Blueberry and/or Banana Consumption Mitigate Arachidonic, Cytochrome P450 Oxylipin Generation During Recovery From 75-Km Cycling: A Randomized Trial

Gut-derived wild blueberry phenolic acid metabolites modulate extrinsic cutaneous damage

As the first line of defense, the skin is equipped with various physiological mechanisms positioned to prevent incoming oxidative damage from numerous environmental insults. With persistent exposure to the environment, understanding ways to augment the skin defenses is paramount in protecting from premature aging. In this study, we investigated the ability of five dietary phenolic metabolites, typically found in the bloodstream after wild blueberry consumption, to successfully defend the skin from UV light exposure in a novel ex vivo co-culture model of human skin explants and primary endothelial cells. Skin explants, placed in transwell inserts, were exposed to UV, and subsequently co-cultured with endothelial cells. When the endothelial cells had been pretreated with the bioactive metabolites at physiological concentrations (hippuric acid 3000 nM, isoferulic acid 1000 nM, salicylic acid 130 nM, benzoic acid 900 nM, α-hydroxyhippuric acid 400 nM) cutaneous damage was prevented on the co-cultured with UV-challenged skin explants. Co-culture with non-pretreated endothelial cells did not protect skin explants. Specifically, the pretreatment was able to reduce skin lipid peroxidation (measured as 4-hydroxynonenal protein adducts), and pro-inflammatory enzymes such as cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX-4). Furthermore, pretreatment with the metabolites prevented UV-induced release of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and IL-8 as well as nitric oxides (NO) levels. In addition, the metabolites showed an impressive ability to prevent the loss of cutaneous structural proteins including involucrin and collagen type 1. Of note, endothelial cells cultured with UV exposed skin explants exhibited increased oxidative stress demonstrated by heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) up-regulation which was significantly prevented in the metabolite treated models. These findings highlight the ability of dietary polyphenolic metabolites to improve cutaneous defenses against extrinsic stressors.

The state of the science on the health benefits of blueberries: a perspective

Mounting evidence indicates that blueberry consumption is associated with a variety of health benefits. It has been suggested that regular consumption of blueberries can support and/or protect against cardiovascular disease and function, pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes, and brain and cognitive function in individuals with health conditions and age-related decline. Further, mechanistic investigations highlight the role of blueberry anthocyanins in mediating these health benefits, in part through interactions with gut microbiota. Also, nutritional interventions with blueberries have demonstrated the ability to improve recovery following exercise-induced muscle damage, attributable to anti-inflammatory effects. Despite these advancements in blueberry health research, research gaps persist which affects the generalizability of findings from clinical trials. To evaluate the current state of knowledge and research gaps, a blueberry health roundtable with scientific experts convened in Washington, DC (December 6-7, 2022). Discussions centered around five research domains: cardiovascular health, pre-diabetes and diabetes, brain health and cognitive function, gut health, and exercise recovery. This article synthesizes the outcomes of a blueberry research roundtable discussion among researchers in these domains, offering insights into the health benefits of blueberries and delineating research gaps and future research directions.

A biphasic response to blueberry supplementation on depressive symptoms in emerging adults: a double-blind randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

The aim of the present study was to examine the acute and chronic effects of wild blueberry supplementation on mood, executive function, and serum biomarkers of neuroplasticity, inflammation, and oxidative stress in emerging adults with moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms.

METHODS

In this double-blind trial, 60 emerging adults (Mage = 20.0 years, 32% male) with self-reported depressive symptoms were randomly assigned to receive a single blueberry drink (acute phase), followed by 6 weeks of daily blueberry supplementation (chronic phase), or a matched placebo drink. The primary outcome was Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) scores at 6-week follow-up. Further measures included momentary affect (PANAS-X) and accuracy on an executive function task. The data were analyzed using ANCOVAs adjusted for baseline values, sex, and habitual fruit and vegetable intake. Estimated marginal means were calculated to compare the treatment arms.

RESULTS

The blueberry drink significantly improved positive affect (p = 0.026) and executive function (p = 0.025) at 2 h post-ingestion, with change scores being positively correlated in the blueberry group (r = 0.424, p = 0.017). However, after six weeks of supplementation the reduction in BDI-II scores was greater in the placebo group by 5.8 points (95% CI: 0.8-10.7, p = 0.023). Generalized anxiety and anhedonia also decreased significantly more in the placebo group. No significant differences were found for any of the biomarkers.

