Production of new functional coconut milk kefir with blueberry extract and microalgae: the comparison of the prebiotic potentials on lactic acid bacteria of kefir grain and biochemical characteristics.

Probiotic foods are recognized for their importance on human health. Kefir is a versatile probiotic food that can be made from non-dairy sources for vegan diet. This study evaluated the addition of microalga Haematococcus pluvialis (0.50% w/v) and blueberry Vaccinium myrtillus (0.50% w/v) extracts to compare their influence on the biochemical properties and the bacterial community of coconut milk kefir through Nanopore-based DNA sequencing. Results revealed that the V. myrtillus increased the microbial diversity in coconut milk kefir with more abundant Proteobacteria species such as Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (22%) and Lactococcus lactis (6.3%). Microalga demonstrated the opposite effect on C, making Firmicutes represent the whole of the microbiota. Biochemical analysis revealed increased fat content in the kefir samples, with the C1 registering 1.62% and the 1.07% in C2, in contrast to the control group's 0.87% fat content. The crude protein content exhibited a decrease in both samples compared to the control group (0.00% and 0.88% versus 1.07%). These findings suggest that fortifying vegan kefir with prebiotics has the potential to induce significant alterations in the kefir microbiota.

Blueberry extract for the treatment of ischaemic stroke through regulating the gut microbiota and kynurenine metabolism.

Although the gut microbiota and kynurenine (KYN) metabolism have significant protective effects against ischaemic stroke (IS), the exact mechanism has yet to be fully elucidated. Combined serum metabolomics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing were used to reveal the differences between the gut microbiota and metabolites in rats treated with or without blueberry extract. Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was employed to validate the protective role of the gut microbiota in IS. Furthermore, the interaction between Prevotella and IS was also confirmed in patients. Rats with IS experienced neurological impairments accompanied by an impaired intestinal barrier and disturbed intestinal flora, which further contributed to heightened inflammatory responses. Furthermore, Prevotella played a critical role in IS pathophysiology, and a positive correlation between Prevotella and KYN was detected. The role of KYN metabolism in IS was further demonstrated by the finding that IDO was significantly upregulated and that the use of the IDO inhibitor, attenuated KYN metabolic pathway activity and ameliorated neurological damage in rats with IS. Prevotella intervention also significantly improved stroke symptoms and decreasing KYN levels in rats with IS. FMT showed that the beneficial effects of blueberry extract on IS involve gut bacteria, especially Prevotella, which were confirmed by microbiological analyses conducted on IS patients. Moreover, blueberry extract led to significant changes in kynurenic acid levels and tryptophan and IDO levels through interactions with Prevotella. Our study demonstrates for the first time that blueberry extract could modulate "intestinal microecology-KYN metabolism" to improve IS.

Wild Blueberry Extract Intervention in Healthy Older Adults: A Multi-Study, Randomised, Controlled Investigation of Acute Cognitive and Cardiovascular Effects.

BACKGROUND: Circadian and homeostatic declines in cognitive performance are observed during the day, most commonly at 14:00. Additionally, postprandial reductions in cognitive ability have been widely demonstrated 1 h after lunch consumption, affecting domains of executive functioning (EF), episodic memory (EM), and attention. Existing evidence shows that anthocyanin-rich foods such as berries may improve or attenuate the decline in EF and EM in ageing adults. Further research is required to assess whether extracts such as wild blueberry extract (WBE) may be beneficial for cognitive function across an acute timeframe, including known periods of reduced functioning. OBJECTIVES: (1) Study 1: ROAB: To investigate the efficacy of WBE in maintaining EF and EM throughout the day alongside measures of cardiovascular outcomes in healthy older adults. A range of WBE doses were utilised to identify the optimal dose at which cognitive and cardiovascular effects occur. (2) Study 2: BEAT: To replicate alleviation of cognitive decline during a predicted post-lunch dip whilst also improving cardiovascular outcomes following acute WBE 222 mg supplementation. METHODS: Both studies employed a randomised, double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled design to explore the effects of WBE intervention versus placebo on several outcomes, including EM, EF, blood pressure, and heart rate in a healthy older adult population (aged 68-75). In ROAB, 28 participants received a single dose of WBE 111 mg, 222 mg, 444 mg, or 888 mg or placebo over a 5-week period, each separated by a 1-week washout. Outcomes were measured at 0 h, 2 h, 4 h, and 6 h post intervention, with intervention occurring immediately after baseline (0 h). In BEAT, 45 participants received WBE 222 mg and placebo (1-week washout). Outcomes were measured at 0 h and 6 h (14:00) when a post-lunch dip was anticipated. This was further enhanced by consumption of lunch 1 h prior to cognitive testing. The WBE 222 mg intervention aligned with known peaks in plasma blueberry polyphenol metabolites at 2 h post dosing, which would coincide with a predicted drop in post-lunch performance. RESULTS: ROAB: A significant dip in executive function was apparent at the 4 h timepoint for placebo only, indicating attenuation for WBE doses. Strikingly, WBE 222 mg produced acute reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared with placebo. BEAT: EF reaction time was found to be significantly faster for WBE 222 compared to placebo at the predicted post-lunch dip (14:00), with no other notable benefits on a range of cognitive and cardiovascular outcomes. CONCLUSION: These two studies indicate that WBE may have cardiovascular benefits and attenuate the natural cognitive decline observed over the course of the day, particularly when a decline is associated with a circadian rhythm-driven postprandial dip. However, it is important to acknowledge that effects were subtle, and benefits were only observed on a small number of outcomes. Further research is required to explore the utility of WBE in populations already experiencing mild cognitive impairments.

