Effect of Bioactive Compound of Aronia melanocarpa on Cardiovascular System in Experimental Hypertension

Functional Activities and Mechanisms of Aronia melanocarpa in Our Health

Aronia melanocarpa, known as black chokeberry, is rich in polyphenols, comprising flavonoids, such as anthocyanins, flavanols, and flavonols, and phenolic acids, such as chlorogenic acid. These polyphenols endow Aronia melanocarpa with preventive and therapeutic properties against various human diseases. Aronia melanocarpa has beneficial effects against diseases such as diabetes, inflammation, and hypertension. Considering the diverse functional components of Aronia melanocarpa, its efficacy in disease prevention and treatment can operate through multiple pathways, offering a more robust approach to disease control. This review covers the latest research results on the functional components of Aronia melanocarpa and their effects on human diseases.

Aliskiren-Loaded Nanoparticles Downregulate (Pro)renin Receptor and ACE Gene Expression in the Heart of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats: Effect on NADPH Oxidase

We aimed to determine effects of aliskiren, a direct renin inhibitor, loaded onto polymeric nanoparticles on the (pro)renin receptor (Atp6ap2), angiotensin II type 1 receptor (Agtr1), and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene expression in the heart of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Twelve-week-old male SHRs were divided into an untreated group and groups treated with powdered aliskiren or aliskiren-loaded nanoparticles (25 mg/kg/day). After three weeks, the accumulation of aliskiren, distribution of polymeric nanoparticles, gene expression of Atp6ap2 and Agtr1 receptors and ACE, and protein expression of NADPH oxidase along with the conjugated diene (CD) concentration were analyzed. The accumulation of aliskiren in the heart was higher in the aliskiren-loaded nanoparticle group than in the powdered group. The fluorescent signals of nanoparticles were visible in cardiomyocytes, vessel walls, and erythrocytes. Aliskiren-loaded nanoparticles decreased the gene expression of Atp6ap2 and ACE, while not affecting Agtr1. Both forms of aliskiren decreased the protein expression of NADPH oxidase, with a more pronounced effect observed in the aliskiren-loaded nanoparticle group. CD concentration was decreased only in the aliskiren-loaded nanoparticle group. We hypothesize that aliskiren-loaded nanoparticle-mediated downregulation of Atp6ap2 and ACE may contribute to a decrease in ROS generation with beneficial effects in the heart. Moreover, polymeric nanoparticles may represent a promising tool for targeted delivery of aliskiren.

Nuts and berries from agroforestry systems in temperate regions can form the foundation for a healthier human diet and improved outcomes from diet-related diseases

Agroforestry is a specific type of agroecosystem that includes trees and shrubs with the potential to yield nutrient-rich products that contribute to human health. This paper reviews the literature on the human health benefits of tree nut and berry species commonly associated with agroforestry systems of the United States, considering their potential for preventing certain diet-related diseases. Emphasis is placed on those diseases that are most closely associated with poor outcomes from COVID-19, as they are indicators of confounding health prognoses. Results indicate that tree nuts reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, and walnuts (Juglans species) are particularly effective because of their unique fatty acid profile. Berries that are grown on shrubs have the potential to contribute to mitigation of hypertension, prevention of Type II diabetes, and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. To optimize human health benefits, plant breeding programs can focus on the traits that enhance the naturally-occurring phytochemicals, through biofortification. Value-added processing techniques should be selected and employed to preserve the phytonutrients, so they are maintained through the point of consumption. Agroforestry systems can offer valuable human health outcomes for common diet-related diseases, in addition to providing many environmental benefits, particularly if they are purposefully designed with that goal in mind. The food system policies in the U.S. might be reoriented to prioritize these food production systems based on the health benefits.