CONCLUSIONS

Six weeks of wild blueberry supplementation were inferior to placebo in reducing depressive symptoms. Nevertheless, the correlated improvements in positive affect and executive function after a single dose of blueberries point to a beneficial, albeit transient, psychological effect. These contrasting results suggest a biphasic, hormetic-like response that warrants further investigation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT04647019, dated 30 November, 2020.

Beet supplementation mitigates post-exercise inflammation

Objectives

This study investigated the efficacy of a mixed beet-based supplement (BEET) versus placebo (PL) in countering inflammation during recovery from 2.25 h of intensive cycling in 20 male and female cyclists. A multi-omics approach was used that included untargeted proteomics and a targeted oxylipin panel.

Methods

A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover design was used with two 2-week supplementation periods and a 2-week washout period. Supplementation periods were followed by a 2.25 h cycling bout at close to 70%VO2max. The BEET supplement provided 212 mg of nitrates per day, 200 mg caffeine from green tea extract, 44 mg vitamin C from Camu Camu berry, B-vitamins from quinoa sprouts (40% Daily Value for thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6), and 2.5 g of a mushroom blend containing Cordyceps sinensis and Inonotus obliquus. Six blood samples were collected before and after supplementation (overnight fasted state), immediately post-exercise, and at 1.5 h-, 3 h-, and 24 h-post-exercise.

Results

The 2.25 h cycling bout increased plasma levels of 41 of 67 oxylipins detected. BEET supplementation significantly increased plasma nitrate (NO3 -) and nitrite (NO2 -) (sum, NO3 - + NO2 -) concentrations (interaction effect, p < 0.001) and two anti-inflammatory oxylipins [18-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (18-HEPE) and 4-hydroxy-docosahexanoic acid (4-HDoHE)]. The untargeted proteomics analysis identified 616 proteins (458 across all times points), and 2-way ANOVA revealed a cluster of 45 proteins that were decreased and a cluster of 21 that were increased in the BEET versus PL trials. Functional enrichment supported significant BEET-related reductions in inflammation-related proteins including several proteins related to complement activation, the acute phase response, and immune cell adhesion, migration, and differentiation.

Discussion

Intake of a BEET-based supplement during a 2-week period was linked to higher plasma levels of NO3 - + NO2 -, elevated post-exercise levels of two anti-inflammatory oxylipins, and a significant decrease in a cluster of proteins involved in complement activation and inflammation. These data support that 2-weeks intake of nitrate from a mixed beet-based supplement moderated protein biomarkers of exercise-induced inflammation in athletes.

Effects of Vaccinium berries (blueberries, cranberries and bilberries) on oxidative stress, inflammation, exercise performance, and recovery - a systematic review

Exercise-induced muscle damage is common in athletes and recreational exercisers and can lead to muscle soreness, weakness, and impaired muscle function. The precise mechanisms are unclear but oxidative stress and inflammation are thought to play a role. (Poly)phenols are substances abundant in Vaccinium berries that have been suggested to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that could help improve exercise performance and/or recovery from exercise. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the benefits of Vaccinium berry supplementation on exercise performance and recovery, as well as on exercise-induced oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers in healthy individuals. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, ProQuest Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus. Studies were included if the participants were healthy individuals who were supplemented with any Vaccinium berry or Vaccinium berry-based products in comparison to a control group. Of the 13 articles included in this review, no significant differences in the exercise performance were found and only one study reported benefits for markers of recovery. Interleukins and c-reactive protein were the most frequently reported biomarkers, but there was limited evidence that Vaccinium berry supplementation impacted them post-exercise. Most studies were of high quality and showed a low risk of bias. Vaccinium berry supplementation is not effective in modulating markers of exercise-induced inflammation and oxidative distress in healthy individuals; nevertheless, more studies are required to evaluate their effects on exercise performance and recovery in this population.