Modeling Mediated Crossover Acute and Subacute Damage to the Pulmonary System During Systemic (Subcutaneous) Administration of Bleomycin in Mice to Test the Potential Therapeutic Effect of Polyphenols / Modelado del Daño Agudo y Subagudo Cruzado Mediado al Sistema Pulmonar Durante la Infección Sistémica (Subcutánea) de Administración de Bleomicina a Ratones para Probar el Posible Efecto Terapéutico de los Polifenoles

SUMMARY: The potential anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic activity of polyphenolic extracts of blueberry and grape was evaluated in a mouse model of lung damage induced by subcutaneous administration of bleomycin. The results of testing the polyphenolic extracts on two different systemic administration variants of bleomycin (intraperitoneal and subcutaneous) were compared. It was found that regardless of the method of bleomycin administration, indirect cross-acute and subacute damage to the pulmonary system was observed. Both patterns exhibited the same prevalence and severity. The administration of polyphenolic extracts of blueberry and grape to mice resulted in a significant decrease in theseverity of acute and subacute patterns of lung damage, suggesting their protective properties for the microcirculatory bed and a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect.

La potencial actividad antiinflamatoria y antifibrótica de los extractos polifenólicos de arándano y uva se evaluó en un modelo de daño pulmonar en ratón inducido por la administración subcutánea de bleomicina. Se compararon los resultados de las pruebas de los extractos polifenólicos en dos variantes diferentes de administración sistémica de bleomicina (intraperitoneal y subcutánea). Se encontró que, independientemente del método de administración de bleomicina, se observaba daño indirecto cruzado, agudo y subagudo al sistema pulmonar. Ambos patrones exhibieron la misma prevalencia y gravedad. La administración de extractos polifenólicos de arándano y uva a ratones dio como resultado una disminución significativa en la gravedad de los patrones agudos y subagudos de daño pulmonar, lo que sugiere sus propiedades protectoras del lecho micro- circulatorio y un efecto antiinflamatorio pronunciado.

Blueberry extract alleviated lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation responses in mice through activating the FXR/TGR5 signaling pathway and regulating gut microbiota.

BACKGROUND: Blueberry extract (BE) is rich in phenols, especially anthocyanins. Anthocyanins regulate the inflammatory response in mice and may be related to gut microbiota and bile acid receptors. The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of BE on the inflammatory response by regulating gut microbiota and bile acid receptors in mice administered Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). METHOD: Thirty male KM mice were randomly divided into three groups: CON (control diet) group; LPS (LPS stimulation) group; and LPS + BE (LPS stimulation, 5% BE intervention) group. RESULTS: our results showed that, compared with the LPS group, the addition of BE decreased the level of inflammatory factors in serum and tissues, inhibited the TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway, protected the intestinal barrier and activated FXR/TGR5, which was related to gut microbiota (especially Akkermansia). The active component (e.g., cyanidin 3-O-glucoside, C3G) in BE may be an important factor in regulating gut microbiota. CONCLUSION: BE alleviated the inflammatory response mainly by activating bile acid receptor expression and regulating the gut microbiota; this effect may be related to the composition of bioactive substances in BE. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Selective Activity of an Anthocyanin-Rich, Purified Blueberry Extract upon Pathogenic and Probiotic Bacteria.

