 0.0018) as well as molecular damage to insulin. Finally, cocoa consumption significant decreased the arginase activity (P = 0.0249) in the CIIO group; this is a critical enzymatic activity in the inflammatory process associated with obesity. CONCLUSIONS The short-term consumption of cocoa improves the lipid profile, exerts anti-inflammatory effects, and protects against oxidative damage. Results of this study indicate that cocoa consumption can potentially improve IR and restore a healthy redox status.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Arnold González-Garrido
- Centro de Investigación de Ciencia y Tecnología Aplicada de Tabasco (CICTAT), División Académica de Ciencias Básicas. Laboratorio de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Carretera Cunduacán-Jalpa KM. 1 Colonia la Esmeralda, Tabasco, C.P. 86690, México
| | - José Rubén García-Sánchez
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina del Instituto Politécnico Nacional. Laboratorio de Oncología Molecular y Estrés Oxidativo, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón, C.P. 11340 Ciudad de México, México
| | - Carlos Javier López-Victorio
- Centro de Investigación de Ciencia y Tecnología Aplicada de Tabasco (CICTAT), División Académica de Ciencias Básicas. Laboratorio de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Carretera Cunduacán-Jalpa KM. 1 Colonia la Esmeralda, Tabasco, C.P. 86690, México
| | - Adelma Escobar-Ramírez
- Centro de Investigación de Ciencia y Tecnología Aplicada de Tabasco (CICTAT), División Académica de Ciencias Básicas. Laboratorio de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Carretera Cunduacán-Jalpa KM. 1 Colonia la Esmeralda, Tabasco, C.P. 86690, México
| | - Ivonne María Olivares-Corichi
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina del Instituto Politécnico Nacional. Laboratorio de Oncología Molecular y Estrés Oxidativo, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón, C.P. 11340 Ciudad de México, México
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Grassi D, Mai F, De Feo M, Barnabei R, Carducci A, Desideri G, Necozione S, Allegaert L, Bernaert H, Ferri C. Cocoa Consumption Decreases Oxidative Stress, Proinflammatory Mediators and Lipid Peroxidation in Healthy Subjects: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Dose-Response Clinical Trial. High Blood Press Cardiovasc Prev 2023; 30:219-225. [PMID: 36976481 DOI: 10.1007/s40292-023-00571-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cocoa flavonoids have been described to reduce the cardiovascular risk. Nevertheless, the involved mechanisms should be clarified and the dose-effect relation has never been evaluated. AIM To investigate the dose-dependent effects of cocoa flavonoids on markers of endothelial and platelet activation and oxidative stress. METHODS According to a randomized, double-blind, controlled, cross-over design, 20 healthy nonsmokers were assigned to receive either five treatments with daily intake of 10 g cocoa (0, 80, 200, 500 and 800 mg cocoa flavonoids/day) in five periods lasting 1 week each. RESULTS Compared with flavonoid-free cocoa control, cocoa reduced sICAM-1 mean values [from 1190.2 to 1123.0; 906.3; 741.7 and 625.6 pg/mL (p = 0.0198 and p = 0.0016, for 500 and 800 mg respectively], sCD40L mean values [from 218.8 to 210.2; 165.5; 134.5 and 128.4 pg/mL (p = 0.023 and p = 0.013, for 500 and 800 mg respectively] and 8-isoprostanes F2 mean values [from 4703.9 to 4670.7; 2000.1; 2098.4 and 2052.3 pg/mL (p = 0.025; p = 0.034 and p = 0.029, for 200, 500 and 800 mg respectively)]. CONCLUSIONS In our study we observed that short-term cocoa consumption improved proinflammatory mediators, lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress with a significant effect for higher dosages of flavonoids. Our findings suggest cocoa might be a valid tool for dietary intervention in prevention of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Grassi
- Department of Life, Health, and Environmental Sciences Via Pompeo Spennati, University of L'Aquila, Viale S Salvatore, Delta 6 Medicina, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Francesca Mai
- Department of Life, Health, and Environmental Sciences Via Pompeo Spennati, University of L'Aquila, Viale S Salvatore, Delta 6 Medicina, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Martina De Feo
- Department of Life, Health, and Environmental Sciences Via Pompeo Spennati, University of L'Aquila, Viale S Salvatore, Delta 6 Medicina, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Remo Barnabei
- Department of Life, Health, and Environmental Sciences Via Pompeo Spennati, University of L'Aquila, Viale S Salvatore, Delta 6 Medicina, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Augusto Carducci
- Department of Life, Health, and Environmental Sciences Via Pompeo Spennati, University of L'Aquila, Viale S Salvatore, Delta 6 Medicina, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Giovambattista Desideri
- Department of Life, Health, and Environmental Sciences Via Pompeo Spennati, University of L'Aquila, Viale S Salvatore, Delta 6 Medicina, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Stefano Necozione
- Department of Life, Health, and Environmental Sciences Via Pompeo Spennati, University of L'Aquila, Viale S Salvatore, Delta 6 Medicina, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | | | | | - Claudio Ferri
- Department of Life, Health, and Environmental Sciences Via Pompeo Spennati, University of L'Aquila, Viale S Salvatore, Delta 6 Medicina, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
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Cyrcadian Rhythm, Mood, and Temporal Patterns of Eating Chocolate: A Scoping Review of Physiology, Findings, and Future Directions. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14153113. [PMID: 35956290 PMCID: PMC9370573 DOI: 10.3390/nu14153113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper discusses the effect of chrononutrition on the regulation of circadian rhythms; in particular, that of chocolate on the resynchronization of the human internal biological central and peripheral clocks with the main external synchronizers, light–dark cycle and nutrition-fasting cycle. The desynchronization of internal clocks with external synchronizers, which is so frequent in our modern society due to the tight rhythms imposed by work, social life, and technology, has a negative impact on our psycho-physical performance, well-being, and health. Taking small amounts of chocolate, in the morning at breakfast at the onset of the active phase, helps speed up resynchronization time. The high flavonoid contents in chocolate promote cardioprotection, metabolic regulation, neuroprotection, and neuromodulation with direct actions on brain function, neurogenesis, angiogenesis, and mood. Although the mechanisms of action of chocolate compounds on brain function and mood as well as on the regulation of circadian rhythms have yet to be fully understood, data from the literature currently available seem to agree in suggesting that chocolate intake, in compliance with chrononutrition, could be a strategy to reduce the negative effects of desynchronization. This strategy appears to be easily implemented in different age groups to improve work ability and daily life.
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Tanghe A, Heyman E, Lespagnol E, Stautemas J, Celie B, Op ‘t Roodt J, Rietzschel E, Dias Soares D, Hermans N, Tuenter E, Shadid S, Calders P. Acute Effects of Cocoa Flavanols on Blood Pressure and Peripheral Vascular Reactivity in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Essential Hypertension. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14132692. [PMID: 35807872 PMCID: PMC9268419 DOI: 10.3390/nu14132692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with a high risk of vascular complications. Interestingly, cocoa flavanols (CF) can exert beneficial vascular effects in non-diabetic subjects. However, these effects have only been scarcely studied in T2DM. Therefore, we performed a study to assess the effects on vascular reactivity of a single dose of CF (790 mg) in T2DM and whether certain antihypertensive drugs may modulate these effects. Methods: 24 non-diabetic and 11 T2DM subjects were studied in a cross-over design. Fasting blood samples, blood pressure (BP), and arterial vasoreactivity (flow-mediated dilation) were assessed before and 70 min after capsule ingestion. Muscle microvascular reactivity was only assessed after capsule ingestion. Age, waist-to-hip ratio, BP at baseline, and the use of antihypertensive drugs were regarded as covariates in a mixed models analysis. Results: CF ingestion did not affect any parameter. However, independent of the type of capsules ingested, a decrease in diastolic BP by 3 mmHg (95% CI: −4.0; −2.0) and an increase in the change in brachial artery diameter (pre vs. post occlusion) by 0.06 mm (95% CI: 0.01; 0.12) were detected in the non-diabetic group, while they remained unchanged in the T2DM group. Conclusion: No beneficial effects of CF were detected on vascular reactivity parameters in T2DM and non-diabetic participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anouk Tanghe
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (A.T.); (J.S.); (B.C.)
- Univ. Lille, Univ. Artois, Univ. Littoral Côte d’Opale, ULR 7369-URePSSS-Unité de Recherche Pluridisciplinaire Sport Santé Société, F-59000 Lille, France; (E.H.); (E.L.)
| | - Elsa Heyman
- Univ. Lille, Univ. Artois, Univ. Littoral Côte d’Opale, ULR 7369-URePSSS-Unité de Recherche Pluridisciplinaire Sport Santé Société, F-59000 Lille, France; (E.H.); (E.L.)
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF)
| | - Elodie Lespagnol
- Univ. Lille, Univ. Artois, Univ. Littoral Côte d’Opale, ULR 7369-URePSSS-Unité de Recherche Pluridisciplinaire Sport Santé Société, F-59000 Lille, France; (E.H.); (E.L.)
| | - Jan Stautemas
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (A.T.); (J.S.); (B.C.)
| | - Bert Celie
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (A.T.); (J.S.); (B.C.)
| | - Jos Op ‘t Roodt
- School of Cardiovascular Diseases (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands;
| | - Ernst Rietzschel
- Department of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Danusa Dias Soares
- Department of Physical Education, The Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 6627, Brazil;
| | - Nina Hermans
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (N.H.); (E.T.)
| | - Emmy Tuenter
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (N.H.); (E.T.)
| | - Samyah Shadid
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Patrick Calders
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (A.T.); (J.S.); (B.C.)