Influence of 2 Weeks of Mango Ingestion on Inflammation Resolution after Vigorous Exercise

Mangoes have a unique nutrient profile (carotenoids, polyphenols, sugars, and vitamins) that we hypothesized would mitigate post-exercise inflammation. This study examined the effects of mango ingestion on moderating exercise-induced inflammation in a randomized crossover trial with 22 cyclists. In random order with trials separated by a 2-week washout period, the cyclists ingested 330 g mango/day with 0.5 L water or 0.5 L of water alone for 2 weeks, followed by a 2.25 h cycling bout challenge. Blood and urine samples were collected pre- and post-2 weeks of supplementation, with additional blood samples collected immediately post-exercise and 1.5-h, 3-h, and 24 h post-exercise. Urine samples were analyzed for targeted mango-related metabolites. The blood samples were analyzed for 67 oxylipins, which are upstream regulators of inflammation and other physiological processes. After 2 weeks of mango ingestion, three targeted urine mango-related phenolic metabolites were significantly elevated compared to water alone (interaction effects, p ≤ 0.003). Significant post-exercise increases were measured for 49 oxylipins, but various subgroup analyses showed no differences in the pattern of change between trials (all interaction effects, p > 0.150). The 2.25 h cycling bouts induced significant inflammation, but no countermeasure effect was found after 2 weeks of mango ingestion despite the elevation of mango gut-derived phenolic metabolites.

Blueberry intake elevates post-exercise anti-inflammatory oxylipins: a randomized trial

This study determined if 18 days of supplementation with blueberries (BL) compared to placebo (PL) could mitigate muscle soreness and damage and improve inflammation resolution in untrained adults (n = 49, ages 18-50 years) after engaging in a 90-min bout of "weekend warrior" eccentric exercise. The BL freeze dried supplement provided 1 cup of fresh blueberries per day equivalent with 805 mg/day total phenolics and 280 mg/day anthocyanins. Urine levels of eight BL gut-derived phenolics increased after 14- and 18-days supplementation with 83% higher concentrations in BL vs. PL (p < 0.001). The 90-min exercise bout caused significant muscle soreness and damage during 4d of recovery and a decrease in exercise performance with no significant differences between PL and BL. Plasma oxylipins were identified (n = 76) and grouped by fatty acid substrates and enzyme systems. Linoleic acid (LA) oxylipins generated from cytochrome P450 (CYP) (9,10-, 12,13-dihydroxy-9Z-octadecenoic acids) (diHOMEs) were lower in BL vs. PL (treatment effect, p = 0.051). A compositive variable of 9 plasma hydroxydocosahexaenoic acids (HDoHEs) generated from docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6) and lipoxygenase (LOX) was significantly higher in BL vs. PL (treatment effect, p = 0.008). The composite variable of plasma 14-HDoHE, 17-HDoHE, and the eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)-derived oxylipin 18-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (18-HEPE) (specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators, SPM, intermediates) was significantly higher in BL vs PL (treatment effect, p = 0.014). Pearson correlations showed positive relationships between post-exercise DHA-LOX HDoHEs and SPM intermediates with urine blueberry gut-derived phenolics (r = 0.324, p = 0.023, and r = 0.349, p = 0.015, respectively). These data indicate that 18d intake of 1 cup/day blueberries compared to PL was linked to a reduction in pro-inflammatory diHOMES and sustained elevations in DHA- and EPA-derived anti-inflammatory oxylipins in response to a 90-min bout of unaccustomed exercise by untrained adults.

Blueberry Supplementation and Skin Health

Environmental stressors such as air pollutants, ozone, and UV radiation are among the most noxious outdoor stressors affecting human skin and leading to premature skin aging. To prevent the extrinsic aging, the skin is equipped with an effective defensive system. However, cutaneous defense mechanisms can be overwhelmed through chronic exposure to environmental pollutants. Recent studies have suggested that the topical usage of natural compounds, such as blueberries, could be a good strategy to prevent skin damage from the environment. Indeed, blueberries contain bioactive compounds found to induce an active skin response against the environmental noxious effects. In this review, results from recent studies on this topic are discussed in order to build the argument for blueberries to possibly be an effective agent for skin health. In addition, we hope to highlight the need for further research to elucidate the mechanisms behind the use of both topical application and dietary supplementation with blueberries to bolster cutaneous systems and defensive mechanisms.