Spray Drying of Chokeberry Juice-Antioxidant Phytochemicals Retention in the Obtained Powders versus Energy Consumption of the Process

The production of chokeberry powder, an important functional additive in food, should exhibit both maximization of bioactive properties retention and minimization of energy consumption. The process of spray drying chokeberry juice on a maltodextrin carrier was tested on a semi-technical scale. The research scope included the variability of the inlet air temperature in the range of T = 150–185 °C and concentration of the feed solution in the range of U_d.m = 15–45% d.m. The powder yield, energy consumption and bioactive properties of the obtained powders were determined. The highest levels of bioactive properties retention were expressed in total polyphenol content (TPC) and anthocyanin content (AC) and obtained at T = 150 °C and U_d.m = 25–30% d.m. However, the most advantageous process parameters in terms of specific energy consumption (SEC) minimization were T = 160–170 °C and U_d.m = 30–35% d.m. Analysis of the dependence on SEC versus TPC and SEC versus AC showed that the most favorable drying parameters for chokeberry juice were as follows: inlet air temperature T = 170 °C and feed solution concentration U_d.m = 35%. Hence, under such process conditions, chokeberry powders were produced with approx. 3% lower bioactive properties retention (in relation to the maximum values), but with 20.5% lower SEC.

Modulation of the gut microbiota and lipidomic profiles by black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa L.) polyphenols via the glycerophospholipid metabolism signaling pathway

Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa L.) is rich in polyphenols with various physiological and pharmacological activities. However, the relationship between the modulation effect of black chokeberry polyphenols on obesity and the alteration of lipid metabolism is not clearly understood. This study aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of the black chokeberry polyphenols (BCPs) treatment on the structure of gut microbiota, lipid metabolism, and associated mechanisms in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rats. Here, we found that a high-fat diet promoted body weight gain and lipid accumulation in rats, while oral BCPs supplementation reduced body weight, liver, and white adipose tissue weight and alleviated dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis in HFD-induced obese rats. In addition, BCPs supplementation prevented gut microbiota dysbiosis by increasing the relative abundance of Bacteroides, Prevotella, Romboutsia, and Akkermansia and decreasing the relative abundance of Desulfovibrio and Clostridium. Furthermore, 64 lipids were identified as potential lipid biomarkers through lipidomics analysis after BCPs supplementation, especially PE (16:0/22:6), PE (18:0/22:6), PC (20:3/19:0), LysoPE (24:0), LysoPE (24:1), and LysoPC (20:0). Moreover, our studies provided new evidence that composition of gut microbiota was closely related to the alteration of lipid profiles after BCPs supplementation. Additionally, BCPs treatment could ameliorate the disorder of lipid metabolism by regulating the mRNA and protein expression of genes related to the glycerophospholipid metabolism signaling pathway in HFD-induced obese rats. The mRNA and protein expression of PPARα, CPT1α, EPT1, and LCAT were significantly altered after BCPs treatment. In conclusion, the results of this study indicated that BCPs treatment alleviated HFD-induced obesity by modulating the composition and function of gut microbiota and improving the lipid metabolism disorder via the glycerophospholipid metabolism signaling pathway.

Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott. attenuates dextran sulfate sodium-induced Inflammatory Bowel Disease via regulation of inflammation-related signaling pathways and modulation of the gut microbiota

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott. Is one of the most functional berries usually used in the preparation of juice and jams, but it has revealed its ethnopharmacological properties due to their richness in biologically active molecules with pharmaceutical and physiological effects.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to assess the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Aronia melanocarpa ethanol-extract as well as the possible mechanisms of action involved and the modulation of gut microbiota in Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-induced Inflammatory bowel disease in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) were induced by DSS in drinking water for 7 days to evaluate the properties of A. melanocarpa ethanol-extract (AME) on the intestinal microflora. AME was administered orally to DSS-induced IBD mice for 21 days. Clinical, inflammatory, histopathological parameters, and different mRNA and proteins involved in its possible mechanism of action were determined as well as gut microbiota analysis via 16S high throughput sequencing.

RESULTS

AME improved clinical symptoms and regulated histopathological parameters, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress factors as well as mRNA and protein expressions of transcription factors involved in maintaining the intestinal barrier integrity. In addition, AME also reversed the DSS-induced intestinal dysbiosis effects promoting the production of cecal short chain fatty acids linked to signaling pathways inhibiting IBD.

CONCLUSION

AME improved intestinal lesions induced by DSS suggesting that A. melanocarpa berries could have significant therapeutic potential against IBD due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities as well as their ability to restore the gut microbiota balance.