- Correspondence:
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Cheok A, Xu Y, Zhang Z, Caton PW, Rodriguez-Mateos A. Betalain-rich dragon fruit (pitaya) consumption improves vascular function in men and women: a double-blind, randomized controlled crossover trial. Am J Clin Nutr 2022; 115:1418-1431. [PMID: 35265960 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqab410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Betalains are natural red color pigments abundant in red-fleshed dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus). Recent research has shown that dragon fruit consumption may help improve blood glucose and lipid profile. However, investigations of its cardioprotective properties in human trials, especially in nutritionally achievable amounts, remain nonexistent. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of acute and short-term consumption of dragon fruit on vascular function in a healthy population. METHODS A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial was conducted in 19 young, healthy, nonsmoking men and women assigned to consume 24 g whole dragon fruit powder (33 mg betalains) or a nutrient-matched placebo, daily for 14 d. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD), arterial stiffness, and blood pressure (BP) were measured at 0 h, 1 h, 2 h, 3 h, and 4 h and finally at 14 d after daily consumption. RESULTS A total of 18 participants completed the trial. Dragon fruit consumption significantly improved acute FMD at 2 h (+0.8 ± 0.3%, P = 0.01), 3 h (+1.0 ± 0.3%, P = 0.001), and 4 h (+1.3 ± 0.4%, P < 0.001) postconsumption compared with placebo. This effect was sustained up until 14 d (+1.3 ± 0.2%, P < 0.001). Pulse-wave velocity was acutely significantly reduced at 3 h (-0.5 ± 0.2 m/s, P = 0.003), whereas augmentation index (AIx) also improved after 14 d (-7.0 ± 3.3%, P = 0.02) when compared with placebo. No differences were found in either peripheral or central BP across all time points. CONCLUSIONS Acute and short-term consumption of dragon fruit in dietary achievable amounts improved endothelial function and arterial stiffness in healthy individuals. This implies that regular dragon fruit consumption may have a meaningful impact on cardiovascular disease risk likely due to the high betalain content. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT03995602.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Cheok
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yifan Xu
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Zicheng Zhang
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul W Caton
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Diabetes, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ana Rodriguez-Mateos
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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10
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Chen X, Guan X, Tang Y, Deng J, Zhang X. Effects of cocoa products intake on cardiometabolic biomarkers of type 2 diabetes patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis based on both long-term and short-term randomised controlled trials. Int J Food Sci Nutr 2022; 73:571-587. [DOI: 10.1080/09637486.2022.2046711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Chen
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxian Guan
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yujun Tang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jinlan Deng
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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11
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Tan TYC, Lim XY, Yeo JHH, Lee SWH, Lai NM. The Health Effects of Chocolate and Cocoa: A Systematic Review. Nutrients 2021; 13:2909. [PMID: 34578786 PMCID: PMC8470865 DOI: 10.3390/nu13092909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chocolate has a history of human consumption tracing back to 400 AD and is rich in polyphenols such as catechins, anthocyanidins, and pro anthocyanidins. As chocolate and cocoa product consumption, along with interest in them as functional foods, increases worldwide, there is a need to systematically and critically appraise the available clinical evidence on their health effects. A systematic search was conducted on electronic databases such as MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) using a search strategy and keywords. Among the many health effects assessed on several outcomes (including skin, cardiovascular, anthropometric, cognitive, and quality of life), we found that compared to controls, chocolate or cocoa product consumption significantly improved lipid profiles (triglycerides), while the effects of chocolate on all other outcome parameters were not significantly different. In conclusion, low-to-moderate-quality evidence with short duration of research (majority 4-6 weeks) showed no significant difference between the effects of chocolate and control groups on parameters related to skin, blood pressure, lipid profile, cognitive function, anthropometry, blood glucose, and quality of life regardless of form, dose, and duration among healthy individuals. It was generally well accepted by study subjects, with gastrointestinal disturbances and unpalatability being the most reported concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terence Yew Chin Tan
- Herbal Medicine Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health, Setia Alam 40170, Malaysia;
| | - Xin Yi Lim
- Herbal Medicine Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health, Setia Alam 40170, Malaysia;
| | | | - Shaun Wen Huey Lee
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (S.W.H.L.); (N.M.L.)
| | - Nai Ming Lai
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (S.W.H.L.); (N.M.L.)
- School of Medicine, Taylor’s University, Subang Jaya 47100, Malaysia
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12
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Mozos I, Jianu D, Stoian D, Mozos C, Gug C, Pricop M, Marginean O, Luca CT. The Relationship Between Dietary Choices and Health and Premature Vascular Ageing. Heart Lung Circ 2021; 30:1647-1657. [PMID: 34393048 DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2021.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The paper aims to review the available data about the main mechanisms enabling improvement or accelerating vascular ageing due to food choices, considering recent experimental and clinical data, and emphasising potential implications for clinical practice and therapy. The main food choices which will be discussed are diets rich in fruits and vegetables, the Mediterranean diet, polyunsaturated fatty acids, cocoa, caffeine, tea, meat, dairy products, sodium, and potassium intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Mozos
- Department of Functional Sciences - Pathophysiology, Center for Translational Research and Systems Medicine, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania.
| | - Daniela Jianu
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania; Department of Internal Medicine, Military Hospital, Timişoara, Romania
| | - Dana Stoian
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania
| | - Costin Mozos
- Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania
| | - Cristina Gug
- Department of Microscopic Morphology, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania
| | - Marius Pricop
- Discipline of Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania.
| | - Otilia Marginean
- 1st Department of Pediatrics, Center for Research on Growth and Developmental Disorders in Children, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania
| | - Constantin Tudor Luca
- Department of Cardiology, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania
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13
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Oliveira G, Volino-Souza M, Conte-Júnior CA, Alvares TS. Food-derived polyphenol compounds and cardiovascular health: A nano-technological perspective. FOOD BIOSCI 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbio.2021.101033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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14
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Sian TS, Din USU, Deane CS, Smith K, Gates A, Lund JN, Williams JP, Rueda R, Pereira SL, Phillips BE, Atherton PJ. Cocoa Flavanols Adjuvant to an Oral Nutritional Supplement Acutely Enhances Nutritive Flow in Skeletal Muscle without Altering Leg Glucose Uptake Kinetics in Older Adults. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13051646. [PMID: 34068170 PMCID: PMC8152976 DOI: 10.3390/nu13051646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ageing is associated with postprandial muscle vascular and metabolic dysfunction, suggesting vascular modifying interventions may be of benefit. Reflecting this, we investigated the impact of acute cocoa flavanol (450-500 mg) intake (versus placebo control) on vascular (via ultrasound) and glucose/insulin metabolic responses (via arterialised/venous blood samples and ELISA) to an oral nutritional supplement (ONS) in twelve healthy older adults (50% male, 72 ± 4 years), in a crossover design study. The cocoa condition displayed significant increases in m. vastus lateralis microvascular blood volume (MBV) in response to feeding at 180 and 240-min after ONS consumption (baseline: 1.00 vs. 180 min: 1.09 ± 0.03, p = 0.05; 240 min: 1.13 ± 0.04, p = 0.002), with MBV at these timepoints significantly higher than in the control condition (p < 0.05). In addition, there was a trend (p = 0.058) for MBV in m. tibialis anterior to increase in response to ONS in the cocoa condition only. Leg blood flow and vascular conductance increased, and vascular resistance decreased in response to ONS (p < 0.05), but these responses were not different between conditions (p > 0.05). Similarly, glucose uptake and insulin increased in response to ONS (p < 0.05) comparably between conditions (p > 0.05). Thus, acute cocoa flavanol supplementation can potentiate oral feeding-induced increases in MBV in older adults, but this improvement does not relay to muscle glucose uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanvir S Sian
- MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research and National Institute for Health Research Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Derby DE22 3DT, UK; (T.S.S.); (U.S.U.D.); (K.S.); (A.G.); (J.N.L.); (J.P.W.)
- Department of Surgery and Anaesthetics, Royal Derby Hospital, Derby DE22 3NE, UK
| | - Ushnah S. U. Din
- MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research and National Institute for Health Research Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Derby DE22 3DT, UK; (T.S.S.); (U.S.U.D.); (K.S.); (A.G.); (J.N.L.); (J.P.W.)
| | - Colleen S. Deane
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK;
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Ken Smith
- MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research and National Institute for Health Research Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Derby DE22 3DT, UK; (T.S.S.); (U.S.U.D.); (K.S.); (A.G.); (J.N.L.); (J.P.W.)
| | - Amanda Gates
- MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research and National Institute for Health Research Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Derby DE22 3DT, UK; (T.S.S.); (U.S.U.D.); (K.S.); (A.G.); (J.N.L.); (J.P.W.)
| | - Jonathan N. Lund
- MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research and National Institute for Health Research Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Derby DE22 3DT, UK; (T.S.S.); (U.S.U.D.); (K.S.); (A.G.); (J.N.L.); (J.P.W.)
- Department of Surgery and Anaesthetics, Royal Derby Hospital, Derby DE22 3NE, UK
| | - John P. Williams
- MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research and National Institute for Health Research Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Derby DE22 3DT, UK; (T.S.S.); (U.S.U.D.); (K.S.); (A.G.); (J.N.L.); (J.P.W.)
- Department of Surgery and Anaesthetics, Royal Derby Hospital, Derby DE22 3NE, UK
| | - Ricardo Rueda
- Research and Development, Abbott Nutrition, 18004 Granada, Spain;
| | | | - Bethan E. Phillips
- MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research and National Institute for Health Research Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Derby DE22 3DT, UK; (T.S.S.); (U.S.U.D.); (K.S.); (A.G.); (J.N.L.); (J.P.W.)
- Correspondence: (B.E.P.); (P.J.A.)
| | - Philip J. Atherton
- MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research and National Institute for Health Research Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Derby DE22 3DT, UK; (T.S.S.); (U.S.U.D.); (K.S.); (A.G.); (J.N.L.); (J.P.W.)
- Correspondence: (B.E.P.); (P.J.A.)
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15
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Cocoa-rich chocolate and body composition in postmenopausal women: a randomised clinical trial. Br J Nutr 2021; 125:548-556. [PMID: 32746952 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114520003086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
During menopause, women undergo a series of physiological changes that include a redistribution of fat tissue. This study was designed to investigate the effect of adding 10 g of cocoa-rich chocolate to the habitual diet of postmenopausal women daily on body composition. We conducted a 6-month, two-arm randomised, controlled trial. Postmenopausal women (57·2 (sd 3·6) years, n 132) were recruited in primary care clinics. Participants in the control group (CG) did not receive any intervention. Those of the intervention group (IG) received 10 g daily of 99 % cocoa chocolate in addition to their habitual diet for 6 months. This quantity comprises 247 kJ (59 kcal) and 65·4 mg of polyphenols. The primary outcomes were the between-group differences in body composition variables, measured by impendancemetry at the end of the study. The main effect of the intervention showed a favourable reduction in the IG with respect to the CG in body fat mass (-0·63 kg (95 % CI -1·15, -0·11), P = 0·019; Cohen's d = -0·450) and body fat percentage (-0·79 % (95 % CI -1·31, -0·26), P = 0·004; Cohen's d = -0·539). A non-significant decrease was also observed in BMI (-0·20 kg/m2 (95 % CI -0·44, 0·03), P = 0·092; Cohen's d = -0·345). Both the body fat mass and the body fat percentage showed a decrease in the IG for the three body segments analysed (trunk, arms and legs). Daily addition of 10 g of cocoa-rich chocolate to the habitual diet of postmenopausal women reduces their body fat mass and body fat percentage without modifying their weight.
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16
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Martin MÁ, Ramos S. Impact of cocoa flavanols on human health. Food Chem Toxicol 2021; 151:112121. [PMID: 33722594 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2021.112121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Cocoa is a source of flavanols, and these phenolic compounds exert beneficial effects on health and aging, and reduce the risk of suffering chronic diseases (cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, cancer). An increasing body of evidence has emerged to suggest that cocoa flavanols potentially are important chemopreventive natural agents. This review summarizes human studies from the past two decades, providing data related to the effects derived from cocoa intake on health and disease. Most human studies have reported beneficial effects of cocoa consumption on health and chronic diseases; however, outcomes are not unequivocal. Review of human studies enable to identify different mechanisms of action for cocoa, although they are not fully understood at present. In addition, it remains unclear whether cocoa consumption should be recommended to healthy subjects or to patients and what is the appropriate dosage or duration of cocoa consumption. Elucidation of information regarding these crucial issues could lead to cocoa use as an approach for decreasing the risk of certain chronic diseases, as well as improving health and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Ángeles Martin
- Department of Metabolism and Nutrition, Institute of Food Science and Technology and Nutrition (ICTAN-CSIC), José Antonio Novais 10, Ciudad Universitaria, 28040, Madrid, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Disorders (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sonia Ramos
- Department of Metabolism and Nutrition, Institute of Food Science and Technology and Nutrition (ICTAN-CSIC), José Antonio Novais 10, Ciudad Universitaria, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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17
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Martín MA, Goya L, de Pascual-Teresa S. Effect of Cocoa and Cocoa Products on Cognitive Performance in Young Adults. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12123691. [PMID: 33265948 PMCID: PMC7760676 DOI: 10.3390/nu12123691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence support a beneficial role of cocoa and cocoa products on human cognition, particularly in aging populations and patients at risk. However, thorough reviews on the efficacy of cocoa on brain processes in young adults do not exist precisely due to the limited number of studies in the matter. Thus, the aim of this study was to summarize the findings on the acute and chronic effects of cocoa administration on cognitive functions and brain health in young adults. Web of Science and PubMed databases were used to search for relevant trials. Human randomized controlled studies were selected according to PRISMA guidelines. Eleven intervention studies that involved a total of 366 participants investigating the role of cocoa on cognitive performance in children and young adults (average age ≤ 25 years old) were finally selected. Findings from individual studies confirm that acute and chronic cocoa intake have a positive effect on several cognitive outcomes. After acute consumption, these beneficial effects seem to be accompanied with an increase in cerebral blood flow or cerebral blood oxygenation. After chronic intake of cocoa flavanols in young adults, a better cognitive performance was found together with increased levels of neurotrophins. This systematic review further supports the beneficial effect of cocoa flavanols on cognitive function and neuroplasticity and indicates that such benefits are possible in early adulthood.