A Streamlined High-Throughput Plasma Proteomics Platform for Clinical Proteomics with Improved Proteome Coverage, Reproducibility, and Robustness

Mass spectrometry-based clinical proteomics requires high throughput, reproducibility, robustness, and comprehensive coverage to serve the needs of clinical diagnosis, prognosis, and personalized medicine. Oftentimes these requirements are contradictory to each other. We report the development of a streamlined High-Throughput Plasma Proteomics (sHTPP) platform for untargeted profiling of the blood plasma proteome, which includes 96-well plates and simplified procedures for sample preparation, disposable trap column for peptide loading, robust liquid chromatographic system for separation, data-independent acquisition in tandem mass spectrometry, and DIA-NN, FragPipe, and in-house peptide spectral library-based data analysis. Using the optimized platform at a throughput of 60 samples per day, over 600 protein groups including 57 FDA-approved biomarkers can be consistently identified from whole human plasma, and more than 85% of the detected proteins have 100% completeness in quantitative values across 300 samples. The balance achieved between proteome coverage, throughput, and reproducibility of this sHTPP platform makes it promising in clinical settings, where a large number of samples are to be measured quickly and reliably to support various needs of clinical medicine.

An Oxylipin-Related Nutrient Pattern and Risk of Type 1 Diabetes in the Diabetes Autoimmunity Study in the Young (DAISY)

Oxylipins, pro-inflammatory and pro-resolving lipid mediators, are associated with the risk of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and may be influenced by diet. This study aimed to develop a nutrient pattern related to oxylipin profiles and test their associations with the risk of T1D among youth. The nutrient patterns were developed with a reduced rank regression in a nested case-control study (n = 335) within the Diabetes Autoimmunity Study in the Young (DAISY), a longitudinal cohort of children at risk of T1D. The oxylipin profiles (adjusted for genetic predictors) were the response variables. The nutrient patterns were tested in the case-control study (n = 69 T1D cases, 69 controls), then validated in the DAISY cohort using a joint Cox proportional hazards model (n = 1933, including 81 T1D cases). The first nutrient pattern (NP1) was characterized by low beta cryptoxanthin, flavanone, vitamin C, total sugars and iron, and high lycopene, anthocyanidins, linoleic acid and sodium. After adjusting for T1D family history, the HLA genotype, sex and race/ethnicity, NP1 was associated with a lower risk of T1D in the nested case-control study (OR: 0.44, p = 0.0126). NP1 was not associated with the risk of T1D (HR: 0.54, p-value = 0.1829) in the full DAISY cohort. Future studies are needed to confirm the nested case-control findings and investigate the modifiable factors for oxylipins.

Photoperiod Conditions Modulate Serum Oxylipins Levels in Healthy and Obese Rats: Impact of Proanthocyanidins and Gut Microbiota

Seasonal rhythms are emerging as a key factor influencing gut microbiota and bioactive compounds functionality as well as several physiological processes such as inflammation. In this regard, their impact on the modulation of oxylipins (OXLs), which are important lipid mediators of inflammatory processes, has not been investigated yet. Hence, we aimed to investigate the effects of photoperiods on OXLs metabolites in healthy and obesogenic conditions. Moreover, we evaluated if the impact of proanthocyanidins and gut microbiota on OXLs metabolism is influenced by photoperiod in obesity. To this purpose, Fischer 344 rats were housed under different photoperiod conditions (L6: 6 h light, L12: 12 h light or L18:18 h light) and fed either a standard chow diet (STD) or a cafeteria diet (CAF) for 9 weeks. During the last 4 weeks, obese rats were daily administered with an antibiotic cocktail (ABX), an oral dose of a grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE), or with their combination. CAF feeding and ABX treatment affected OXLs in a photoperiod dependent-manner. GSPE significantly altered prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels, only under L6 and mitigated ABX-mediated effects only under L18. In conclusion, photoperiods affect OXLs levels influenced by gut microbiota. This is the first time that the effects of photoperiod on OXLs metabolites have been demonstrated.

Almond intake alters the acute plasma dihydroxy-octadecenoic acid (DiHOME) response to eccentric exercise

Introduction

This investigation determined if 4-weeks ingestion of nutrient-dense almonds mitigated post-exercise inflammation and muscle soreness and damage.

Methods

An acute 90-min of eccentric exercise (90-EE) was used to induce muscle damage in 64 non-obese adults not engaging in regular resistance training (ages 30-65 years, BMI < 30 kg/m²). Using a parallel group design, participants were randomized to almond (AL) (57 g/d) or cereal bar (CB) (calorie matched) treatment groups for a 4-week period prior to the 90-EE (17 exercises). Blood and 24-h urine samples were collected before and after supplementation, with additional blood samples collected immediately post-90-EE, and then daily during 4 additional days of recovery. Changes in plasma oxylipins, urinary gut-derived phenolics, plasma cytokines, muscle damage biomarkers, mood states, and exercise performance were assessed.