Blueberry extracts have been widely recognized as possessing antimicrobial activity against several potential pathogens. However, the contextualization of the interaction of these extracts with beneficial bacteria (i.e., probiotics), particularly when considering the food applications of these products, may be of importance, not only because their presence is important in the regular gut microbiota, but also because they are important constituents of regular and functional foodstuffs. Therefore, the present work first sought to demonstrate the inhibitory effect of a blueberry extract upon four potential food pathogens and, after identifying the active concentrations, evaluated their impact upon the growth and metabolic activity (organic acid production and sugar consumption) of five potential probiotic microorganisms. Results showed that the extract, at a concentration that inhibited L. monocytogenes, B. cereus, E. coli and S. enteritidis (1000 µg mL-1), had no inhibitory effect on the growth of the potential probiotic stains used. However, the results demonstrated, for the first time, that the extract had a significant impact on the metabolic activity of all probiotic strains, resulting in higher amounts of organic acid production (acetic, citric and lactic acids) and an earlier production of propionic acid.

Potential antifibrotic effect of blueberry and grape polyphenol extracts in acute and subacute bleomycin-induced lung tissue injury models in mice / Potencial efecto antifibrótico de los extractos de polifenoles de arándano y uva en modelos de lesión tisular pulmonar aguda y subaguda inducida por bleomicina en ratones

SUMMARY: An experimental morphological and morphometric study of the antifibrotic function of blueberry and grape extracts was carried out on a model of lung injury in mice induced by intraperitoneal administration of bleomycin. During intraperitoneal administration of bleomycin to mice, acute and subacute damage to the pulmonary system was noted. Both patterns had the same prevalence and severity. The administration of polyphenolic extracts of blueberry and grape to mice showed a significant reduction in the severity of the acute and subacute pattern of lung injury. Blueberry and grape extracts reduce the acute phase of damage to the microvasculature, enhance phagocytic function, have an anti-inflammatory effect, reducing the degree of lymphohistiocytic infiltration and locoregional foci of residual inflammatory effects.

Se realizó un estudio experimental morfológico y morfométrico de la función antifibrótica de extractos de arándano y uva en un modelo de lesión pulmonar en ratones inducida por la administración intraperitoneal de bleomicina. Durante la administración intraperitoneal de bleomicina a ratones, se observaron daños agudos y subagudos en el sistema pulmonar. Ambos patrones tuvieron la misma prevalencia y severidad. La administración de extractos polifenólicos de arándano y uva a ratones mostró una reducción significativa en la severidad del patrón agudo y subagudo de lesión pulmonar. Los extractos de arándano y uva reducen la fase aguda del daño a la microvasculatura, mejoran la función fagocítica, tienen un efecto antiinflamatorio, reducen el grado de infiltración linfohistiocítica y los focos locorregionales de efectos inflamatorios residuales.

Synthesis of Iron, Zinc, and Manganese Nanofertilizers, Using Andean Blueberry Extract, and Their Effect in the Growth of Cabbage and Lupin Plants.

The predominant aim of the current study was to synthesize the nanofertilizer nanoparticles ZnO_MnO-NPs and FeO_ZnO-NPs using Andean blueberry extract and determine the effect of NPs in the growth promotion of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) and Andean lupin (Lupinus mutabilis sweet) crops. The nanoparticles were analyzed by visible spectrophotometry, size distribution (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Solutions of nanoparticle concentrations were applied to cabbage, with solutions of 270 and 540 ppm of ZnO_MnO-NPs and 270 and 540 ppm of FeO_ZnO-NPs applied to Andean lupin. Zinc was used in both plants to take advantage of its beneficial properties for plant growth. Foliar NPs sprays were applied at the phenological stage of vegetative growth of the cabbage or Andean lupin plants grown under greenhouse conditions. The diameter of the NPs was 9.5 nm for ZnO, 7.8 nm for FeO, and 10.5 nm for MnO, which facilitate the adsorption of NPs by the stomata of plants. In Andean lupin, treatment with 270 ppm of iron and zinc indicated increases of 6% in height, 19% in root size, 3.5% in chlorophyll content index, and 300% in leaf area, while treatment with 540 ppm of iron and zinc yielded no apparent increases in any variable. In cabbage, the ZnO_MnO-NPs indicate, at a concentration of 270 ppm, increases of 10.3% in root size, 55.1% in dry biomass, 7.1% in chlorophyll content, and 25.6% in leaf area. Cabbage plants treated at a concentration of 540 ppm produced increases of 1.3% in root size and 1.8% in chlorophyll content, compared to the control, which was sprayed with distilled water. Therefore, the spray application of nanofertilizers at 270 ppm indicated an important improvement in both plants' growth.