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18
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Garcia-Yu IA, Garcia-Ortiz L, Gomez-Marcos MA, Rodriguez-Sanchez E, Mora-Simon S, Maderuelo-Fernandez JA, Recio-Rodriguez JI. Effects of cocoa-rich chocolate on cognitive performance in postmenopausal women. A randomised clinical trial. Nutr Neurosci 2020; 25:1147-1158. [PMID: 33190575 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2020.1840119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of adding 10 g of cocoa-rich chocolate (99%) to the habitual diet on cognitive performance in postmenopausal women. METHODS Following a randomised controlled parallel clinical trial, a total of 140 postmenopausal women aged 50-64 were recruited. The intervention group (n = 73) consumed daily 10 g of chocolate (99% cocoa) in addition to their usual food intake for 6 months, whereas the control group (n = 67) did not receive any intervention. Attention and executive functions, verbal memory, working memory, phonological fluency, category fluency and clinical variables were assessed at baseline and 6 months. RESULTS Trail Making Test B execution time showed a decreased of -12.08 s (95% CI: -23.99, -0.18; p = 0.047) in the intervention group compared to the control group, after adjusting for age, educational level, time elapsed from the beginning of menopause and daily energy consumption (Cohen's d = -0.343). Attention, immediate or delayed verbal memory, phonological or category fluency, and working memory remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS The consumption of cocoa-rich (99%) chocolate in addition to the habitual diet could be related to a slight improvement in cognitive performance regarding cognitive flexibility and processing speed in postmenopausal women, with no changes in the rest of the cognitive performance variables evaluated.Trial registration: This clinical trial has been registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03492983.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene A Garcia-Yu
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Unidad de Investigación de Atención Primaria de Salamanca (APISAL), Servicio de Salud de Castilla y León (SACyL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Luis Garcia-Ortiz
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Unidad de Investigación de Atención Primaria de Salamanca (APISAL), Servicio de Salud de Castilla y León (SACyL), Salamanca, Spain.,Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas y del Diagnóstico, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Manuel A Gomez-Marcos
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Unidad de Investigación de Atención Primaria de Salamanca (APISAL), Servicio de Salud de Castilla y León (SACyL), Salamanca, Spain.,Departamento de Medicina, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Emiliano Rodriguez-Sanchez
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Unidad de Investigación de Atención Primaria de Salamanca (APISAL), Servicio de Salud de Castilla y León (SACyL), Salamanca, Spain.,Departamento de Medicina, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Sara Mora-Simon
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Unidad de Investigación de Atención Primaria de Salamanca (APISAL), Servicio de Salud de Castilla y León (SACyL), Salamanca, Spain.,Departamento de Psicología Básica, Psicobiología y Metodología de las Ciencias del Comportamiento, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jose A Maderuelo-Fernandez
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Unidad de Investigación de Atención Primaria de Salamanca (APISAL), Servicio de Salud de Castilla y León (SACyL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jose I Recio-Rodriguez
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Unidad de Investigación de Atención Primaria de Salamanca (APISAL), Servicio de Salud de Castilla y León (SACyL), Salamanca, Spain.,Departamento de Enfermería y Fisioterapia, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
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19
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Álvarez-Cilleros D, López-Oliva ME, Ramos S, Martín MÁ. Preventive effect of cocoa flavanols against glucotoxicity-induced vascular inflammation in the arteria of diabetic rats and on the inflammatory process in TNF-α-stimulated endothelial cells. Food Chem Toxicol 2020; 146:111824. [PMID: 33096196 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hyperglycaemia induces a vascular inflammatory process that is a critical event in cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes. Cocoa and its flavanols have been widely investigated for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and several clinical and pre-clinical studies support their vascular benefits. However, the effects of cocoa flavanols on vascular inflammation in diabetes remains to be elucidated. Herein, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of a cocoa-rich diet on the aortas of Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats. Moreover, the potential role of flavanol-derived colonic metabolites to modulate the adhesion and inflammatory processes were also evaluated using TNF-α-stimulated endothelial cells. Results demonstrate that cocoa attenuates the levels of phospho-p65-nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) and the expression of inflammatory factors including intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and inducible nitric oxide synthase in the aortas of ZDF rats. Experiments with endothelial cells further confirm that a mix of flavanol-derived colonic metabolites effectively down-regulate the levels of p-p65-NF-κB and the cell adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, preventing thus the increase of monocyte-endothelial adhesion induced by TNF-α. These novel data provide the first evidence of the relevant role of cocoa and their flavanol-derived metabolites to avoid the development of endothelial inflammation and diabetic complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Álvarez-Cilleros
- Departamento de Metabolismo y Nutrición, Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos y Nutrición (ICTAN), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - María Elvira López-Oliva
- Departamento de Fisiología. Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sonia Ramos
- Departamento de Metabolismo y Nutrición, Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos y Nutrición (ICTAN), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - María Ángeles Martín
- Departamento de Metabolismo y Nutrición, Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos y Nutrición (ICTAN), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain.
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20
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Garcia-Yu IA, Garcia-Ortiz L, Gomez-Marcos MA, Rodriguez-Sanchez E, Tamayo-Morales O, Maderuelo-Fernandez JA, Recio-Rodriguez JI. Cocoa-Rich Chocolate and Quality of Life in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12092754. [PMID: 32927668 PMCID: PMC7551911 DOI: 10.3390/nu12092754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Menopause has a negative impact on quality of life (QoL). The aim of the present study was to analyse the effect on QoL of adding 10 g per day of chocolate with a high concentration of cocoa (99%) to the habitual diet, for 6 months, in a sample of postmenopausal women. Postmenopausal women (n = 140) aged 50–64 years were randomised to either an addition of 10 g per day of cocoa-rich chocolate to their usual diet or no supplement addition. All variables were measured at baseline and after six months of intervention. QoL was evaluated using the 3-level version of EuroQol-5D (EuroQoL-5D-3L), the EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS) and the Cervantes scale. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) analyses adjusted for the main determinants of QoL considered in this study showed no changes in the global score of QoL evaluated with the EuroQoL-5D-3L. The intervention group showed an increase of 6.0 points (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.4, 11.7) in the EQ-VAS compared to the control group (p = 0.036). No significant changes were observed between groups in the global score of QoL nor in the dimensions and subdimensions measured with the Cervantes scale. The additional daily contribution of 10 g of cocoa-rich chocolate in postmenopausal women could have a slight impact on their perception toward their health state, although without modifying the health-related QoL or the dimensions that compose it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene A. Garcia-Yu
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Unidad de Investigación de Atención Primaria de Salamanca (APISAL), Servicio de Salud de Castilla y León (SACyL), 37005 Salamanca, Spain; (L.G.-O.); (M.A.G.-M.); (E.R.-S.); (O.T.-M.); (J.A.M.-F.); (J.I.R.-R.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Luis Garcia-Ortiz
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Unidad de Investigación de Atención Primaria de Salamanca (APISAL), Servicio de Salud de Castilla y León (SACyL), 37005 Salamanca, Spain; (L.G.-O.); (M.A.G.-M.); (E.R.-S.); (O.T.-M.); (J.A.M.-F.); (J.I.R.-R.)
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas y del Diagnóstico, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Manuel A. Gomez-Marcos
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Unidad de Investigación de Atención Primaria de Salamanca (APISAL), Servicio de Salud de Castilla y León (SACyL), 37005 Salamanca, Spain; (L.G.-O.); (M.A.G.-M.); (E.R.-S.); (O.T.-M.); (J.A.M.-F.); (J.I.R.-R.)
- Departamento de Medicina, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Emiliano Rodriguez-Sanchez
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Unidad de Investigación de Atención Primaria de Salamanca (APISAL), Servicio de Salud de Castilla y León (SACyL), 37005 Salamanca, Spain; (L.G.-O.); (M.A.G.-M.); (E.R.-S.); (O.T.-M.); (J.A.M.-F.); (J.I.R.-R.)
- Departamento de Medicina, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Olaya Tamayo-Morales
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Unidad de Investigación de Atención Primaria de Salamanca (APISAL), Servicio de Salud de Castilla y León (SACyL), 37005 Salamanca, Spain; (L.G.-O.); (M.A.G.-M.); (E.R.-S.); (O.T.-M.); (J.A.M.-F.); (J.I.R.-R.)
| | - Jose A. Maderuelo-Fernandez
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Unidad de Investigación de Atención Primaria de Salamanca (APISAL), Servicio de Salud de Castilla y León (SACyL), 37005 Salamanca, Spain; (L.G.-O.); (M.A.G.-M.); (E.R.-S.); (O.T.-M.); (J.A.M.-F.); (J.I.R.-R.)
| | - Jose I. Recio-Rodriguez
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Unidad de Investigación de Atención Primaria de Salamanca (APISAL), Servicio de Salud de Castilla y León (SACyL), 37005 Salamanca, Spain; (L.G.-O.); (M.A.G.-M.); (E.R.-S.); (O.T.-M.); (J.A.M.-F.); (J.I.R.-R.)