Results

The 90-EE protocol induced significant muscle damage, delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS), inflammation, reduced strength and power performance, and mood disturbance. Interaction effects (2 group × 7 time points) supported that AL vs. CB was associated with reduced post-exercise fatigue and tension (p = 0.051, 0.033, respectively) and higher levels of leg-back strength (p = 0.029). No group differences were found for post-90-EE increases in DOMS and six cytokines. AL was associated with lower levels of serum creatine kinase immediately- and 1-day post-exercise (p = 0.034 and 0.013, respectively). The 90-EE bout increased plasma levels immediately post-exercise for 13 oxylipins. Interaction effects revealed significantly higher levels for AL vs. CB for 12,13-DiHOME (p < 0.001) and lower levels for 9,10-DiHOME (p < 0.001). Urine levels increased in AL vs. CB for seven gut-derived phenolics including 5-(3',4'-dihydroxyphenyl)-γ-valerolactone that was inversely related to changes in plasma 9,10-DiHOME (r = -0.029, p = 0.021).

Discussion

These data support some positive effects of almond intake in improving mood state, retaining strength, decreasing muscle damage, increasing the generation of gut-derived phenolic metabolites, and altering the plasma oxylipin DiHOME response to unaccustomed eccentric exercise in untrained adults. The elevated post-exercise plasma levels of 12,13-DiHOME with almond intake support positive metabolic outcomes for adults engaging in unaccustomed eccentric exercise bouts.

Astaxanthin supplementation counters exercise-induced decreases in immune-related plasma proteins

Objectives

Astaxanthin is a dark red keto-carotenoid found in aquatic animals such as salmon and shrimp, and algae (Haematococcus pluvialis). Astaxanthin has a unique molecular structure that may facilitate anti-oxidative, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory effects during physiological stress. The primary objective of this study was to examine the efficacy of 4-week ingestion of astaxanthin in moderating exercise-induced inflammation and immune dysfunction using a multi-omics approach.

Methods

This study employed a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, crossover design with two 4-week supplementation periods and a 2-week washout period. Study participants were randomized to astaxanthin and placebo trials, with supplements ingested daily for 4 weeks prior to running 2.25 h at close to 70%VO_2max (including 30 min of 10% downhill running). After the washout period, participants repeated all procedures using the counterbalanced supplement. The astaxanthin capsule contained 8 mg of algae astaxanthin. Six blood samples were collected before and after supplementation (overnight fasted state), immediately post-exercise, and at 1.5, 3, and 24 h-post-exercise. Plasma aliquots were assayed using untargeted proteomics, and targeted oxylipin and cytokine panels.

Results

The 2.25 h running bout induced significant muscle soreness, muscle damage, and inflammation. Astaxanthin supplementation had no effect on exercise-induced muscle soreness, muscle damage, and increases in six plasma cytokines and 42 oxylipins. Notably, astaxanthin supplementation countered exercise-induced decreases in 82 plasma proteins (during 24 h recovery). Biological process analysis revealed that most of these proteins were involved in immune-related functions such as defense responses, complement activation, and humoral immune system responses. Twenty plasma immunoglobulins were identified that differed significantly between the astaxanthin and placebo trials. Plasma levels of IgM decreased significantly post-exercise but recovered after the 24 h post-exercise recovery period in the astaxanthin but not the placebo trial.

Discussion

These data support that 4-week astaxanthin versus placebo supplementation did not counter exercise-induced increases in plasma cytokines and oxylipins but was linked to normalization of post-exercise plasma levels of numerous immune-related proteins including immunoglobulins within 24 h. Short-term astaxanthin supplementation (8 mg/day during a 4-week period) provided immune support for runners engaging in a vigorous 2.25 h running bout and uniquely countered decreases in plasma immunoglobulin levels.

Blueberries and their bioactives in the modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation and cardio/vascular function markers: a systematic review of human intervention studies

Blueberries represent a rich source of (poly)phenols and other bioactive compounds. Numerous in vitro and animal model studies documented the potential health-promoting properties of blueberries and blueberry-bioactives, while little is still known about their effects in humans. The objective of the present systematic review is to provide main evidence and the potential mechanisms of action of blueberry and its (poly)phenols in the regulation of markers related to oxidative stress, inflammation, vascular and cardiometabolic function in health and disease states. A total of 45 human intervention studies were included in this review. Overall, the evidence suggests that blueberries may play a role in the improvement of markers of vascular function. Their effects were observed following both post-prandial and long-term consumption, particularly in subjects with risk factors and/or disease conditions. Conversely, the conflicting results on inflammation, oxidative stress and cardiometabolic risk markers were most likely due to differences among studies in terms of study design, subject characteristics, duration of intervention, dosage, and type of biomarkers analyzed. For these reasons, high-quality, well-designed, human intervention studies are warranted to strengthen the current findings on vascular function and provide more evidence about the impact of blueberries on the different markers considered. In addition, studies focusing on the relationship between the structure and the function of (poly)phenols will be fundamental for a better comprehension of the mechanisms behind the health effects observed.