Comparison of the reducing effects of blueberry and propolis extracts on heterocyclic aromatic amines formation in pan fried beef.

This study was aimed to examine the effects of natural antioxidant-based marinades on the formation of heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) in cooked beef. Samples were marinated overnight with different concentrations (0, 0.25, 0.5 and 1%) of blueberry or propolis extracts, and pan fried at 150 and 200 °C for a total of 10 min. Individual and total HAAs were detected at different levels according to the cooking temperature, extract type and concentration. Total HAA levels increased as the cooking temperature increased (P < 0.01), and ranged from non detectable levels to 38.27 ng/g across all samples analysed. Mitigation up to 61.2% and 100% in total HAA levels were achieved by propolis and blueberry extracts, respectively. The inhibitory effects of blueberry extract on total HAAs formation were significantly higher than propolis extract (P < 0.01). Thereby, this study showed that natural antioxidant-based marinades containing blueberry and propolis extracts had mitigating effects on HAAs formation in beef samples pan-fried at 150 and 200 °C.

Anthocyanin-rich blueberry extracts and anthocyanin metabolite protocatechuic acid promote autophagy-lysosomal pathway and alleviate neurons damage in in vivo and in vitro models of Alzheimer's disease.

OBJECTIVES: As the global aging phenomenon intensifies, the incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is gradually increasing. Diet appears to be an effective way to prevent and delay the progression of AD. Previous studies have found that cognitive impairment and neuronal damage were effectively alleviated by blueberry extract (BBE) in AD mice, but its mechanism is still unclear. The aims of this study were to detect the main anthocyanins of BBE; then to verify the protective effects of anthocyanin-rich BBE on hippocampal neurons and the promotion of autophagy; and finally to investigate the main protective effects and mechanisms of protocatechuic acid (PCA), a major metabolite of BBE, for promoting autophagy and thus playing a neuroprotective role. METHODS: APP/PS1 mice were given 150 mg/kg BBE daily for 16 wk. Morphology of neurons was observed and autophagy-related proteins were detected. RESULTS: Neuron damage in morphology was reduced and the expression of autophagy-related proteins in APP/PS1 mice were promoted after BBE treatment. In vitro, Aß25-35-induced cytotoxicity, including decreased neuron viability and increased levels of lactate dehydrogenase and reactive oxygen species, was effectively reversed by PCA. Furthermore, by adding autophagy inducers rapamycin and autophagy inhibitors Bafilomycin A1, it was verified that degradation of autophagosomes was upregulated and autophagy was promoted by PCA. CONCLUSION: This study elucidated the mechanism of BBE for reducing neuronal damage by promoting neuronal autophagy and proved PCA may be the main bioactive metabolite of BBE for neuroprotective effects, providing a basis for dietary intervention in AD.

Neuroprotective effect of wild lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) on global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats: Downregulation of iNOS/TNF-α and upregulation of miR-146a/miR-21 expression.

This study aims to investigate the neuroprotective effect of wild lowbush blueberry on CIRI in rats. Accordingly, CIRI and reperfusion were induced in rats for 60 min and 24 h, respectively. Then, the mechanisms of the neuroprotective effects of BBE were investigated in the injury through evaluating miR-146a, miR-21, and their targets in a CIRI rat model. After that, the BBE (30, 60, and 120 mg/kg b.wt) was intraperitoneally injected for 14 days, then CIRI was induced by BCCAO for 60 min for ischemic stroke and reperfusion for 24 h. Several parameters including the oxidative stress levels in the hippocampus and serum were measured 24 h after the CIRI. The findings showed that the BBE significantly decreased the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) and increased ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) levels in the hippocampus and serum following the stroke. The BBE also maximized the miR-146a and miR-21 expressions and moderated iNOS and TNF-α expressions in the hippocampus. Likewise, the BBE enlarged the CA1 and CA3 domains of the post-stroke pyramidal cell layers of the hippocampus. Overall, the results revealed that BBE had potent neuroprotective efficacy against CIRI via the effective modulation of neuroinflammatory cascades and protected neurons against ischemic death.