- Departamento de Enfermería y Fisioterapia, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
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21
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Li L, Lyall GK, Martinez-Blazquez JA, Vallejo F, A Tomas-Barberan F, Birch KM, Boesch C. Blood Orange Juice Consumption Increases Flow-Mediated Dilation in Adults with Overweight and Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Nutr 2020; 150:2287-2294. [PMID: 32510144 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxaa158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiological studies have indicated an inverse association between citrus fruit consumption and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. There is, however, a paucity of data concerning effects of blood orange juice (BOJ) intake on endothelial function and cardiovascular risk biomarkers. OBJECTIVES We examined short-term effects of BOJ on endothelial function, blood pressure, lipid profile, and inflammatory markers in healthy participants of European origin who were overweight or obese. METHODS In a randomized, controlled, single-blind, crossover trial, 15 men and women (age: 28.7 ± 6.5 y; BMI: 28.3 ± 3.1 kg/m2) consumed BOJ or a sugar-matched control drink (CD) (200 mL twice daily) for 2 wk with a washout period of 1 wk. Endothelial function, measured as flow-mediated dilation (FMD) (primary outcome), and the secondary outcomes blood pressure, anthropometric measures, lipid profile, inflammatory markers, markers of vasodilation and vasoconstriction, and urinary flavanone metabolites were evaluated prior to and at the end of each treatment period following an overnight fast. Changes between treatments over time were assessed using repeated-measures ANOVA. RESULTS The results demonstrate a significant increase in FMD following BOJ consumption (pre: 8.15% ± 2.92%; post: 10.2% ± 3.31%; P = 0.002) compared with CD (pre: 8.11% ± 2.52%; post: 7.77% ± 2.43%; time × treatment interaction: P = 0.001). Concurrent significant increases in urinary hesperetin-3'-glucuronide and hesperetin-7-glucuronide were observed following BOJ supplementation only (time × treatment interaction: P ≤ 0.01). Baseline blood pressure, lipid profile, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and endothelin-1 were generally within healthy ranges and unaffected by the intervention. CONCLUSIONS A 2-wk consumption of BOJ exerted favorable effects on endothelial function in healthy women and men who were overweight or obese, which is likely mediated by the combined actions of anthocyanin and flavanone metabolites on mechanisms that contribute to enhancing NO bioavailability. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03611114.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Li
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China.,School of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Gemma K Lyall
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - J Alberto Martinez-Blazquez
- Quality, Safety and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, Centre for Soil Science and Applied Biology-Spanish Council for Scientific Resarch (CEBAS-CSIC), Murcia, Spain
| | - Fernando Vallejo
- Quality, Safety and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, Centre for Soil Science and Applied Biology-Spanish Council for Scientific Resarch (CEBAS-CSIC), Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco A Tomas-Barberan
- Quality, Safety and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, Centre for Soil Science and Applied Biology-Spanish Council for Scientific Resarch (CEBAS-CSIC), Murcia, Spain
| | - Karen M Birch
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Christine Boesch
- School of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
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22
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Fan J, Park E, Zhang L, Edirisinghe I, Burton-Freeman B, Sandhu AK. Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Watermelon (Rind, Flesh, and Seeds) Bioactive Components in Human Plasma: A Pilot Study to Investigate the Relationship to Endothelial Function. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2020; 68:7393-7403. [PMID: 32538082 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.0c02756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the metabolic fate of bioactive components in watermelon and explore their effect on endothelial function. Six healthy overweight/obese (BMI: 28.7 ± 1.6 kg/m2) adults received 100 kcal of watermelon flesh (WF), rind (WR), seeds (WS), or control meal. l-Citrulline, arginine, and (poly)phenolic metabolites were characterized in plasma over 24 h using UHPLC-MS. Endothelial function was assessed using a flow mediated dilation (FMD) technique over 7 h. Maximum concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUC0-8h) of l-citrulline were significantly higher after WF- and WR-containing test meals compared to control (p < 0.05). Likewise, several individual phenolic metabolites in plasma had significantly higher Cmax after WR, WF, or WS intake compared to control. FMD responses were not different among test meals. Our results provide insights on circulating metabolites from watermelon flesh, seed, and rind and lay the foundation for future clinical trials on vascular benefits of watermelon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Fan
- Food Science and Nutrition Department, Center for Nutrition Research, Institute for Food Safety and Health, Illinois Institute of Technology, Bedford Park, Illinois 60501, United States
| | - Eunyoung Park
- Food Science and Nutrition Department, Center for Nutrition Research, Institute for Food Safety and Health, Illinois Institute of Technology,, Chicago, Illinois 60616, United States
| | - Liyun Zhang
- Food Science and Nutrition Department, Center for Nutrition Research, Institute for Food Safety and Health, Illinois Institute of Technology, Bedford Park, Illinois 60501, United States
| | - Indika Edirisinghe
- Food Science and Nutrition Department, Center for Nutrition Research, Institute for Food Safety and Health, Illinois Institute of Technology, Bedford Park, Illinois 60501, United States
| | - Britt Burton-Freeman
- Food Science and Nutrition Department, Center for Nutrition Research, Institute for Food Safety and Health, Illinois Institute of Technology, Bedford Park, Illinois 60501, United States
| | - Amandeep K Sandhu
- Food Science and Nutrition Department, Center for Nutrition Research, Institute for Food Safety and Health, Illinois Institute of Technology, Bedford Park, Illinois 60501, United States
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23
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Flavonoids and Mitochondria: Activation of Cytoprotective Pathways? Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25133060. [PMID: 32635481 PMCID: PMC7412508 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25133060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A large number of diverse mechanisms that lead to cytoprotection have been described to date. Perhaps, not surprisingly, the role of mitochondria in these phenomena is notable. In addition to being metabolic centers, due to their role in cell catabolism, ATP synthesis, and biosynthesis these organelles are triggers and/or end-effectors of a large number of signaling pathways. Their role in the regulation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, calcium homeostasis, and reactive oxygen species signaling is well documented. In this review, we aim to characterize the prospects of influencing cytoprotective mitochondrial signaling routes by natural substances of plant origin, namely, flavonoids (e.g., flavanones, flavones, flavonols, flavan-3-ols, anthocyanidins, and isoflavones). Flavonoids are a family of widely distributed plant secondary metabolites known for their beneficial effects on human health and are widely applied in traditional medicine. Their pharmacological characteristics include antioxidative, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antidiabetic properties. Here, we focus on presenting mitochondria-mediated cytoprotection against various insults. Thus, the role of flavonoids as antioxidants and modulators of antioxidant cellular response, apoptosis, mitochondrial biogenesis, autophagy, and fission and fusion is reported. Finally, an emerging field of flavonoid-mediated changes in the activity of mitochondrial ion channels and their role in cytoprotection is outlined.
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24
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Effects of Cocoa-Rich Chocolate on Blood Pressure, Cardiovascular Risk Factors, and Arterial Stiffness in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12061758. [PMID: 32545478 PMCID: PMC7353386 DOI: 10.3390/nu12061758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the intake of 10 g of cocoa-rich chocolate on blood pressure, other cardiovascular risk factors, and vascular structure and function in postmenopausal women. A total of 140 postmenopausal women participated in this randomized and controlled parallel clinical trial. For six months, the intervention group (IG; n = 73) consumed daily 10 g of chocolate (99% cocoa) added to their usual food intake, whereas the control group (CG; n = 67) did not receive any intervention. Blood pressure, pulse pressure (PP), cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), ankle-brachial index (ABI), brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), augmentation index, and laboratory variables were measured at baseline and six months. ANCOVA analyses adjusted for baseline values revealed no significant differences for systolic blood pressure (−1.45 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval (CI): −4.79, 1.88; p = 0.391) or baPWV (0.18 m/s; 95% CI: −0.14, 0.50; p = 0.263) between groups. A decrease in PP was observed in the IG compared to the CG (−2.05 mm Hg; 95% CI: −4.08, −0.02; p = 0.048). The rest of the vascular structure and function parameters and other measured variables remained unchanged. The daily intake of 10 g of cocoa-rich chocolate seems to provide little improvement to cardiovascular health, but neither does it cause any adverse effects on the parameters evaluated in postmenopausal women in the long term.
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25
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Martins TF, Palomino OM, Álvarez-Cilleros D, Martín MA, Ramos S, Goya L. Cocoa Flavanols Protect Human Endothelial Cells from Oxidative Stress. PLANT FOODS FOR HUMAN NUTRITION (DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS) 2020; 75:161-168. [PMID: 32185628 DOI: 10.1007/s11130-020-00807-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress may cause functional disorders of vascular endothelia which can lead to endothelial apoptosis and thus alter the function and structure of the vascular tissues. Plant antioxidants protect the endothelium against oxidative stress and then become an effective option to treat vascular diseases. Cocoa flavanols have been proven to protect against oxidative stress in cell culture and animal models. In addition, epidemiological and interventional studies strongly suggest that cocoa consumption has numerous beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. The objective of this study was to test the chemo-protective effect of realistic concentrations of a cocoa phenolic extract and its main monomeric flavanol epicatechin on cultured human endothelial cells submitted to an oxidative challenge. Both products efficiently restrained stress-induced reactive oxygen species and biomarkers of oxidative stress such as carbonyl groups and malondialdehyde, and recovered depleted glutathione, antioxidant defences and cell viability. Our results demonstrate for the first time that a polyphenolic extract from cocoa and its main flavonoid protect human endothelial cells against an oxidative insult by modulating oxygen radical generation and antioxidant enzyme and non-enzyme defences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Olga M Palomino
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Álvarez-Cilleros
- Department of Metabolism and Nutrition, Institute of Science and Food Technology and Nutrition (ICTAN - CSIC), José Antonio Novais 10, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Angeles Martín
- Department of Metabolism and Nutrition, Institute of Science and Food Technology and Nutrition (ICTAN - CSIC), José Antonio Novais 10, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sonia Ramos
- Department of Metabolism and Nutrition, Institute of Science and Food Technology and Nutrition (ICTAN - CSIC), José Antonio Novais 10, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Goya
- Department of Metabolism and Nutrition, Institute of Science and Food Technology and Nutrition (ICTAN - CSIC), José Antonio Novais 10, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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26
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Iddir M, Brito A, Dingeo G, Fernandez Del Campo SS, Samouda H, La Frano MR, Bohn T. Strengthening the Immune System and Reducing Inflammation and Oxidative Stress through Diet and Nutrition: Considerations during the COVID-19 Crisis. Nutrients 2020; 12:E1562. [PMID: 32471251 PMCID: PMC7352291 DOI: 10.3390/nu12061562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 406] [Impact Index Per Article: 101.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus-disease 2019 (COVID-19) was announced as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. Challenges arise concerning how to optimally support the immune system in the general population, especially under self-confinement. An optimal immune response depends on an adequate diet and nutrition in order to keep infection at bay. For example, sufficient protein intake is crucial for optimal antibody production. Low micronutrient status, such as of vitamin A or zinc, has been associated with increased infection risk. Frequently, poor nutrient status is associated with inflammation and oxidative stress, which in turn can impact the immune system. Dietary constituents with especially high anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity include vitamin C, vitamin E, and phytochemicals such as carotenoids and polyphenols. Several of these can interact with transcription factors such as NF-kB and Nrf-2, related to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, respectively. Vitamin D in particular may perturb viral cellular infection via interacting with cell entry receptors (angiotensin converting enzyme 2), ACE2. Dietary fiber, fermented by the gut microbiota into short-chain fatty acids, has also been shown to produce anti-inflammatory effects. In this review, we highlight the importance of an optimal status of relevant nutrients to effectively reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, thereby strengthening the immune system during the COVID-19 crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Iddir
- Nutrition and Health Research Group, Population Health Department, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 1A-B, rue Thomas Edison, L-1445 Strassen, Luxembourg; (M.I.); or (A.B.); (S.S.F.D.C.); (H.S.)
| | - Alex Brito
- Nutrition and Health Research Group, Population Health Department, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 1A-B, rue Thomas Edison, L-1445 Strassen, Luxembourg; (M.I.); or (A.B.); (S.S.F.D.C.); (H.S.)