Active Compounds in Fruits and Inflammation in the Body

Inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis, diabetes, asthma, and cancer. An appropriate diet and the active compounds contained in it can affect various stages of the inflammatory process and significantly affect the course of inflammatory diseases. Recent reports indicate that polyphenolic acids, vitamins, minerals, and other components of fruits may exhibit activity stimulating an anti-inflammatory response, which may be of importance in maintaining health and reducing the risk of disease. The article presents the latest data on the chemical composition of fruits and the health benefits arising from their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The chemical composition of fruits determines their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but the mechanisms of action are not fully understood.

Anti-Obesity Effects of Morus alba L. and Aronia melanocarpa in a High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese C57BL/6J Mouse Model

The present study investigated the synergic effect of extracts of Morus alba (MA) and Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) (AR) against high-fat diet induced obesity. Four-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into five groups that were fed for 14 weeks with a normal diet (ND), high-fat diet (HD), HD with M. alba 400 mg/kg body weight (MA), HD with A. melanocarpa 400 mg/kg body weight (AR), or HD with a mixture (1:1, v/v) of M. alba and A. melanocarpa (400 mg/kg) (MA + AR). Treatment with MA, AR, and MA + AR for 14 weeks reduced high fat diet-induced weight gain and improved serum lipid levels, and histological analysis revealed that MA and AR treatment markedly decreased lipid accumulation in the liver and adipocyte size in epididymal fat. Furthermore, micro-CT images showed MA + AR significantly reduced abdominal fat volume. Expression levels of genes involved in lipid anabolism, such as SREBP-1c, PPAR-γ, CEBPα, FAS, and CD36 were decreased by MA + AR treatment whereas PPAR-α, ACOX1, and CPT-1a levels were increased by MA + AR treatment. Protein expression of p-AMPK and p-ACC were increased in the MA + AR group, indicating that MA + AR ameliorated obesity by upregulating AMPK signaling. Together, our findings indicate that MA and AR exert a synergistic effect against diet-induced obesity and are promising agents for managing obesity.

Standardized Aronia melanocarpa extract regulates redox status in patients receiving hemodialysis with anemia

The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of one-month consumption of polyphenol-rich standardized Aronia melanocarpa extract (SAE) on redox status in anemic hemodialysis patients. The study included 30 patients (Hb < 110 g/l, hemodialysis or hemodiafiltration > 3 months; > 3 times week). Patients were treated with commercially available SAE in a dose of 30 ml/day, for 30 days. After finishing the treatment blood samples were taken to evaluate the effects of SAE on redox status. Several parameters of anemia and inflammation were also followed. After the completion of the treatment, the levels of superoxide anion radical and nitrites significantly dropped, while the antioxidant capacity improved via elevation of catalase and reduced glutathione. Proven antioxidant effect was followed by beneficial effects on anemia parameters (increased hemoglobin and haptoglobin concentration, decreased ferritin and lactate dehydrogenase concentration), but SAE consumption didn't improve inflammatory status, except for minor decrease in C-reactive protein. The consumption of SAE regulates redox status (reduce the productions of pro-oxidative molecules and increase antioxidant defense) and has beneficial effects on anemia parameters. SAE could be considered as supportive therapy in patients receiving hemodialysis which are prone to oxidative stress caused by both chronic kidney disease and hemodialysis procedure. Additionally, it could potentially be a good choice for supplementation of anemic hemodialysis patients. TRN: NCT04208451 December 23, 2019 "retrospectively registered".

Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) Functional Beverages Increase HDL-Cholesterol Levels in Aging Rats

Plant-based foods rich in phenolic phytochemicals are among the promising strategies to counteract age-related changes in lipid profile. Aronia melanocarpa (AM) fruits are a rich source of phenolic compounds possessing lipid-modulating effects. The present study investigated the effect of 3-month supplementation of AM-based functional beverages on the lipid profile of healthy aging rats. Male Wistar rats (n = 40) were separated into five groups: (YC) young controls (2-month-old); (AC) adult controls (13-month-old); (A) adult animals supplemented with pure AM extract; (A + P) adult animals supplemented with pectin-enriched (1%) AM extract; (A + H) adult animals supplemented with AM extract enriched with a herbal mixture. Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and atherogenic indices were investigated at the end of the study. Adult controls demonstrated age-related dyslipidemia resulting in decreased HDL-C, and increased TG and TC/HDL index. The supplemented groups showed a significant increase in HDL-C levels: A + P (1.49 mmol/L) and A + H (1.61 mmol/L), respectively, vs. AC (1.09 mmol/L), p < 0.05. The TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C indices were decreased in the A + P and A + H groups in comparison to the AC group (p < 0.05). These results indicate that supplementation with polyphenol-rich AM beverages can successfully alter HDL-C levels and this effect is further potentiated by pectin and herbs.

