Blackberry and Blueberry Anthocyanin Supplementation Counteract High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obesity by Alleviating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation and Accelerating Energy Expenditure

Increased content of bioactive compounds and health benefits of gluten-free sponge cakes resulting from enrichment with freeze-dried berry powders

Berries are not only appreciated for their distinctive taste and flavor, but they are also highly valued for their nutritional and health-promoting properties. This study aimed to develop appealing new gluten-free sponge cakes (GFS) enriched with bioactive phytochemicals using berry powders. Freeze-dried powders of raspberry (R), blackberry (B), and blueberry (L) were used to replace 2 % of the starch in the experimental GFS formulation. This study analyzed the profile and content of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, and assessed the antiglycation activity using spectrophotometric methods. Additionally, the color and textural parameters, as well as consumer preferences for the GFS, were evaluated. The application of berry powders in the experimental formulation significantly increased (p < 0.05) the content of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins in all the berry-enriched sponge cakes, although the degree of increase varied, depending on the berry used. All the berry-enriched sponge cakes acquired a pleasant reddish tint, with the raspberry sponge cake (GFR) receiving the highest scores for sensory attractiveness. However, the textural parameters (hardness, gumminess, and chewiness) of all the berry-enriched sponge cakes were negatively affected compared to the control. These findings indicate that incorporating berry powders into GFS formulations can create a visually appealing and tasty option for health-conscious consumers, particularly those with dietary restrictions such as celiac disease.

Drying: A Practical Technology for Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.)-Processes and their Effects on Selected Health-Promoting Properties

The global dried blueberry market is steadily growing, driven by the creation of innovative blueberry-based products. This trend presents an opportunity to explore a previously untapped segment of the blueberry market in Chile. In this study, a comprehensive assessment of four drying techniques (hot-air drying [HAD], vacuum drying [VD], infrared drying [IRD], and freeze-drying [FD]) was conducted to determine best operating conditions and preserve the health-promoting properties of blueberries. Drying kinetics, proximate composition, color, anthocyanin content, individual phenols, and antioxidant, antiproliferative, and antidiabetic potential of blueberries were evaluated. VD showed the highest drying rates, reaching equilibrium moisture more rapidly (Deff value of 3.44 × 10-10 m2/s). Drying caused an increase in lipid content but a decrease in protein content. The color parameter L* increased in all dried samples, and C* reflected color intensification. FD best retained anthocyanin content, which decreased significantly in the other drying processes. Chlorogenic acid and rutin predominated in HAD, IRD, and FD samples. The antioxidant potential in ORAC assays increased for all drying methods but decreased in DPPH assays. Blueberry extracts from FD and HAD exhibited the greatest antiproliferative effect against A549 and H1299 cell lines, respectively. HAD showed the best inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase, with an IC50 value of 0.276 mg/mL, similar to acarbose (IC50 = 0.253 mg/mL). Given the significant retention of health-promoting properties and bioactive compounds in HAD-dried samples, this method is advisable as a sustainable option for drying blueberries in Chile.

Antioxidant Activity of Anthocyanins and Anthocyanidins: A Critical Review

Anthocyanins are the main plant pigments responsible for the color of flowers, fruits, and vegetative organs of many plants, and are applied also as safe food colorants. They are efficient antioxidants. In this review, the reactivity of anthocyanins and their aglycones, anthocyanidins, in the main antioxidant assays, and their reactions with reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, effects of interactions with other compounds and metal ions on the antioxidant activity of anthocyanins and the electrochemical properties of anthocyanins are presented. Numerous cases of attenuation of oxidative stress at the cellular and organismal levels by anthocyanins are cited. The direct and indirect antioxidant action of anthocyanins, the question of the specificity of anthocyanin action in complex extracts, as well as limitations of cellular in vitro assays and biomarkers used for the detection of antioxidant effects of anthocyanins, are critically discussed.

Antimicrobial and therapeutic potentials of the blackberry extracts against Escherichia coli infection in male albino rats

BACKGROUND

Blackberries have garnered attention recently due to their high concentration of bioactive components like anthocyanin and their health advantages. Therefore, this study aims to determine the bioactive profile, antioxidant and antibacterial effects of blackberry extracts (BBEs). Then, evaluate the protective effect of BBEs (20%, 30% and 40%) in a rat model of 2 mL of 4-8 × 106 Escherichia coli ATTC 25922 strain colony-forming unit mL-1 oral infection on the seventh day of the experiment.