- Laboratory of Pharmacokinetics and Metabolomic Analysis, Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology. I.M. Sechenov First Moscow Medical University, Trubetskay Str. 8, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Giulia Dingeo
- Independent Researcher, Val de Marne, 94999 Paris, France;
| | - Sofia Sosa Fernandez Del Campo
- Nutrition and Health Research Group, Population Health Department, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 1A-B, rue Thomas Edison, L-1445 Strassen, Luxembourg; (M.I.); or (A.B.); (S.S.F.D.C.); (H.S.)
| | - Hanen Samouda
- Nutrition and Health Research Group, Population Health Department, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 1A-B, rue Thomas Edison, L-1445 Strassen, Luxembourg; (M.I.); or (A.B.); (S.S.F.D.C.); (H.S.)
| | - Michael R. La Frano
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, California Polytechnic State University, 1 Grand Avenue, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, USA;
- Center for Health Research, California Polytechnic State University, 1 Grand Avenue, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, USA
| | - Torsten Bohn
- Nutrition and Health Research Group, Population Health Department, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 1A-B, rue Thomas Edison, L-1445 Strassen, Luxembourg; (M.I.); or (A.B.); (S.S.F.D.C.); (H.S.)
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27
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Okamoto T, Hashimoto Y, Kobayashi R, Nakazato K, Willems MET. Effects of blackcurrant extract on arterial functions in older adults: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. Clin Exp Hypertens 2020; 42:640-647. [PMID: 32396017 DOI: 10.1080/10641963.2020.1764015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Blackcurrant extract mainly contains anthocyanins. Several reports suggest that anthocyanins have beneficial effect for cardiovascular functions. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of 7-day intake of New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract on arterial functions, e.g. arterial stiffness, and serum lipids. METHODS A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design study with a washout period of 28 days was conducted. Fourteen older adults participated in this study (age 73.3 ± 1.7 years). Participants took either a 7-day course of placebo or two capsules of NZBC extract (each 300 mg capsule contains 35% blackcurrant extract). Participants took one of the two trials first and then took the other after a washout period. Carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity, an index of central arterial stiffness, and central blood pressure were measured at baseline and again at the end of the 7-day study period. RESULTS Compared to baseline, carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity (P = .03) and central blood pressure (P = .02) decreased significantly after the 7-day study period with NZBC intake. In addition, carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity (P = .04) and central blood pressure (P = .001) in the NZBC intake trial decreased significantly more than in the placebo intake trial. No effects were observed on serum lipids. CONCLUSION These results suggest that short-term NZBC intake reduces central arterial stiffness and central blood pressure in older adults. Therefore, anthocyanin-rich blackcurrants might be beneficial for maintaining or improving cardiovascular health as an alternative to pharmaceutical medications. ABBREVIATIONS Aix: augmentation index; BP: blood pressure; cfPWV: carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity; CVD: cardiovascular diseases; DBP: diastolic blood pressure; faPWV: femoral-ankle pulse-wave velocity; FG: fasting glucose; HDL: high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; LDL: low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; MBP: mean blood pressure; NZBC: New Zealand blackcurrant; PP: pulse pressure; SBP: systolic blood pressure; TG: triglycerides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takanobu Okamoto
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Nippon Sport Science University , Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuto Hashimoto
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Nippon Sport Science University , Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryota Kobayashi
- Center for Fundamental Education, Teikyo University of Science , Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koichi Nakazato
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Nippon Sport Science University , Tokyo, Japan
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28
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Alidadi M, Jamialahmadi T, Cicero AF, Bianconi V, Pirro M, Banach M, Sahebkar A. The potential role of plant-derived natural products in improving arterial stiffness: A review of dietary intervention studies. Trends Food Sci Technol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2020.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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29
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Jafari Azad B, Daneshzad E, Meysamie AP, Koohdani F. Chronic and acute effects of cocoa products intake on arterial stiffness and platelet count and function: A systematic review and dose-response Meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2020; 61:357-379. [PMID: 32126803 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2020.1733484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The findings of trials investigating the effect of cocoa products consumption on vascular stiffness and platelet are controversial. The aim of this study is to summarize the findings on the acute and chronic effects of different forms of cocoa on the risk factors of cardiovascular disease. We searched SCOPUS, Pub Med and Web of Science from inception to Jan 2020. Finally, the random-effect model was used to report the pooled effect sizes. Results are expressed as weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).Overall, 41 trials were included, of which only 14 studies met the eligibility criteria for analysis, including 11 long-term RCTs (more than a week was considered as a chronic phase) and 7 short-term RCTs (less than a week was considered as an acute phase). According to the result of 11 long-term RCTs, cocoa products had a negative significant effect on pulse wave velocity; PWV (WMD: -0.33 m/s, P < 0.0001), Augmentation index; AIx (WMD: -4.50%, P = 0.001) but had no significant effect on platelet count (WMD: -10.41 109/L, P = 0.053). Also, according to the results of 7 short-term RCTs, cocoa products had a negative significant effect on PWV (WMD: -0.27 m/s, P = 0.019), AIx (WMD: -4.47%, P = 0.003).Current study indicated the beneficial effect of acute and chronic consumption of cocoa-based products ingestion on platelet function and arterial stiffness in healthy adult regardless of age especially in male and for consumption (≤4 weeks) in the chronic intake and (≤120 minutes) in acute intake, but did not affect on platelet count. However, further studies are required to shed light on this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Banafsheh Jafari Azad
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elnaz Daneshzad
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Students' Scientific Research Center (SSRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Pasha Meysamie
- Departmentof Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fariba Koohdani
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Diabetes Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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30
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Sun Y, Zimmermann D, De Castro CA, Actis-Goretta L. Dose-response relationship between cocoa flavanols and human endothelial function: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials. Food Funct 2020; 10:6322-6330. [PMID: 31524216 DOI: 10.1039/c9fo01747j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several intervention studies have investigated the relationship between cocoa flavanols and endothelial function. However, the shape of the association and the type of compounds responsible for the effects are largely unknown. OBJECTIVE To examine the dose-response association between the consumption of cocoa flavanols and endothelial function, measured by flow-mediated dilation (FMD). DESIGN Two investigators searched Scopus® for the relevant human intervention studies, which were pooled and meta-analysed. Heterogeneity in the findings was explored with various subgroup analyses. RESULTS Fifteen published articles with 18 intervention arms met the inclusion criteria. Participants in these intervention groups received 80 to 1248 mg (mean: 704 mg) more flavanols than control groups. A significant improvement of FMD by 1.17% (95% CI: 0.76% to 1.57%) was calculated, with strong evidence of a non-linear association (inverted U-shape) between cocoa flavanols and FMD. CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis provides evidence that cocoa flavanols could significantly improve endothelial function, with an optimal effect observed with 710 mg total flavanols, 95 mg (-)-epicatechin or 25 mg (+)-catechin. However, there was substantial variation in the results that could not be explained by the characteristics that we explored, and there were significant risk-of-bias concerns with a large majority of the studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Sun
- Nestlé Research Centre Singapore, Singapore.
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Lamport DJ, Christodoulou E, Achilleos C. Beneficial Effects of Dark Chocolate for Episodic Memory in Healthy Young Adults: A Parallel-Groups Acute Intervention with a White Chocolate Control. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12020483. [PMID: 32075015 PMCID: PMC7071338 DOI: 10.3390/nu12020483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
There is good evidence that cocoa flavonoids can acutely improve cognitive function in humans, possibly via mechanisms such as increased cerebral blood flow. To date, much of the evidence is based on measures of executive function with extracts and cocoa-based interventions with a high flavonoid content. The aim of the present study was to explore whether benefits to episodic verbal memory and mood are observed two hours post consumption of a commercially available dark chocolate (DC) bar relative to a 35 g white chocolate bar (WC). Ninety-eight healthy young adults (n = 57 females) aged 18–24 years consumed either a 35 g DC bar or a calorie-matched low flavonoid WC bar. Verbal episodic memory and mood were assessed pre consumption and 2 h post consumption. An ANOVA analysis showed that the DC was associated with better verbal memory performance for several outcome measures of the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test relative to the WC, however, there were no effects on mood. These findings lend support to the notion that everyday available portions of dark chocolate can confer benefits to the brain in healthy consumers.
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Istas G, Wood E, Le Sayec M, Rawlings C, Yoon J, Dandavate V, Cera D, Rampelli S, Costabile A, Fromentin E, Rodriguez-Mateos A. Effects of aronia berry (poly)phenols on vascular function and gut microbiota: a double-blind randomized controlled trial in adult men. Am J Clin Nutr 2019; 110:316-329. [PMID: 31152545 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqz075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aronia melanocarpa is a rich source of (poly)phenols. Previous research has demonstrated that these berries may provide cardiovascular health benefits in high-risk populations. However, very few studies have investigated the effects of daily consumption of dietary achievable amounts of the berries in healthy subjects. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aronia berries on vascular function and gut microbiota composition in a healthy population. METHODS A double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel designed study was conducted in 66 healthy men randomly allocated to consume a (poly)phenol-rich extract (116 mg, 75 g berries), a whole fruit powder (12 mg, 10 g berries), or placebo (maltodextrin) for 12 wk. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD), arterial stiffness, blood pressure, heart rate, and serum biochemistry were assessed. Plasma (poly)phenol metabolites were analyzed by LC-MS. Gut microbiota composition was determined via 16S rRNA sequencing in stool samples. RESULTS Consumption of aronia whole fruit and extract powder for 12 wk led to a significant increase in FMD over control of 0.9% ± 0.4% (95% CI: 0.13%, 1.72%) and 1.2% ± 0.4% (95% CI: 0.36%, 1.97%), respectively. Acute improvements in FMD were also observed 2 h after consumption of aronia extract on day 1 (1.1% ± 0.3%, P = 0.003) and 12 wk later (1.5% ± 0.4%, P = 0.0001). Circulating plasma phenolic metabolites increased upon consumption of the aronia treatments. Although no changes were found in gut microbiota diversity, consumption of aronia extract increased the growth of Anaerostipes (+10.6%, P = 0.01), whereas aronia whole fruit showed significant increases in Bacteroides (+193%, P = 0.01). Correlation analysis identified significant associations between changes in FMD, aronia-derived phenolic metabolites, and specific gut microbial genera. CONCLUSIONS In healthy men, consumption of aronia berry (poly)phenols improved endothelial function and modulated gut microbiota composition, indicating that regular aronia consumption has the potential to maintain cardiovascular health in individuals at low risk of cardiovascular disease. This trial was registered at CLINICALTRIALs.gov as NCT03041961.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Istas
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eleanor Wood
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Melanie Le Sayec
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Claudia Rawlings
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jeeyoung Yoon
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Vaishnavi Dandavate
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Debora Cera
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Simone Rampelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Adele Costabile
- Health Sciences Research Centre, Life Sciences Department, Whitelands College, University of Roehampton, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ana Rodriguez-Mateos
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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The Use of Nutraceuticals to Counteract Atherosclerosis: The Role of the Notch Pathway. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2019; 2019:5470470. [PMID: 31915510 PMCID: PMC6935452 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5470470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Despite the currently available pharmacotherapies, today, thirty percent of worldwide deaths are due to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), whose primary cause is atherosclerosis, an inflammatory disorder characterized by the buildup of lipid deposits on the inside of arteries. Multiple cellular signaling pathways have been shown to be involved in the processes underlying atherosclerosis, and evidence has been accumulating for the crucial role of Notch receptors in regulating the functions of the diverse cell types involved in atherosclerosis onset and progression. Several classes of nutraceuticals have potential benefits for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis and CVDs, some of which could in part be due to their ability to modulate the Notch pathway. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge on the role of Notch in vascular health and its modulation by nutraceuticals for the prevention of atherosclerosis and/or treatment of related CVDs.