Growth performance, carcass characteristics, and fatty acid composition of breast and thigh meat of broiler chickens fed gradually increasing levels of supplemental blueberry extract.

The effect of gradually increasing supplemental levels of blueberry extract on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and fatty acid composition of breast and thigh muscles of broiler chickens was investigated. One hundred ninety-two 7-day-old chickens were randomly distributed into four groups having four replicates with 12 birds in each replicate. Basal diets were prepared for starter (days 8 to 21) and finisher (days 22 to 42). Basal diets were offered to the control group only, whereas other treatments received basal diets fortified with 0.5, 1, and 2% blueberry extract (BB0.5, BB1, and BB2 groups, respectively). The duration of experiment was 35 days (days 8 to 42). During finisher and overall growth phases, broilers in the BB2 group had greater body weight gain than those in the BB0.5 and control groups, whereas the BB1 group had higher body weight gain than the control group (P < 0.001). Body weight gain remained unaffected during the starter phase. Feed intake was greater in the BB2 group than in the control group at days 8 to 21, 22 to 42, and 8 to 42 (P = 0.002, P = 0.035, and P = 0.001, respectively). The control group had poor FCR than the BB2 group in the starter phase (P = 0.034). At days 22 to 42, feeding blueberry extract (BB0.5, BB1, and BB2) improved the FCR of broilers compared with the control group, whereas the BB2 group had better FCR than the BB0.5 group (P < 0.001). At 8 to 42 days, broilers in the control group had poor FCR compared with the BB1 and BB2 groups, whereas the BB0.5 group had poor FCR than the BB2 group (P < 0.001). Slaughter weight was lower in the control group than in the blueberry extract groups, whereas the BB2 group had greater slaughter weight than the BB0.5 group (P < 0.001). Dressing percentage of broilers in the control and BB0.5 groups was lower than that in other groups (P < 0.001). Gizzard yield was higher in the BB0.5 and BB2 groups than in the control group (P = 0.021). In addition, feeding 2% blueberry extract increased the concentration of different fatty acids in breast and thigh meat of broiler chickens. Findings suggest that feeding 2% blueberry extract may improve growth performance, carcass characteristics, and fatty acid composition of breast and thigh muscles of broilers.

Anti-adhesive activity of a Vaccinium corymbosum polyphenolic extract targeting intestinal colonization by Klebsiella pneumoniae.

The therapeutic effect of Vaccinium polyphenols against uropathogens has been widely studied. Most attention has focused on the antimicrobial activity against P-fimbriated Escherichia coli strains. The present study investigated the anti-adhesive and anti-biofilm activity of a saline extract of blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) targeting intestinal colonization by a highly adherent Klebsiella pneumoniae strain. This strain, responsible for a large outbreak of infection in Spain, was selected on the basis of its remarkable capacity to colonize the gastrointestinal tract of patients. The blueberry extract was obtained using a medium scale ambient temperature system (MSAT) in a novel approach based on the use of an aqueous solvent and addition of mineral salts. The polyphenolic content was determined by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass-spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The findings confirmed that the blueberry extract is a rich source of phenolic compounds, including the most polar polyphenols (mostly non-flavonoids), intermediate polarity compounds (flavan-3-ols and most procyanidins) and low polarity compounds (flavonols and anthocyanins). The extract significantly inhibited biofilm formation and bacterial adhesion to HT-29 colorectal cells by a highly adherent multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae. Although some individual anthocyanidins (malvidin, delphinidin and cyanidin) and one hydroxycinnamic acid (caffeic acid) proved capable of reducing bacterial adhesion, the unfractionated extract was more active than any of the individual polyphenolic compounds. In addition, the extract displayed considerable potential as an intestinal decolonization treatment in a murine model. The study findings demonstrate the potential value of the V. corymbosum extract as an alternative treatment for K. pneumoniae infections.