The Efficacy of Black Chokeberry Fruits against Cardiovascular Diseases

Epidemiological studies have emphasized the association between a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and a lower frequency of occurrence of inflammatory-related disorders. Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa L.) is a valuable source of biologically active compounds that have been widely investigated for their role in health promotion and cardiovascular disease prevention. Many in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that consumption of these fruits is associated with significant improvements in hypertension, LDL oxidation, lipid peroxidation, total plasma antioxidant capacity and dyslipidemia. The mechanisms for these beneficial effects include upregulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, decreased oxidative stress, and inhibition of inflammatory gene expression. Collected findings support the recommendation of such berries as an essential fruit group in a heart-healthy diet. The aim of this review was to summarize the reports on the impact of black chokeberry fruits and extracts against several cardiovascular diseases, e.g., hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, as well as to provide an analysis of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of these fruits in the abovementioned disorders.

The immune-enhancing effect of anthocyanin-fucoidan nanocomplex in RAW264.7 macrophages and cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice

Aronia, a healthy fruit well known as black chokeberry, has health-promoting effects on hypertension, oxidative stress, and diabetes. Despite many reports of bioactivities of aronia, there is little scientific research on the potential for immune-enhancement. So, anthocyanin-fucoidan nanocomplex (AFNC, a nanocomplex of aronia extract and fucoidan) has been developed to improve immune-enhancement. This study aimed to identify immunomodulatory effects and underlying mechanisms of AFNC using RAW264.7 macrophages and cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice. As a result, AFNC-treated RAW264.7 macrophages elevated the production of IL-2, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and nitric oxide (NO). AFNC-enhanced inducible NO synthase expression via nuclear factor-κB signaling pathways. AFNC dose-dependently increased levels of IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-12, interferon-γ, or IL-4 in the serum and spleen of immunosuppressed mice. Taken together, AFNC encourages the immune-enhancing activity through immunostimulatory cytokine production by activation of macrophage. Therefore, these results suggest that AFNC is useful for immunodeficiency-related disorders. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In these days of prevalence of infectious diseases, individual immunity is very important. AFNC has the immune-enhancing effects through immunostimulatory cytokine production by activation of macrophage. Therefore, AFNC could be widely applied to ameliorate a variety of diseases caused by immunosuppression such as infectious diseases.

Some Aspects of Role of Nitric Oxide in the Mechanisms of Hypertension (Experimental Study)

Background

Modulation of endothelial function is a therapeutic option to reduce some of the significant complications of hypertension. However, the relationship between endothelial dysfunction reduced nitric oxide (NO) production, and the development of hypertension is not fully understood. To establish a potential pathogenetic link between impaired NO synthesis and hypertension, we investigated the results of competitive interaction of the substrate of NO synthase, L-arginine, and its analog, an non-selective inhibitor of NO synthase, N-nitro-methyl ether-L-arginine (L-NAME), in experimental rats.

Methods

Arterial hypertension was induced in male Wistar rats by intraperitoneal administration of L-NAME (Sigma-Aldrich) for 4 - 7 weeks. During the last 3 weeks, to a separate group of animals simultaneously with L-NAME, L-arginine (Sigma-Aldrich) was administered. In animals monitored for systolic and diastolic pressure, the level of NO in blood samples was determined spectrophotometrically using a Griess reagent.

Results

Administration of L-NAME for 4 - 7 weeks induced an irreversible decrease of NO content in blood, a reversible increase of systolic pressure (SP) and diastolic pressure (DP), and an irreversible increase in pulse pressure (PP). In rats against the background of 7 weeks of intraperitoneal administration of L-NAME, during the last 3 weeks, they were injected with L-arginine, the SP and DP indices returned to their initial values, PP decreased and the NO content in arterial blood increased.