Exploring the Contribution of (Poly)phenols to the Dietary Exposome Using High Resolution Mass Spectrometry Untargeted Metabolomics

SCOPE

This study presents a workflow to construct a Dietary Exposome Library (DEL) comprised of phytochemicals and their metabolites derived from host and gut microbiome metabolism for use in peak identification/annotation of untargeted metabolomics datasets.

METHODS AND RESULTS

An evidence mapping initiative established target analytes related to the consumption of phytochemical-rich foods. Analytes were confirmed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS(n)) analysis of human biospecimens from dietary intervention studies of (poly)phenol-rich diets. One hundred and sixty six verified compounds were subsequently analyzed on an untargeted metabolomics platform to acquire chromatographic and high-resolution mass spectral data for construction of a DEL. The DEL facilitated identification/annotation of 123 metabolites associate with exposure to (poly)phenol enriched diets, which included aromatic ketones, benzoic acids, ellagic acids, caffeoylquinic acids, catecholamines, coumarins, hippuric acid, hydroxytoluenes, phenylamines, stilbenes, urolithins, valerolactones, and xanthonoids, in untargeted metabolomics datasets acquire from human plasma and urine reference materials.

CONCLUSIONS

The DEL focusing on (poly)phenols and their metabolites of dietary exposure facilitated identification/annotation of ingested food components and their associated pathways in untargeted metabolomics datasets acquired from human biospecimens. The DEL continues to expand with the aim to provide evidence-based data for dietary metabolites in exposome research and inform the development of dietary intervention strategies.

A randomized placebo-controlled cross-over study on the effects of anthocyanins on inflammatory and metabolic responses to a high-fat meal in healthy subjects

This study investigated the effects of supplementation with a cyanidin- and delphinidin-rich extract (CDRE) on the postprandial dysmetabolism, inflammation, and redox and insulin signaling, triggered by the consumption of a high fat meal (HFM) in healthy individuals. Participants (n = 25) consumed a 1026-kcal HFM simultaneously with either the CDRE providing 320.4 mg of anthocyanins (90% cyanidin and delphinidin) or placebo. Diets were randomly assigned in a double blind, placebo-controlled crossover design. Blood was collected prior to (fasted, time 0), and for 5 h after meal consumption; plasma, serum, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated. AC metabolites were detected in serum as early as 30 min after CDRE consumption. The CDRE mitigated HFM-induced endotoxemia, reducing increases in plasma LPS and LPS-binding protein. The CDRE also reduced other events associated with HFM-triggered postprandial dysmetabolism including: i) plasma glucose and triglyceride increases; ii) TNFα and NOX4 upregulation in PBMC; and iii) JNK1/2 activation in PBMC. The CDRE did not significantly affect HFM-mediated increases in plasma insulin, GLP-1, GLP-2, GIP, and LDL- and HDL-cholesterol, and IKK phosphorylation in PBMC. In summary, dietary AC, i.e. cyanidin and delphinidin, exerted beneficial actions against unhealthy diets by modulating the associated postprandial dysmetabolism, endotoxemia, alterations of glycemia and lipidemia, and redox and insulin signaling.

Anthocyanin-Rich Supplementation: Emerging Evidence of Strong Potential for Sport and Exercise Nutrition

Dark-colored fruits, especially berries, have abundant presence of the polyphenol anthocyanin which have been show to provide health benefits. Studies with the berry blackcurrant have provided notable observations with application for athletes and physically active individuals. Alterations in exercise-induced substrate oxidation, exercise performance of repeated high-intensity running and cycling time-trial and cardiovascular function at rest and during exercise were observed with intake of New Zealand blackcurrant. The dynamic plasma bioavailability of the blackcurrant anthocyanins and the anthocyanin-derived metabolites must have changed cell function to provide meaningful in-vivo physiological effects. This perspective will reflect on the research studies for obtaining the applied in-vivo effects by intake of anthocyanin-rich supplementation, the issue of individual responses, and the emerging strong potential of anthocyanins for sport and exercise nutrition. Future work with repeated intake of known amount and type of anthocyanins, gut microbiota handling of anthocyanins, and coinciding measurements of plasma anthocyanin and anthocyanin-derived metabolites and in-vivo cell function will be required to inform our understanding for the unique potential of anthocyanins as a nutritional ergogenic aid for delivering meaningful effects for a wide range of athletes and physically active individuals.