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Crossland H, Pereira SL, Smith K, Phillips BE, Atherton PJ. Gene-based analysis of angiogenesis, mitochondrial and insulin-related pathways in skeletal muscle of older individuals following nutraceutical supplementation. J Funct Foods 2019; 56:216-223. [PMID: 31217823 PMCID: PMC6559337 DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2019.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cocoa flavanols and fish oil omega-3 fatty acids are two bio-active nutrients that may improve muscle microvascular function, insulin sensitivity and mitochondrial function in older adults. We assessed changes in gene expression of these pathways in muscle from two nutritional intervention studies in older healthy volunteers: (i) 6-weeks daily fish oil supplementation in older females (3.4 g/d; age: 64.4 ± 0.8 y, BMI: 26.2 ± 0.7 kg/m2), and (ii) 7-day daily cocoa flavanol supplementation in older males (1050 mg/d; age: 70.1 ± 0.9 y, BMI: 25.7 ± 0.6 kg/m2). There was a main effect of 6-weeks fish oil supplementation on angiogenesis gene expression, with no overall changes in mitochondrial or insulin signaling genes. 7-day cocoa supplementation elicited changes in extracellular matrix (ECM) related genes. Thus, the effects of fish oil supplementation on vascular remodeling in skeletal muscle, and ECM remodeling with cocoa supplementation have emerged as areas for future study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Crossland
- MRC-ARUK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research & NIHR Nottingham BRC, University of Nottingham, Royal Derby Hospital Centre, DE22 3DT, UK
| | | | - Kenneth Smith
- MRC-ARUK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research & NIHR Nottingham BRC, University of Nottingham, Royal Derby Hospital Centre, DE22 3DT, UK
| | - Bethan E. Phillips
- MRC-ARUK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research & NIHR Nottingham BRC, University of Nottingham, Royal Derby Hospital Centre, DE22 3DT, UK
| | - Philip J. Atherton
- MRC-ARUK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research & NIHR Nottingham BRC, University of Nottingham, Royal Derby Hospital Centre, DE22 3DT, UK
- Corresponding author at: MRC-ARUK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, Royal Derby Hospital Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Derby DE22 3DT, UK.
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De Bruyne T, Steenput B, Roth L, De Meyer GRY, Santos CND, Valentová K, Dambrova M, Hermans N. Dietary Polyphenols Targeting Arterial Stiffness: Interplay of Contributing Mechanisms and Gut Microbiome-Related Metabolism. Nutrients 2019; 11:E578. [PMID: 30857217 PMCID: PMC6471395 DOI: 10.3390/nu11030578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased arterial stiffness is a degenerative vascular process, progressing with age that leads to a reduced capability of arteries to expand and contract in response to pressure changes. This progressive degeneration mainly affects the extracellular matrix of elastic arteries and causes loss of vascular elasticity. Recent studies point to significant interference of dietary polyphenols with mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology and progression of arterial stiffness. This review summarizes data from epidemiological and interventional studies on the effect of polyphenols on vascular stiffness as an illustration of current research and addresses possible etiological factors targeted by polyphenols, including pathways of vascular functionality, oxidative status, inflammation, glycation, and autophagy. Effects can either be inflicted directly by the dietary polyphenols or indirectly by metabolites originated from the host or microbial metabolic processes. The composition of the gut microbiome, therefore, determines the resulting metabolome and, as a consequence, the observed activity. On the other hand, polyphenols also influence the intestinal microbial composition, and therefore the metabolites available for interaction with relevant targets. As such, targeting the gut microbiome is another potential treatment option for arterial stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tess De Bruyne
- Laboratory of Natural Products and Food-Research and Analysis (NatuRA), University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerpen, Belgium.
| | - Bieke Steenput
- Laboratory of Natural Products and Food-Research and Analysis (NatuRA), University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerpen, Belgium.
| | - Lynn Roth
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerpen, Belgium.
| | - Guido R Y De Meyer
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerpen, Belgium.
| | - Claudia Nunes Dos Santos
- Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2780-901 Oeiras, Portugal.
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal.
- CEDOC, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campo Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Kateřina Valentová
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Maija Dambrova
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, LV-1006 Riga, Latvia.
| | - Nina Hermans
- Laboratory of Natural Products and Food-Research and Analysis (NatuRA), University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerpen, Belgium.
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Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of deaths in highly developed countries. Dietetic interventions that involve recommendations for consumption of products with a confirmed health-improving action are an important aspect of prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Cocoa is an alimentary product with significant cardioprotective potential due to its high content of bioactive compounds. The aim of the present study was to review the most recent literature concerning the effectiveness and mechanisms of action of compounds contained in cocoa with regard to selected cardiovascular risk factors and cardiometabolic markers. Study results indicate that cocoa consumption, especially in the form of dark chocolate with high flavonoid content, may be a good strategy to diminish cardiovascular risk due to its beneficial effect on platelet aggregation, decreasing blood pressure, diminishing dyslipidemia, and decreasing blood plasma glucose concentration. Many studies have shown that cocoa-derived flavonoids have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and also play a significant role in preventing insulin resistance. However, in order to completely confirm the potential cardiovascular benefits, it is necessary to conduct larger and longer studies, also with regard to potential dangers associated with long-term consumption of large amounts of flavonoids and determination of a safe and effective dose. Key teaching points Cocoa consumption may be a good strategy in diminishing cardiovascular risk. Beneficial effects on platelet aggregation, blood pressure, dyslipidemia, glycemia, as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity are observed. There is a need to conduct larger and longer studies to determine a safe and effective dose of cocoa flavonoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Zięba
- a SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humans , Chodakowska , Warsaw , Poland
| | - Magdalena Makarewicz-Wujec
- b Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Care, Medical University of Warsaw Banacha 1 , Warsaw , Poland
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Lim Y, Song TJ, Hwang W, Kim JY, Lee D, Kim YJ, Kwon O. Synergistic Effects of Sanghuang⁻Danshen Bioactives on Arterial Stiffness in a Randomized Clinical Trial of Healthy Smokers: An Integrative Approach to in silico Network Analysis. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11010108. [PMID: 30621047 PMCID: PMC6357070 DOI: 10.3390/nu11010108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 12/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The vascular endothelium is a favorite early target of cardiovascular risk factors, including cigarette smoking. Here, we investigated the synergistic effects of Sanghuang–Danshen (SD) bioactives on vascular stiffness in a controlled clinical trial of healthy chronic smokers (n = 72). Relative to placebo, 4-week SD consumption at 900 mg/day improves pulse wave velocity (p = 0.0497), reduces systolic blood pressure (peripheral, p = 0.0008; brachial, p = 0.0046; and ankle, p = 0.0066), and increases endothelial nitric oxide synthase activation (p < 0.0001). We then mapped all differential markers obtained from the clinical data, Affymetrix microarray, and 1H NMR metabolomics, together with 12 SD bioactives, onto the network platform termed the context-oriented directed associations. The resulting vascular subnetwork demonstrates that ellagic acid, caffeic acid, protocatechuic acid, cryptotanshinone, tanshinone I, and tanshinone IIA are linked to NOS3, ARG2, and EDN1 for vascular dilation, implicated with arginine/proline metabolism. They are also linked to SUCLG1, CYP1A1, and succinate related to the mitochondrial metabolism and detoxification, implicated with various metabolic pathways. These results could explain the synergistic action mechanisms of SD bioactives in the regulation of vascular endothelial dilation and metabolism, confirming the potential of SD in improving vascular stiffness and blood pressure in healthy smokers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeni Lim
- Department of Nutritional Science and Food Management, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea.
| | - Tae-Jin Song
- Department of Neurology, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Seoul 07985, Korea.
| | - Woochang Hwang
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Korea.
| | - Ji Yeon Kim
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul 01811, Korea.
| | - Doheon Lee
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Korea.
| | - Yong-Jae Kim
- Department of Neurology, Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea.
| | - Oran Kwon
- Department of Nutritional Science and Food Management, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea.
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Wang Y, Feltham BA, Suh M, Jones PJ. Cocoa flavanols and blood pressure reduction: Is there enough evidence to support a health claim in the United States? Trends Food Sci Technol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2018.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Garcia-Yu IA, Garcia-Ortiz L, Gómez-Marcos MA, Alonso-Dominguez R, Gonzalez-Sanchez J, Mora-Simon S, González-Manzano S, Rodriguez-Sanchez E, Maderuelo-Fernandez JA, Recio-Rodriguez JI. Vascular and cognitive effects of cocoa-rich chocolate in postmenopausal women: a study protocol for a randomised clinical trial. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e024095. [PMID: 30552275 PMCID: PMC6303642 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The intake of polyphenols has certain health benefits. This study will aim to assess the effect of adding a daily amount of chocolate high in cocoa content and polyphenols to the normal diet on blood pressure, vascular function, cognitive performance, quality of life and body composition in postmenopausal women. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Here we plan a randomised clinical trial with two parallel groups involving a total of 140 women between 50 and 64 years in the postmenopausal period, defined by amenorrhoea of at least 12 consecutive months. The main variable will be the change in blood pressure. Secondary variables will be changes in vascular function, quality of life, cognitive performance and body composition. The intervention group will be given chocolate containing 99% cocoa, with instructions to add 10 g daily to their normal diet for 6 months. The daily nutritional contribution of this amount of chocolate is 59 kcal and 65.4 mg of polyphenols. There will be no intervention in the control group. All variables will be measured at the baseline visit and 3 and 6 months after randomisation, except cognitive performance and quality of life, which will only be assessed at baseline and at 6 months. Recruitment is scheduled to begin on 1 June 2018, and the study will continue until 31 May 2019. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study was approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the Health Area of Salamanca, Spain ('CREC of Health Area of Salamanca'), in February 2018. A SPIRIT checklist is available for this protocol. The clinical trial has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov provided by the US National Library of Medicine, number NCT03492983. The results will be disseminated through open access peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, broadcast media and a presentation to stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene A Garcia-Yu
- Primary Health Care Research Unit, La Alamedilla Health Center, Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Health Service of Castilla y León (SACyL), Salamanca, Spain
- Gerencia de Atención Primaria de Burgos, SACYL, Burgos
| | - Luis Garcia-Ortiz
- Primary Health Care Research Unit, La Alamedilla Health Center, Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Health Service of Castilla y León (SACyL), Salamanca, Spain
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Manuel A Gómez-Marcos
- Primary Health Care Research Unit, La Alamedilla Health Center, Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Health Service of Castilla y León (SACyL), Salamanca, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Rosario Alonso-Dominguez
- Primary Health Care Research Unit, La Alamedilla Health Center, Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Health Service of Castilla y León (SACyL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jesus Gonzalez-Sanchez
- Primary Health Care Research Unit, La Alamedilla Health Center, Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Health Service of Castilla y León (SACyL), Salamanca, Spain
- Department of Nursing, University of Extremadura, Plasencia, Spain
| | - Sara Mora-Simon
- Primary Health Care Research Unit, La Alamedilla Health Center, Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Health Service of Castilla y León (SACyL), Salamanca, Spain
- Department of Basic Psychology, Psychobiology and Behavioral Sciences Methodology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | | | - Emiliano Rodriguez-Sanchez
- Primary Health Care Research Unit, La Alamedilla Health Center, Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Health Service of Castilla y León (SACyL), Salamanca, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jose A Maderuelo-Fernandez
- Primary Health Care Research Unit, La Alamedilla Health Center, Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Health Service of Castilla y León (SACyL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jose I Recio-Rodriguez
- Primary Health Care Research Unit, La Alamedilla Health Center, Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Health Service of Castilla y León (SACyL), Salamanca, Spain
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Burgos, Burgos, Spain
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The Effects of Flavonoids on Cardiovascular Health: A Review of Human Intervention Trials and Implications for Cerebrovascular Function. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10121852. [PMID: 30513729 PMCID: PMC6315948 DOI: 10.3390/nu10121852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Research has suggested a number of beneficial effects arising from the consumption of dietary flavonoids, found in foods such as cocoa, apples, tea, citrus fruits and berries on cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure and endothelial dysfunction. These effects are thought to have a significant impact upon both vascular and cerebrovascular health, ultimately with the potential to prevent cardiovascular and potentially neurodegenerative disease with a vascular component, for example vascular dementia. This review explores the current evidence for the effects of flavonoid supplementation on human endothelial function and both peripheral and cerebral blood flow (CBF). Evidence presented includes their potential to reduce blood pressure in hypertensive individuals, as well as increasing peripheral blood perfusion and promoting CBF in both healthy and at-risk populations. However, there is great variation in the literature due to the heterogeneous nature of the randomised controlled trials conducted. As such, there is a clear need for further research and understanding within this area in order to maximise potential health benefits.