Conclusions

The results of the study indicate the presence of residual endothelial dysfunction (characterized by insufficient NO) after the correction of hypertension. Therefore, in developing the new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of hypertension, it is necessary to include drugs that, in addition to correcting blood pressure, will support normalization, and potentiation of endothelial function and endogenous NO synthesis.

Insights to potential antihypertensive activity of berry fruits

Hypertension is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease and causes widespread morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although several antihypertensive drugs have been proposed for management of high blood pressure, changing lifestyle, including diet, has attracted interest recently. In this sense, consumption of fruits and vegetables, which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals, has been assigned as an efficient therapeutics. Berry fruits contain various bioactive compounds with potential health implications such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. The main mechanisms responsible for antihypertensive activity mainly arise from the activity of flavonoids, minerals, and vitamins, as well as fibers. The objective of this review is to provide a summary of studies regarding the effect of berry fruits on the hypertensive animals and humans. The mechanisms involved in reducing blood pressure by each group of compounds have been highlighted. It can be concluded that berries' bioactive compounds are efficient in mitigation of hypertension through improvement of vascular function, angiotensin-converting enzyme's (ACE) inhibitory activity, increasing endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity, and nitric oxide (NO) production, besides anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. These fruits can be considered as potential sources of invaluable compounds for development of antihypertensive foods and pharmaceuticals.

Biological Evaluation of Black Chokeberry Extract Free and Embedded in Two Mesoporous Silica-Type Matrices

Black chokeberry fruits possess a wide range of biological activities, among which the most important that are frequently mentioned in the literature are their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, and antimicrobial properties. The present paper reports, for the first time, the encapsulation of the ethanolic extract of Aronia melanocarpa L. fruits into two mesoporous silica-type matrices (i.e., pristine MCM-41 and MCM-41 silica decorated with zinc oxide nanoparticles). The aim of this work was to evaluate the antiradicalic capacity, the antimicrobial potential, and the effects on the cell viability on a cancer cell line (i.e., A375 human melanoma cell line) versus normal cells (i.e., HaCaT human keratinocytes) of black chokeberry extract loaded on silica-type matrices in comparison to that of the extract alone. The ethanolic polyphenolic extract obtained by conventional extraction was characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography with a photodiode array detector (HPLC–PDA) and spectrophotometric methods. The extract was found to contain high amounts of polyphenols and flavonoids, as well as good radical scavenging activity. The extract-loaded materials were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, N₂ adsorption–desorption isotherms, thermal analysis, and radical scavenger activity on solid samples. The black chokeberry extract, both free and loaded onto mesoporous silica-type matrices, exhibited a significant antioxidant capacity. Antibacterial activity was recorded only for Gram-positive bacteria, with a more potent antibacterial effect being observed for the extract loaded onto the ZnO-modified MCM-41 silica-type support than for the free extract, probably due to the synergistic effect of the ZnO nanoparticles that decorate the pore walls of silica. The cellular viability test (i.e., MTT assay) showed dose- and time-dependent activity regarding the melanoma cell line. The healthy cells were less affected than the cancer cells, with all tested samples showing good cytocompatibility at doses of up to 100 µg/mL. Improved in vitro antiproliferative and antimigratory (i.e., scratch assay) potential was demonstrated through the loading of black chokeberry extract into mesoporous silica-type matrices, and the screened samples exhibited low selectivity against the tested non-tumor cell line. Based on presented results, one can conclude that mesoporous silica-type matrices are good hosts for black chokeberry extract, increasing its antioxidant, antibacterial (on the screened strains), and in vitro antitumor (on the screened cell line) properties.