Enhancing the Cognitive Effects of Flavonoids With Physical Activity: Is There a Case for the Gut Microbiome?

Age-related cognitive changes can be the first indication of the progression to dementias, such as Alzheimer’s disease. These changes may be driven by a complex interaction of factors including diet, activity levels, genetics, and environment. Here we review the evidence supporting relationships between flavonoids, physical activity, and brain function. Recent in vivo experiments and human clinical trials have shown that flavonoid-rich foods can inhibit neuroinflammation and enhance cognitive performance. Improved cognition has also been correlated with a physically active lifestyle, and with the functionality and diversity of the gut microbiome. The great majority (+ 90%) of dietary flavonoids are biotransformed into phytoactive phenolic metabolites at the gut microbiome level prior to absorption, and these prebiotic flavonoids modulate microbiota profiles and diversity. Health-relevant outcomes from flavonoid ingestion may only be realized in the presence of a robust microbiome. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) accelerates the catabolism and uptake of these gut-derived anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory metabolites into circulation. The gut microbiome exerts a profound influence on cognitive function; moderate exercise and flavonoid intake influence cognitive benefits; and exercise and flavonoid intake influence the microbiome. We conclude that there is a potential for combined impacts of flavonoid intake and physical exertion on cognitive function, as modulated by the gut microbiome, and that the combination of a flavonoid-rich diet and routine aerobic exercise may potentiate cognitive benefits and reduce cognitive decline in an aging population, via mechanisms mediated by the gut microbiome. Mechanistic animal studies and human clinical interventions are needed to further explore this hypothesis.

Multiomics Approach to Precision Sports Nutrition: Limits, Challenges, and Possibilities

Most sports nutrition guidelines are based on group average responses and professional opinion. Precision nutrition for athletes aims to improve the individualization of nutrition practices to optimize long-term performance and health. This is a 2-step process that first involves the acquisition of individual-specific, science-based information using a variety of sources including lifestyle and medical histories, dietary assessment, physiological assessments from the performance lab and wearable sensors, and multiomics data from blood, urine, saliva, and stool samples. The second step consists of the delivery of science-based nutrition advice, behavior change support, and the monitoring of health and performance efficacy and benefits relative to cost. Individuals vary widely in the way they respond to exercise and nutritional interventions, and understanding why this metabolic heterogeneity exists is critical for further advances in precision nutrition. Another major challenge is the development of evidence-based individualized nutrition recommendations that are embraced and efficacious for athletes seeking the most effective enhancement of performance, metabolic recovery, and health. At this time precision sports nutrition is an emerging discipline that will require continued technological and scientific advances before this approach becomes accurate and practical for athletes and fitness enthusiasts at the small group or individual level. The costs and scientific challenges appear formidable, but what is already being achieved today in precision nutrition through multiomics and sensor technology seemed impossible just two decades ago.

Local shifts in inflammatory and resolving lipid mediators in response to tendon overuse

Tendon inflammation has been implicated in both adaptive connective tissue remodeling and overuse-induced tendinopathy. Lipid mediators control both the initiation and resolution of inflammation, but their roles within tendon are largely unknown. Here, we profiled local shifts in intratendinous lipid mediators via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in response to synergist ablation-induced plantaris tendon overuse. Sixty-four individual lipid mediators were detected in homogenates of plantaris tendons from ambulatory control rats. This included many bioactive metabolites of the cyclooxygenase (COX), lipoxygenase (LOX), and epoxygenase (CYP) pathways. Synergist ablation induced a robust inflammatory response at day 3 post-surgery characterized by epitenon infiltration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocytes/macrophages (MΦ), heightened expression of inflammation-related genes, and increased intratendinous concentrations of the pro-inflammatory eicosanoids thromboxane B₂ and prostaglandin E₂ . By day 7, MΦ became the predominant myeloid cell type in tendon and there were further delayed increases in other COX metabolites including prostaglandins D₂ , F_2α , and I₂ . Specialized pro-resolving mediators including protectin D1, resolvin D2 and D6, as well as related pathway markers of D-resolvins (17-hydroxy-docosahexaenoic acid), E-resolvins (18-hydroxy-eicosapentaenoic acid), and lipoxins (15-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid) were also increased locally in response to tendon overuse, as were anti-inflammatory fatty acid epoxides of the CYP pathway (eg, epoxy-eicosatrienoic acids). Nevertheless, intratendinous prostaglandins remained markedly increased even following 28 days of tendon overuse together with a lingering MΦ presence. These data reveal a delayed and prolonged local inflammatory response to tendon overuse characterized by an overwhelming predominance of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids and a relative lack of specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators.