RESULTS

Rats were divided into six groups: G1: control (C-: normal or negative group), G2: (C+: infected or positive group), G3: infected-treated group by 20% BBE, G4: infected-treated group by 30% BBE, G5: infected-treated group by 40% of BBE and G6: infected-treated group by Gentamicin. The results showed that BBE had a high content of total phenolic compounds, flavonoid, anthocyanin contents, and different vitamins (vitamins A, E and C), reaching 450, 186, 58.83 mg 100 g-1, 2.68, 2.14 and 107.46 mg 100g-1 fresh weight, respectively, which showed great antioxidant and antibacterial effects. Therefore, liver enzymes, kidney function and lipid profiles were significantly higher in the infected group than in the control or infected-treated groups. Furthermore, BBE ameliorated inflammation of the intestine and hepatocyte damage compared to the infected control group.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that consistent intake of BBE might alleviate hepatic inflammation and the gut microbiota in ways that could significantly impact human health. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) Anthocyanins and Their Functions, Stability, Bioavailability, and Applications

Blueberry fruits are rich in anthocyanins. There are 25 known anthocyanidins found in blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) until now. Anthocyanins found in blueberries have attracted considerable interest for their outstanding abilities as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, and neuroprotection compounds, as well as their potential for preventing cardiovascular diseases, protecting vision, and inhibiting cancer development. However, their application is constrained by issues related to instability and relatively low bioavailability. Thus, this review provides a detailed overview of categories, functions, stability, and bioavailability of blueberry anthocyanins and their practical applications. The available studies indicate that there is more potential for the industrial production of blueberry anthocyanins.

Exosome prospects in the diagnosis and treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

The growing prevalence of NAFLD and its global health burden have provoked considerable research on possible diagnostic and therapeutic options for NAFLD. Although various pathophysiological mechanisms and genetic factors have been identified to be associated with NAFLD, its treatment remains challenging. In recent years, exosomes have attracted widespread attention for their role in metabolic dysfunctions and their efficacy as pathological biomarkers. Exosomes have also shown tremendous potential in treating a variety of disorders. With increasing evidence supporting the significant role of exosomes in NAFLD pathogenesis, their theragnostic potential has become a point of interest in NAFLD. Expectedly, exosome-based treatment strategies have shown promise in the prevention and amelioration of NAFLD in preclinical studies. However, there are still serious challenges in preparing, standardizing, and applying exosome-based therapies as a routine clinical option that should be overcome. Due to the great potential of this novel theragnostic agent in NAFLD, further investigations on their safety, clinical efficacy, and application standardization are highly recommended.

Interplay among Oxidative Stress, Autophagy, and the Endocannabinoid System in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Role of the Nrf2- p62/SQSTM1 Pathway and Nutraceutical Activation

The onset of neurodegenerative diseases involves a complex interplay of pathological mechanisms, including protein aggregation, oxidative stress, and impaired autophagy. This review focuses on the intricate connection between oxidative stress and autophagy in neurodegenerative disorders, highlighting autophagy as pivotal in disease pathogenesis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play dual roles in cellular homeostasis and autophagy regulation, with disruptions of redox signaling contributing to neurodegeneration. The activation of the Nrf2 pathway represents a critical antioxidant mechanism, while autophagy maintains cellular homeostasis by degrading altered cell components. The interaction among p62/SQSTM1, Nrf2, and Keap1 forms a regulatory pathway essential for cellular stress response, whose dysregulation leads to impaired autophagy and aggregate accumulation. Targeting the Nrf2-p62/SQSTM1 pathway holds promise for therapeutic intervention, mitigating oxidative stress and preserving cellular functions. Additionally, this review explores the potential synergy between the endocannabinoid system and Nrf2 signaling for neuroprotection. Further research is needed to elucidate the involved molecular mechanisms and develop effective therapeutic strategies against neurodegeneration.