Protective Effects of Polyphenols against Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality across the world. It manifests as an imbalance between blood demand and blood delivery in the myocardium, which leads to cardiac ischemia and myocardial necrosis. While it is not easy to identify the first pathogenic cause of MI, the consequences are characterized by ischemia, chronic inflammation, and tissue degeneration. A poor MI prognosis is associated with extensive cardiac remodeling. A loss of viable cardiomyocytes is replaced with fibrosis, which reduces heart contractility and heart function. Recent advances have given rise to the concept of natural polyphenols. These bioactive compounds have been studied for their pharmacological properties and have proven successful in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Studies have focused on their various bioactivities, such as their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and free radical scavenging. In this review, we summarized the effects and benefits of polyphenols on the cardiovascular injury, particularly on the treatment of myocardial infarction in animal and human studies.

The polyphenol-rich extract from chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa L.) modulates gut microbiota and improves lipid metabolism in diet-induced obese rats

The gut microbiota plays a critical role in obesity and lipid metabolism disorder. Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa L.) are rich in polyphenols with various physiological and pharmacological activities. We determined serum physiological parameters and fecal microbial components by using related kits, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and 16S rRNA gene sequencing every 10 days. Real-time PCR analysis was used to measure gene expression of bile acids (BAs) and lipid metabolism in liver and adipose tissues. We analyzed the effects of different Chokeberry polyphenol (CBPs) treatment time on obesity and lipid metabolism in high fat diet (HFD)-fed rats. The results indicated that CBPs treatment prevents obesity, liver steatosis and improves dyslipidemia in HFD-fed rats. CBPs modulated the composition of the gut microbiota with the extended treatment time, reducing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio (F/B ratio) and increasing the relative abundance of Bacteroides, Prevotella, Akkermansia and other bacterial species associated with anti-obesity properties. We found that CBPs treatment gradually decreased the total BAs pool and particularly reduced the relative content of cholic acid (CA), deoxycholic acid (DCA) and enhanced the relative content of chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA). These changes were positively correlated Bacteroides, Prevotella and negatively correlated with Clostridium, Eubacterium, Ruminococcaceae. In liver and white adipose tissues, the gene expression of lipogenesis, lipolysis and BAs metabolism were regulated after CBPs treatment in HFD-fed rats, which was most likely mediated through FXR and TGR-5 signaling pathway to improve lipid metabolism. In addition, the mRNA expression of PPARγ, UCP1 and PGC-1α were upregulated markedly in interscapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT) after CBPs treatment. We confirmed that CBPs could reduce the body weight of HFD-fed rats by accelerating energy homeostasis and thermogenesis in iBAT. Finally, the fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) experiment results demonstrated that FMT from CBPs-treated rats failed to reduce the weight of HFD-fed rats. However, FMT from CBPs-treated rats improved dyslipidemia and reshaped gut microbiota in HFD-fed rats. In conclusion, CBPs treatment improved obesity and complications by regulating gut microbiota in HFD-fed rats. The gut microbiota plays an important role in BAs metabolism after CBPs treatment, and BAs have therefore emerged as major effectors in microbe-host signaling events that influence host lipid metabolism, energy metabolism and thermogenesis.

Effects of Different Factors on Concentration of Functional Components of Aronia and Saskatoon Berries

Effects of different factors on the content of phenolics, anthocyanins, antioxidants and colour parameters in two varieties of Aronia and three varieties of Saskatoon berries were evaluated. The berries were extracted by dynamic solvent extraction using three different solvents (water, 50% ethanol (v/v) and dimethyl sulfoxide) and subsequently analysed by ultraviolet visible near infrared spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance followed by chemometric analysis. The results obtained show that, dimethyl sulfoxide was the most appropriate for berries functional components isolation, and among the studied berries, Aronia exhibited the highest contents of phenolics. Besides that, varieties of Aronia melanocarpa Viking and of Amelanchier lamarckii Ballerina were selected as the cultivars with high contents of functional components. Satisfactory differentiation of berries was achieved according to extraction solvent, fruit type, variety and production years. The results obtained reveal that, phytochemical composition of Aronia and Saskatoon berries may vary depending on genotypic factors, climate, growing conditions as well as on extraction method used for their assessment. Sample processing, genotypic and seasonal factors had significant effect on the concentration of naturally occurring compounds in berries.