Does Flavonoid Consumption Improve Exercise Performance? Is It Related to Changes in the Immune System and Inflammatory Biomarkers? A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies since 2005

Flavonoids are attracting increasing attention due to their antioxidant, cardioprotective, and immunomodulatory properties. Nevertheless, little is known about their role in exercise performance in association with immune function. This systematic review firstly aimed to shed light on the ergogenic potential of flavonoids. A search strategy was run using SCOPUS database. The returned studies were screened by prespecified eligibility criteria, including intervention lasting at least one week and performance objectively quantified, among others. Fifty-one studies (54 articles) met the inclusion criteria, involving 1288 human subjects, either physically untrained or trained. Secondly, we aimed to associate these studies with the immune system status. Seventeen of the selected studies (18 articles) assessed changes in the immune system. The overall percentage of studies reporting an improved exercise performance following flavonoid supplementation was 37%, the proportion being 25% when considering quercetin, 28% for flavanol-enriched extracts, and 54% for anthocyanins-enriched extracts. From the studies reporting an enhanced performance, only two, using anthocyanin supplements, focused on the immune system and found certain anti-inflammatory effects of these flavonoids. These results suggest that flavonoids, especially anthocyanins, may exert beneficial effects for athletes’ performances, although further studies are encouraged to establish the optimal dosage and to clarify their impact on immune status.

Efficacy of Popular Diets Applied by Endurance Athletes on Sports Performance: Beneficial or Detrimental? A Narrative Review

Endurance athletes need a regular and well-detailed nutrition program in order to fill their energy stores before training/racing, to provide nutritional support that will allow them to endure the harsh conditions during training/race, and to provide effective recovery after training/racing. Since exercise-related gastrointestinal symptoms can significantly affect performance, they also need to develop strategies to address these issues. All these factors force endurance athletes to constantly seek a better nutritional strategy. Therefore, several new dietary approaches have gained interest among endurance athletes in recent decades. This review provides a current perspective to five popular diet approaches: (a) vegetarian diets, (b) high-fat diets, (c) intermittent fasting diets, (d) gluten-free diet, and (e) low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP) diets. We reviewed scientific studies published from 1983 to January 2021 investigating the impact of these popular diets on the endurance performance and health aspects of endurance athletes. We also discuss all the beneficial and harmful aspects of these diets, and offer key suggestions for endurance athletes to consider when following these diets.

What Should I Eat before Exercise? Pre-Exercise Nutrition and the Response to Endurance Exercise: Current Prospective and Future Directions

The primary variables influencing the adaptive response to a bout of endurance training are exercise duration and exercise intensity. However, altering the availability of nutrients before and during exercise can also impact the training response by modulating the exercise stimulus and/or the physiological and molecular responses to the exercise-induced perturbations. The purpose of this review is to highlight the current knowledge of the influence of pre-exercise nutrition ingestion on the metabolic, physiological, and performance responses to endurance training and suggest directions for future research. Acutely, carbohydrate ingestion reduces fat oxidation, but there is little evidence showing enhanced fat burning capacity following long-term fasted-state training. Performance is improved following pre-exercise carbohydrate ingestion for longer but not shorter duration exercise, while training-induced performance improvements following nutrition strategies that modulate carbohydrate availability vary based on the type of nutrition protocol used. Contrasting findings related to the influence of acute carbohydrate ingestion on mitochondrial signaling may be related to the amount of carbohydrate consumed and the intensity of exercise. This review can help to guide athletes, coaches, and nutritionists in personalizing pre-exercise nutrition strategies, and for designing research studies to further elucidate the role of nutrition in endurance training adaptations.