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Hollands WJ, Tapp H, Defernez M, Perez Moral N, Winterbone MS, Philo M, Lucey AJ, Kiely ME, Kroon PA. Lack of acute or chronic effects of epicatechin-rich and procyanidin-rich apple extracts on blood pressure and cardiometabolic biomarkers in adults with moderately elevated blood pressure: a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial. Am J Clin Nutr 2018; 108:1006-1014. [PMID: 30475960 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqy139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The reported effects of flavanol-rich foods such as cocoa, dark chocolate, and apples on blood pressure and endothelial function may be due to the monomeric flavanols [mainly (-)-epicatechin (EC)], the oligomeric flavanols [procyanidins (PCs)], or other components. Reports of well-controlled intervention studies that test the effects of isolated oligomeric flavanols on biomarkers of cardiovascular health are lacking. Objective We studied the acute and chronic effects of an EC-rich apple flavanol extract and isolated apple PCs on systolic blood pressure (BP) and other cardiometabolic biomarkers. Design Forty-two healthy men and women with moderately elevated BP completed this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 4-arm crossover trial. Participants ingested a single dose of an apple flavanol extract (70 mg monomeric flavanols, 65 mg PCs), a double dose of this extract (140 mg monomeric flavanols, 130 mg PCs), an apple PC extract (130 mg PCs, 6.5 mg monomeric flavanols), or placebo capsules once daily for 4 wk, in random order. Biomarkers of cardiovascular disease risk and vascular function were measured before and 2 h after ingestion of the first dose and after the 4-wk intervention. Results Compared with placebo, none of the isolated flavanol treatments significantly (P < 0.05) changed systolic or diastolic BP (peripheral and aortic), plasma nitric oxide (NO) reaction products, or measures of arterial stiffness (carotid femoral pulse-wave velocity, brachial-ankle pulse-wave velocity, or Augmentation Index) after 2 h or 4 wk of the intervention. There were no changes in plasma endogenous metabolite profiles or circulating NO; endothelin 1; total, HDL, or LDL cholesterol; triglycerides; fasting glucose; fructosamine; or insulin after 4 wk of the intervention. Conclusions Our data suggest that, in isolation, neither monomeric flavanols nor PCs affect BP, blood lipid profiles, endothelial function, or glucose control in individuals with moderately elevated BP. The reported benefits of consuming flavanol-rich cocoa, chocolate, and apple products appear to be dependent on other components, which may work in combination with monomeric flavanols and PCs. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02013856.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Henri Tapp
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Mark Philo
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Alice J Lucey
- Cork Center for Vitamin D and Nutrition Research, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Mairead E Kiely
- Cork Center for Vitamin D and Nutrition Research, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Paul A Kroon
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich, United Kingdom
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Regular Intake of a Usual Serving Size of Flavanol-Rich Cocoa Powder Does Not Affect Cardiometabolic Parameters in Stably Treated Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Hypertension-A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10101435. [PMID: 30301127 PMCID: PMC6213512 DOI: 10.3390/nu10101435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 09/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Regular cocoa consumption has been shown to improve blood pressure (BP), insulin sensitivity, and lipid levels in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), using up to 100 g of chocolate or 54 g of cocoa. These effects, attributed to cocoa flavanols, would be beneficial for patients with T2D if they could be achieved by a usual serving size of flavanol-rich cocoa. Forty-two hypertensive patients with T2D (stable pharmacological treatment, with good adjustment for glucose metabolism, lipids, and BP) ingested capsules with 2.5 g/day of a flavanol-rich cocoa or cocoa-free capsules for 12 weeks in a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study with parallel group design. Participants had to maintain diet, lifestyle, and medication. Before and after intervention, fasting blood samples were collected; BP and nutritional status were investigated. Cocoa treatment did not affect BP, nor glucose metabolism (glucose, HbA1c, insulin, HOMA-IR) and lipids (triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol). Body weight, fat mass, and nutrient supply remained unchanged. Changes in the placebo group did not occur. Regular intake of a usual serving size of flavanol-rich cocoa does not improve cardiometabolic parameters in stably treated patients with T2D and hypertension. As the medication modulates partly the same targets as cocoa flavanols, future studies should focus on the preventive effect of cocoa against diabetes and other cardiometabolic diseases in individuals with preexisting abnormalities that do not require any pharmacological treatment.
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Decroix L, De Pauw K, Van Cutsem J, Pattyn N, Heyman E, Meeusen R. Acute cocoa flavanols intake improves cerebral hemodynamics while maintaining brain activity and cognitive performance in moderate hypoxia. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:2597-2608. [PMID: 29951768 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-4952-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Acute cocoa flavanols (CF) intake has been suggested to modulate cognitive function and neurovascular coupling (NVC). Whether increased NVC is solely driven by improved vascular responsiveness or also by neuronal activity remains unknown. This study investigated the effects of acute CF intake on cognitive performance, NVC, and neuronal activity in healthy subjects in normoxia and hypoxia (4000 m simulated altitude; 12.7% O2). METHODS Twenty healthy subjects (age 23.2 ± 4.3 years) performed four trials. Participants performed a Stroop task and "cognition" battery 2 h after acute CF (530 mg CF, 100 mg epicatechin) or placebo intake, and 30 min after initial exposure to hypoxia or normoxia. Electroencephalogram and functional near-infrared spectroscopy were used to analyze hemodynamic changes and neuronal activity. RESULTS CF enhanced NVC in the right prefrontal cortex during several tasks (risk decision making, visual tracking, complex scanning, spatial orientation), while neuronal activity was not affected. CF improved abstract thinking in normoxia, but not in hypoxia and did not improve other cognitive performances. Hypoxia decreased accuracy on the Stroop task, but performance on other cognitive tasks was preserved. NVC and neuronal activity during cognitive tasks were similar in hypoxia vs. normoxia, with the exception of increased β activity in the primary motor cortex during abstract thinking. CONCLUSIONS Acute CF intake improved NVC, but did not affect neuronal activity and cognitive performance in both normoxia and hypoxia. Most cognitive functions, as well as NVC and neuronal activity, did not decline by acute exposure to moderate hypoxia in healthy subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Decroix
- Human Physiology research group, Faculty of Physical Education and Physical Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussel, Belgium.,Multi-disciplinary Research Unit of Sport, Heath and Society, URePSSS, University of Lille, Artois, Littoral Cote d'Opale, EA7369, 413 rue Eugène Avinée, 59120, Loos, France
| | - K De Pauw
- Human Physiology research group, Faculty of Physical Education and Physical Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussel, Belgium
| | - J Van Cutsem
- Human Physiology research group, Faculty of Physical Education and Physical Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussel, Belgium
| | - N Pattyn
- Human Physiology research group, Faculty of Physical Education and Physical Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussel, Belgium.,Vital Signs and Performance Research Unit, Royal Military Academy, Renaissancelaan 30, 1000, Brussels, Belgium
| | - E Heyman
- Multi-disciplinary Research Unit of Sport, Heath and Society, URePSSS, University of Lille, Artois, Littoral Cote d'Opale, EA7369, 413 rue Eugène Avinée, 59120, Loos, France
| | - R Meeusen
- Human Physiology research group, Faculty of Physical Education and Physical Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussel, Belgium.
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CARVALHO JCS, ROMOFF P, LANNES SCDS. Improvement of nutritional and physicochemical proprieties of milk chocolates enriched with kale (Brassica olereacea var. acephala) and grape (Vitis vinífera). FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1590/fst.15018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Bianconi V, Mannarino MR, Sahebkar A, Cosentino T, Pirro M. Cholesterol-Lowering Nutraceuticals Affecting Vascular Function and Cardiovascular Disease Risk. Curr Cardiol Rep 2018; 20:53. [PMID: 29802549 DOI: 10.1007/s11886-018-0994-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this review is to provide an update on the effects of the dietary supplementation with cholesterol-lowering nutraceuticals and nutraceutical combinations affecting vascular function and CV risk in clinical interventional studies. RECENT FINDINGS Current evidence supports the mild-to-moderate cholesterol-lowering efficacy of red yeast rice, berberine, plant sterols, fibers, and some nutraceutical combinations whereas data on the individual cholesterol-lowering action of other nutraceuticals are either less striking or even inconclusive. There is also promising evidence on the vascular protective effects of some of the aforementioned nutraceuticals. However, except for red yeast rice, clinical interventional studies have not investigated their impact on CV outcomes. Evidence of both cholesterol-lowering and vascular protection is a prerogative of few single nutraceuticals and nutraceutical combinations, which may support their clinical use; however, caution on their uncontrolled adoption is necessary as they are freely available on the market and, therefore, subject to potential misuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Bianconi
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- Hospital "Santa Maria della Misericordia", Piazzale Menghini, 1, 06129, Perugia, Italy
| | - Massimo Raffaele Mannarino
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- Hospital "Santa Maria della Misericordia", Piazzale Menghini, 1, 06129, Perugia, Italy
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Teresa Cosentino
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- Hospital "Santa Maria della Misericordia", Piazzale Menghini, 1, 06129, Perugia, Italy
| | - Matteo Pirro
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.
- Hospital "Santa Maria della Misericordia", Piazzale Menghini, 1, 06129, Perugia, Italy.