Cyanidin-3-O-galactoside-enriched Aronia melanocarpa extract attenuates weight gain and adipogenic pathways in high-fat diet-induced obese C57BL/6 mice

Aronia melanocarpa are a rich source of anthocyanins that have received considerable interest for their relations to human health. In this study, the anti-adipogenic effect of cyanidin-3-O-galactoside-enriched Aronia melanocarpa extract (AM-Ex) and its underlying mechanisms were investigated in an in vivo system. Five-week-old male C57BL/6N mice were randomly divided into five groups for 8-week feeding with a control diet (CD), a high-fat diet (HFD), or a HFD with 50 (AM-Ex 50), 100 (AM-Ex 100), or 200 AM-Ex (AM-Ex 200) mg/kg body weight/day. HFD-fed mice showed a significant increase in body weight compared to the CD group, and AM-Ex dose-dependently inhibited this weight gain. AM-Ex significantly reduced the food intake and the weight of white fat tissue, including epididymal fat, retroperitoneal fat, mesenteric fat, and inguinal fat. Treatment with AM-Ex (50 to 200 mg/kg) reduced serum levels of leptin, insulin, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis revealed that AM-Ex suppressed adipogenesis by decreasing CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α, acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1, ATP-citrate lyase, fatty acid synthase, and adipocyte protein 2 messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions. These results suggest that AM-Ex is potentially beneficial for the suppression of HFD-induced obesity by modulating multiple pathways associated with adipogenesis and food intake.

Different adaptive NO-dependent Mechanisms in Normal and Hypertensive Conditions

Myocardial infarction (MI) remains the leading cause of death worldwide. We aimed to investigate the effect of NO deficiency on selective biochemical parameters within discreet myocardial zones after experimentally induced MI. To induce MI, the left descending coronary artery was ligated in two groups of 16-week-old WKY rats. In one group, NO production was inhibited by L-NAME (20 mg/kg/day) administration four weeks prior to ligation. Sham operations were performed on both groups as a control. Seven days after MI, we evaluated levels of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity, eNOS, iNOS, NFҡB/p65 and Nrf2 in ischemic, injured and non-ischemic zones of the heart. Levels of circulating TNF-α and IL-6 were evaluated in the plasma. MI led to increased NOS activity in all investigated zones of myocardium as well as circulating levels of TNF-α and IL-6. L-NAME treatment decreased NOS activity in the heart of sham operated animals. eNOS expression was increased in the injured zone and this could be a compensatory mechanism that improves the perfusion of the myocardium and cardiac dysfunction. Conversely, iNOS expression increased in the infarcted zone and may contribute to the inflammatory process and irreversible necrotic changes.

Effects of Cornelian Cherry on Atherosclerosis and Its Risk Factors

Functional food represents an important alternative management of atherosclerosis, its risk factors, and clinical complications. Atherosclerosis is characterized by microinflammation, formation of atheromatous lipoprotein-rich plaques, and protrombogenic status. Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L., CC) contains polyphenols influencing all three components of atherosclerosis. Its high antioxidant potential, verified in experimental studies, exhibited a pronounced decrease of inflammatory markers. CC treatment demonstrated a favourable effect on lipid spectrum (comparable with statins), decrease of glycemia, and increase of insulin (comparable with glibenclamide). Polyphenols identified in CC exhibited both direct antiplatelet effects and reduction of platelet hyper-reactivity mediated via attenuation of oxidative stress. The first clinical trials confirmed a clinically relevant decrease of total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triacylglycerols, lipoproteins, amelioration of inflammatory activity, and insulin secretion improvement after the treatment with CC polyphenolic compounds. However, the limitation of published studies is the use of undefined cultivars of CC, their experimental nature, small scale, and missing longitudinal trials. Nevertheless, biochemical properties of CC, hitherto described, predispose its products for the adjuvant management of atherosclerosis.