Chlorogenic Acid Improves Symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Interleukin-10 Knockout Mice.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic intestinal inflammation that is highly prevalent worldwide. Interleukin (IL)-10 can effectively inhibit negative cascades such as the production of inflammatory mediators (inducible nitric oxide synthase [iNOS], cyclooxygenase-2), accumulation of inflammatory infiltrates (macrophages, eosinophils, neutrophils), toxicity (lower T cell subsets), and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, TNF-α) in tissues such as the spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), Peyer's patch (PP), and colon. In this study, we investigated whether chlorogenic acid (CHA) can regulate inflammation in IL-10 knockout (KO) mice used as an IBD animal model. CHA significantly increased the ratio of CD4+/CD8+, T cell subsets in PP, and MLN of IL-10 KO mice. In addition, CHA also morphologically attenuated colon inflammation in IL-10 KO mice. We demonstrated that CHA significantly reduced the expression levels of iNOS, IL-1ß, TNF-α, which were highly expressed in IL-10 KO mice. Therefore, CHA may provide beneficial effects for improving IBD by decreasing inflammations.

The influence of oxygen on the metabolites of phenolic blueberry extract and the mouse microflora during in vitro fermentation.

The elevated intestinal oxygen in certain unhealthy conditions (e.g., mucosa injury) enhances the expansion of aerobic/facultative anaerobic bacteria (mainly Proteobacteria) in gut microbiota (GM) and is strongly linked to various diseases. The alteration of GM, influenced by oxygen, may affect the bioavailability of dietary polyphenols. In vitro digestion, dialysis and fermentation of phenolic blueberry extract (BE) were performed here using the GM of mice under different oxygen conditions. Oxygen delayed the degradation of the main phenolic components, including quercetin, kaempferol and their rutinose-conjugates, in BE during in vitro fermentation. In addition, the metabolites of BE were also influenced by oxygen. Oxygen skewed the production of 3-hydroxyphenylacetatic acid to 4-hydroxyphenylacetatic acid. Moreover, oxygen also blunted hippuric, 3-phenylpropionic, and 3-hydroxycinnamic acids production. Furthermore, oxygen enhanced the expansion of Salmonella and Escherichia belonging to phylum Proteobacteria and suppressed the proliferation of the anaerobic bacteria Clostridium and Bacteroides belonging to phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, respectively, which was reversed by BE supplementation.

Blueberry as a Potential Radiosensitizer for Treating Cervical Cancer.

Cervical cancer (CC) is a leading cause of death in women worldwide. Radiation therapy (RT) for CC is an effective alternative, but its toxicity remains challenging. Blueberry is amongst the most commonly consumed berries in the United States. We previously showed that resveratrol, a compound in red grapes, can be used as a radiosensitizer for prostate cancer. In this study, we found that the percentage of colonies, PCNA expression level and the OD value of cells from the CC cell line SiHa were all decreased in RT/Blueberry Extract (BE) group when compared to those in the RT alone group. Furthermore, TUNEL+ cells and the relative caspase-3 activity in the CC cells were increased in the RT/BE group compared to those in the RT alone group. The anti-proliferative effect of RT/BE on cancer cells correlated with downregulation of pro-proliferative molecules cyclin D and cyclin E. The pro-apoptotic effect of RT/BE correlated with upregulation of the pro-apoptotic molecule TRAIL. Thus, BE sensitizes SiHa cells to RT by inhibition of proliferation and promotion of apoptosis, suggesting that blueberry might be used as a potential radiosensitizer to treat CC.