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MacRae K, Connolly K, Vella R, Fenning A. Epicatechin's cardiovascular protective effects are mediated via opioid receptors and nitric oxide. Eur J Nutr 2018; 58:515-527. [PMID: 29748816 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-018-1650-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality globally. Epicatechin has previously been shown to improve vascular responses and possess cardioprotective properties. However, the mechanisms underpinning these cardiotropic outcomes remain unknown. The aim of this study was to further identify epicatechin's mechanism of action in the cardiovasculature. METHODS The effects of epicatechin on isolated rat conduit arteries, resistance vessels and cardiac electrophysiology were investigated on resting tension and precontracted vessels and cardiac action potential parameters, both in the presence and in the absence of various antagonists. RESULTS At resting tension, epicatechin alone did not affect the vasoreactivity of either conduit or resistance vessels. In noradrenaline pre-contracted thoracic aortic arteries and potassium chloride pre-contracted mesenteric vessels, epicatechin (10-9-10-4 M) induced significant vasorelaxation. The addition of naloxone (10-5 M), NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (10-5M), 4-aminopyridine (5 mM) and verapamil (10-5 M) attenuated epicatechin-mediated vasorelaxation. No change in epicatechin-mediated vasorelaxation was observed with the addition of atropine (10-5 M). Epicatechin significantly improved cardiac electrophysiology by reducing the resting membrane potential, action potential amplitude and force of contraction that was mitigated following the addition of naloxone (10-5 M). Epicatechin significantly decreased the action potential duration at 20, 50 and 90% duration and time to 90% relaxation of force that was unchanged following the addition of naloxone (10-5 M). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest epicatechin's vascular responses and cardioprotective effects are mediated through opioid receptors, nitric oxide, potassium channel and calcium channel activation and highlight the importance of the endothelium/nitric oxide in epicatechin mediated vasorelaxation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty MacRae
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, Building 81, North Rockhampton, QLD, 4702, Australia
| | - Kylie Connolly
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, Building 81, North Rockhampton, QLD, 4702, Australia
| | - Rebecca Vella
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, Building 81, North Rockhampton, QLD, 4702, Australia
| | - Andrew Fenning
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, Building 81, North Rockhampton, QLD, 4702, Australia.
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Sensory evaluation of dark origin and non-origin chocolates applying Temporal Dominance of Sensations (TDS). Food Res Int 2018; 111:39-49. [PMID: 30007700 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2018.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Dark chocolates are rich sources of polyphenols, widely acknowledged for eliciting several beneficial health effects. However, these compounds are key inducers of bitter taste and astringency, potentially limiting consumers' acceptance of chocolates with higher cocoa contents. In order to gain better insight in consumers' choices, the present study investigated the temporal profile of bitterness and astringency as well as sweet taste as covering agent, during the testing period in 5 dark origin (OR) (66.8-80.1% cocoa) and 6 non-origin (N-OR) (54.5-80.0% cocoa) chocolates with different cocoa contents, applying Temporal Dominance of Sensations (TDS). The temporal profile of the evaluated OR chocolates was characterized by the dominance of bitterness independent of cocoa contents (%cc), reaching maximum dominance rates (DR%) between 60.0 and 80.0% over approximately 75.0% of the testing period, i.e. prior to swallowing. After swallowing, astringency dominated, mostly not significantly. DR (%) of sweetness reached the level of significance only in one sample (OR 67.4%cc). N-OR chocolates with 54.5-60.0%cc were characterized by significant dominances of sweet taste along the entire evaluation period, reaching maximum DR% between 90 and 95%. The increase of cocoa contents was combined with higher DR% of bitter taste. Astringency dominated in N-OR samples at the end of the evaluation period presumably after swallowing. Finally, in N-OR chocolates, cc% highly affected the dominance of the evaluated attributes. This impact was found to be rather minor or absent in OR chocolates. Thus, the TDS-parameters showed variations in attribute's dominance in OR and N-OR chocolates indicating a strong influence of cocoa bean variety and local conditions (environmental and farming conditions as well as post-harvest treatment practices) in addition to cocoa contents.
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48
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Al-Dashti YA, Holt RR, Stebbins CL, Keen CL, Hackman RM. Dietary Flavanols: A Review of Select Effects on Vascular Function, Blood Pressure, and Exercise Performance. J Am Coll Nutr 2018; 37:553-567. [PMID: 29718795 DOI: 10.1080/07315724.2018.1451788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
An individual's diet affects numerous physiological functions and can play an important role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Epidemiological and clinical studies suggest that dietary flavanols can be an important modulator of vascular risk. Diets and plant extracts rich in flavanols have been reported to lower blood pressure, especially in prehypertensive and hypertensive individuals. Flavanols may act in part through signaling pathways that affect vascular function, nitric oxide availability, and the release of endothelial-derived relaxing and constricting factors. During exercise, flavanols have been reported to modulate metabolism and respiration (e.g., maximal oxygen uptake, O2 cost of exercise, and energy expenditure), and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, resulting in increased skeletal muscle efficiency and endurance capacity. Flavanol-induced reductions in blood pressure during exercise may decrease the work of the heart. Collectively, these effects suggest that flavanols can act as an ergogenic aid to help delay the onset of fatigue. More research is needed to better clarify the effects of flavanols on vascular function, blood pressure regulation, and exercise performance and establish safe and effective levels of intake. Flavanol-rich foods and food products can be useful components of a healthy diet and lifestyle program for those seeking to better control their blood pressure or to enhance their physical activity. Key teaching points • Epidemiological and clinical studies indicate that dietary flavanols can reduce the risk of vascular disease. • Diets and plant extracts rich in flavanols have been reported to lower blood pressure and improve exercise performance in humans. • Mechanisms by which flavanols may reduce blood pressure function include alterations in signaling pathways that affect vascular function, nitric oxide availability, and the release of endothelial-derived relaxation and constriction factors. • Mechanisms by which flavanols may enhance exercise performance include modulation of metabolism and respiration (e.g., maximal oxygen uptake, O2 cost of exercise, and energy expenditure) and reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation. These effects can result in increased skeletal muscle efficiency and endurance capacity. • Further research is needed to clarify the amount, timing, and frequency of flavanol intake for blood pressure regulation and exercise performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousef A Al-Dashti
- a Department of Nutrition , University of California, Davis , Davis , California , USA
| | - Roberta R Holt
- a Department of Nutrition , University of California, Davis , Davis , California , USA
| | - Charles L Stebbins
- b Department of Internal Medicine , University of California, Davis , Davis , California , USA
| | - Carl L Keen
- a Department of Nutrition , University of California, Davis , Davis , California , USA.,b Department of Internal Medicine , University of California, Davis , Davis , California , USA
| | - Robert M Hackman
- a Department of Nutrition , University of California, Davis , Davis , California , USA
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Babar A, Bujold E, Leblanc V, Lavoie-Lebel É, Paquette J, Bazinet L, Lemieux S, Marc I, Abdous B, Dodin S. Changes in endothelial function, arterial stiffness and blood pressure in pregnant women after consumption of high-flavanol and high-theobromine chocolate: a double blind randomized clinical trial. Hypertens Pregnancy 2018; 37:68-80. [DOI: 10.1080/10641955.2018.1446977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Asma Babar
- Research center, Centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Québec, Canada
- Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF), Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Emmanuel Bujold
- Research center, Centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Québec, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Vicky Leblanc
- Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF), Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Élise Lavoie-Lebel
- Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF), Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Joalee Paquette
- Research center, Centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Québec, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Laurent Bazinet
- Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF), Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- Department of Food and Nutrition Sciences, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Simone Lemieux
- Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF), Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Isabelle Marc
- Research center, Centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Belkacem Abdous
- Research center, Centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Sylvie Dodin
- Research center, Centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Québec, Canada
- Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF), Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
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50
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Decroix L, Tonoli C, Lespagnol E, Balestra C, Descat A, Drittij-Reijnders MJ, Blackwell JR, Stahl W, Jones AM, Weseler AR, Bast A, Meeusen R, Heyman E. One-week cocoa flavanol intake increases prefrontal cortex oxygenation at rest and during moderate-intensity exercise in normoxia and hypoxia. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2018. [PMID: 29543135 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00055.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
During exercise in hypoxia, O2 delivery to brain and muscle is compromised, and oxidative stress is elicited. Cocoa flavanols (CF) have antioxidant capacities and can increase blood flow by stimulating endothelial function. We aimed to examine the effects of 7-day CF intake on oxidative stress, nitric oxide production, and tissue oxygenation in response to exercise in normobaric hypoxia (14.3% O2). In a randomized, double-blind, cross-over study, 14 well-trained male cyclists completed four trials: exercise in normoxia or hypoxia, after 7-day CF or placebo intake. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was measured before intake of the last dose CF or placebo. One hundred minutes later, 20-min steady-state (SS; 45% V̇o2max) and 20-min time trial (TT) (cycling) were performed. Blood samples were taken. Prefrontal and muscular oxygenation was assessed by near-infrared spectroscopy. At baseline, FMD was increased by CF. Hypoxia increased exercise-induced elevations in lipid peroxidation and antioxidant capacity. CF suppressed exercise-induced lipid peroxidation but did not influence antioxidant capacity. At rest and during SS, prefrontal and muscular oxygenation was decreased by hypoxia. CF elevated prefrontal oxygenation but did not impact muscular oxygenation. During TT, hypoxia accelerated the exercise-induced decrease in prefrontal oxygenation, but not in muscular oxygenation. During TT, CF did not alter prefrontal and muscular oxygenation. CF did not change plasma nitrite, nitrate, and arginine:citrulline. During high-intensity exercise, CF improved neither tissue oxygenation nor performance in well-trained athletes. At rest and during moderate-intensity exercise, CF reduced exercise-induced lipid peroxidation and partially restored the hypoxia-induced decline in prefrontal oxygenation. NEW & NOTEWORTHY For the first time, we showed that CF had beneficial effects on endothelial function at rest, as well as on prefrontal oxygenation at rest and during moderate-intensity exercise, both in normoxia and hypoxia. Moreover, we showed that CF intake inhibited oxidative stress during exhaustive exercise in hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lieselot Decroix
- Human Physiology research group, Faculty of Physical Education and Physical Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Belgium.,Université de Lille, Université Artois, Université Littoral Côte d'Opale, EA 7369 , Unité de Recherche Pluridisciplinaire Sport Santé Société , Lille, France
| | - Cajsa Tonoli
- Department Rehabilitation Sciences and Kinesitherapy, Faculty of Physical Education and Physical Therapy, Universiteit Gent, Ghent , Belgium
| | - Elodie Lespagnol
- Université de Lille, Université Artois, Université Littoral Côte d'Opale, EA 7369 , Unité de Recherche Pluridisciplinaire Sport Santé Société , Lille, France
| | - Constantino Balestra
- Department of Environmental, Occupational and Aging Physiology, Haute Ecole Bruxelles-Brabant Paul Henri Spaak, Brussels , Belgium
| | - Amandine Descat
- Center of Measurements and Analysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Université de Lille , France
| | | | - Jamie R Blackwell
- Sports and Health Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, St. Luke's Campus, University of Exeter , United Kingdom
| | - Wilhelm Stahl
- Sports and Health Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, St. Luke's Campus, University of Exeter , United Kingdom.,Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich Heine Universität Düsseldorf , Düsseldorf , Germany
| | - Andrew M Jones
- Sports and Health Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, St. Luke's Campus, University of Exeter , United Kingdom
| | - Antje R Weseler
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Maastricht University , Maastricht , The Netherlands
| | - Aalt Bast
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Maastricht University , Maastricht , The Netherlands
| | - Romain Meeusen
- Human Physiology research group, Faculty of Physical Education and Physical Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elsa Heyman
- Université de Lille, Université Artois, Université Littoral Côte d'Opale, EA 7369 , Unité de Recherche Pluridisciplinaire Sport Santé Société , Lille, France
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