Standardized Aronia melanocarpa Extract as Novel Supplement against Metabolic Syndrome: A Rat Model

The aim of our study was to examine the effects of different dietary strategies, high-fat (HFd) or standard diet (Sd) alone or in combination with standardized oral supplementation (0.45 mL/kg/day) of Aronia melanocarpa extract (SAE) in rats with metabolic syndrome (MetS). SAE is an official product of pharmaceutical company Pharmanova (Belgrade, Serbia); however, the procedure for extraction was done by EU-Chem company (Belgrade, Serbia). Rats were divided randomly into six groups: control with Sd, control with Sd and SAE, MetS with HFd, MetS with HFd and SAE, MetS with Sd and MetS with Sd and SAE during 4 weeks. At the end of the 4-week protocol, cardiac function and liver morphology were assessed, while in the blood samples glucose, insulin, iron levels and systemic redox state were determined. Our results demonstrated that SAE had the ability to lower blood pressure and exert benefits on in vivo and ex vivo heart function. Moreover, SAE improved glucose tolerance, attenuated pathological liver alterations and oxidative stress present in MetS. Obtained beneficial effects of SAE were more prominent in combination with changing dietary habits. Promising potential of SAE supplementation alone or in combination with different dietary protocols in triggering cardioprotection should be further examined in future.

Simvastatin Does Not Affect Nitric Oxide Generation Increased by Sesame Oil in Obese Zucker Rats

Current treatments for cardiovascular and obesity-associated diseases, such as statin therapy, may be associated with several side effects. Products from food sources with polyphenolic compounds may represent promising agents in the treatment of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases with minimal side effects. Thus, we aimed to study the effect of sesame oil and simvastatin treatment on plasma lipid profile, nitric oxide generation, and oxidative load in obese Zucker rats. 12-week-old male Zucker rats were divided into the control and sesame oil- (1.25 ml/kg/day) treated Zucker lean groups, the control and sesame oil (1.25 ml/kg/day), or simvastatin (15 mg/kg/day) together with sesame oil-treated Zucker fa/fa groups, n = 6 in each group. The treatment lasted for 6 weeks. Sesame oil composition and plasma lipid profile were analyzed. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity, endothelial NOS (eNOS), phosphorylated eNOS, and inducible NOS (iNOS) protein expressions were determined in the left ventricle and aorta. Oxidative load, measured as conjugated diene (CD) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) concentrations, was detected in the liver. Neither sesame oil nor cotreatment with simvastatin affected plasma lipid profile in Zucker fa/fa rats. Sesame oil and similarly cotreatment with simvastatin markedly increased NOS activity and phosphorylated eNOS protein expressions in the left ventricle and aorta of Zucker fa/fa rats. There were no changes in eNOS and iNOS protein expressions within the groups and tissues investigated. Hepatic CD concentration was higher in Zucker fa/fa comparing Zucker lean rats, and sesame oil treatment decreased it significantly. Interestingly, this decrease was not seen after cotreatment with simvastatin. In conclusion, phosphorylation of eNOS and decreased oxidative load may significantly contribute to increase in total NOS activity with potential beneficial properties. Interestingly, simvastatin did not affect NO generation already increased by sesame oil in obese Zucker rats.

The Effect of Chronic NO Synthase Inhibition on the Vasoactive and Structural Properties of Thoracic Aorta, NO Synthase Activity, and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Young SHR

Although the role of nitric oxide (NO) in essential hypertension is still unclear, the effects of long-term NO deficiency have not yet been investigated during the critical juvenile period in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). We aimed to analyze the effects of chronic NO synthase (NOS) inhibition on systolic blood pressure (sBP), vasoactivity, morphological changes and superoxide level in the thoracic aorta (TA), NOS activity in different tissues, and general biomarkers of oxidative stress in plasma of young SHR. Four-week-old SHR were treated with N^G-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 50 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 4-5 weeks. L-NAME treatment induced a transient sBP increase only, and surprisingly, slightly inhibited endothelium-dependent relaxation of TA. Hereby, the inhibition of NOS activity varied from tissue to tissue, ranging from the lowest in the TA and the kidney to the highest in the brain stem. In spite of an increased sensitivity of adrenergic receptors, the maximal adrenergic contraction of TA was unchanged, which was associated with changes in elastin arrangement and an increase in wall thickness. The production of reactive oxygen species in the TA was increased; however, the level of selected biomarkers of oxidative stress did not change. Our findings proved that the TA of young SHR responded to chronic NO deficiency by the development of adaptive mechanisms on the functional (preserved NO-derived vasorelaxation, unincreased contraction) and molecular (preserved NOS activity) level.