Sex Modulates Lactobacillus johnsonii N6.2 and Phytophenol Effectiveness in Reducing High Fat Diet Induced mTOR Activation in Sprague-Dawley Rats.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is the underlying cause of some devastating diseases, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. These diseases have been associated with over-activation of the mechanistic Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. This study utilizes a high fat diet (HFD) to induce MetS and to dissect the effects of a beneficial bacterium, L. johnsonii N6.2, and natural phenolics on mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) expression compared to a reduced energy density diet (REDD). HFD significantly elevated MetS markers in males, as noted through an increase in weight, glucose levels, and triglyceride levels. Treatments were effective in reducing mTORC1-activating phosphorylation of pAKT-T308 and pAKT-S473 (p = 0.0012 and 0.0049, respectively) in HFD-fed females, with the combined treatments of L. johnsonii and phytophenols reducing phosphorylation below REDD-fed control levels, and significantly below HFD-fed control levels. Meanwhile, diet was the significant factor influencing male mTORC1-activating phosphorylation (p < 0.0001), as treatments were only effective in reducing phosphorylation in REDD-fed animals. Downstream analysis of mTORC1 activated genes phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (pgd) and phosphofructose kinase (pfk) followed this similar trend, enforcing the significant effect sex has on a treatments' ability to modulate diet induced abnormalities. Analyzing mTORC1 stimulators such as insulin, inflammatory cytokines, and tryptophan, revealed no significant differences among groups. These results indicate that the effects observed on mTORC1 are a direct consequence of the treatments, and not exerted indirectly via the modulation of stimuli. This study highlights the potential use of commensal microorganisms and natural compounds in reducing the onset of metabolic diseases through mTORC1.

DNA agarose gel electrophoresis for antioxidant analysis: Development of a quantitative approach for phenolic extracts.

Most of the fast in vitro assays proposed to determine the antioxidant capacity of a compound/extract lack either biological context or employ complex protocols. Therefore, the present work proposes the improvement of an agarose gel DNA electrophoresis in order to allow for a quantitative estimation of the antioxidant capacity of pure phenolic compounds as well as of a phenolic rich extract, while also considering their possible pro-oxidant effects. The result obtained demonstrated that the proposed method allowed for the evaluation of the protection of DNA oxidation [in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and an H2O2/iron (III) chloride (FeCl3) systems] as well as for the observation of pro-oxidant activities, with the measurements registering interclass correlation coefficients above 0.9. Moreover, this method allowed for the characterization of the antioxidant capacity of a blueberry extract while demonstrating that it had no perceived pro-oxidant effect.

Fermented blueberry juice extract and its specific fractions have an anti-adipogenic effect in 3 T3-L1 cells.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and Type 2 diabetes have reached epidemic status worldwide. Wild lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Aiton) is a plant of the North American Aboriginal traditional pharmacopeia with antidiabetic potential, especially when it is fermented with Serratia vaccinii. METHODS: A phytochemical fractionation scheme was used to identify potential bioactive compounds as confirmed by HPLC retention times and UV-Vis spectra. 3 T3-L1 cells were differentiated for 7 days with either Normal Blueberry Extract (NBE), Fermented Blueberry Extract (FBE/F1), seven fractions and four pure compounds. Triglyceride content was measured. Examination of selected intracellular signalling components (p-Akt, p-AMPK) and transcriptional factors (SREBP-1c and PPARγ) was carried out by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: The inhibitory effect of FBE/F1 on adipocyte triglyceride accumulation was attributed to total phenolic (F2) and chlorogenic acid enriched (F3-2) fractions that both inhibited by 75%. Pure compounds catechol (CAT) and chlorogenic acid (CA) also inhibited adipogenesis by 70%. Treatment with NBE, F1, F3-2, CAT and CA decreased p-AKT, whereas p-AMPK tended to increase with F1. The expression of SREBP1-c was not significantly modulated. In contrast, PPARγ decreased in all experimental groups that inhibited adipogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that fermented blueberry extract contains compounds with anti-adipogenic activity, which can serve to standardize nutraceutical preparations from fermented blueberry juice and to develop novel compounds with anti-obesity properties.

A literature review of flavonoids and lifespan in model organisms.

Epidemiological data on consumption of flavonoid-containing food points to the notion that some of these secondary plant metabolites may favour healthy ageing. The aim of the present paper was to review the literature on lifespan extension by flavonoids in worms, flies and mice. In most studies, worms and flies experienced lifespan extension when supplemented with flavonoids either as extracts or single compounds. Studies with mutant worms and flies give hints as to which gene products may be regulated by flavonoids and consequently enhance longevity. We discuss the data considering putative mechanisms that may underlie flavonoid action such as energy-restriction-like effects, inhibition of insulin-like-growth-factor signalling, induction of antioxidant defence mechanisms, hormesis as well as antimicrobial properties. However, it remains uncertain whether human lifespan could be prolonged by increased flavonoid intake.