Effect of dietary anthocyanins on biomarkers of type 2 diabetes and related obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Anthocyanins have been reported for the protective effects against type 2 diabetes and related obesity. This meta-analysis examined the benefits of anthocyanins on type 2 diabetes and obesity biomarkers in animals and humans. The study included 21 clinical trials and 27 pre-clinical studies. A systematic search was conducted using the following inclusion criteria: in vivo rodent studies; human randomized clinical trials, both aimed at assessing the fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein; and study duration of at least two weeks. Out of the 201 examined publications, 48 were shortlisted after implementation of the selection criteria. Results of clinical trials demonstrated that consumption of anthocyanin-rich food significantly reduced the FBG (p < 0.0001), HbA1c (p = 0.02), TC (p = 0.010), TG (p = 0.003), LDL (p = 0.05) and increases the HDL (p = 0.03) levels. Similarly, pre-clinical studies demonstrated the amelioration of the HbA1c (p = 0.02), FBG, TC, TG, and LDL (p < 0.00001), with non-significant changes in the HDL (p = 0.11). Sub-group analysis indicated dose-dependent effect. This compilation confirms that consuming anthocyanin-rich foods positively correlates with the reduction in the blood glucose and lipid levels in diabetic and obese subjects.

Clinically Effective Molecules of Natural Origin for Obesity Prevention or Treatment

The prevalence and incidence of obesity and the comorbidities linked to it are increasing worldwide. Current therapies for obesity and associated pathologies have proven to cause a broad number of adverse effects, and often, they are overpriced or not affordable for all patients. Among the alternatives currently available, natural bioactive compounds stand out. These are frequently contained in pharmaceutical presentations, nutraceutical products, supplements, or functional foods. The clinical evidence for these molecules is increasingly solid, among which epigallocatechin-3-gallate, ellagic acid, resveratrol, berberine, anthocyanins, probiotics, carotenoids, curcumin, silymarin, hydroxy citric acid, and α-lipoic acid stand out. The molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways of these molecules have been shown to interact with the endocrine, nervous, and gastroenteric systems. They can regulate the expression of multiple genes and proteins involved in starvation-satiety processes, activate the brown adipose tissue, decrease lipogenesis and inflammation, increase lipolysis, and improve insulin sensitivity. This review provides a comprehensive view of nature-based therapeutic options to address the increasing prevalence of obesity. It offers a valuable perspective for future research and subsequent clinical practice, addressing everything from the molecular, genetic, and physiological bases to the clinical study of bioactive compounds.

Salvia officinalis Improves Glycemia and Suppresses Pro-inflammatory Features in Obese Rats with Metabolic Syndrome

OBJECTIVES

Obesity is regarded as the main cause of metabolic diseases and a core factor for all-cause mortality in the general population, notably from cardiovascular disease. The majority of people with type 2 diabetes have obesity and insulin resistance. Some evidence indicates that an individual with obesity is approximately 10 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than someone with moderate body weight. One of the most significant therapeutic herbs, Salvia officinalis (Lamiaceae) (SAGE), possesses potent medicinal importance. The aim of this article was to evaluate the anti-diabetic and antiobesity activity of SAGEAE against HFD-induced obesity in rats.

METHODS

Thirty adult albino rats were randomly divided into five equal groups: control, High-fat Diet (HFD) administrated rats, HFD + Salvia officinalis Aqueous Extract (SAGEAE) (150 mg/kg.bw.), HFD + SAGEAE (300 mg/kg.bw.) and HFD + metformin (500 mg/kg.bw.). Body weight, plasma biochemical parameters, oxidative stress, inflammatory indicators, hepatic Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase 1 (PCK1), Glucokinase (GK), brain Leptin Receptor (LepRb), Glucose Transporter-4 (GLUT4), Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and mRNA33-5P gene signalling mRNA levels were all assessed after 8 weeks. A histological examination of the liver was also performed to check for lipid accumulation.

RESULTS

The administration of HFD resulted in increased body weight, glucose, insulin, leptin, Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglycerides (TG), Thiobarbaturic Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS), Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP1), Interleukine-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF- α) as well as hepatic PCK1, brain LepRb and adipose tissue mRNA33-5P gene expression. However, our findings revealed a significant reduction in adiponectin, High-density Lipoproteincholesterol (HDL-C), reduced glutathione (GSH) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) levels as well as the expression of hepatic GK and adipose tissue SIRT1 and GLUT4 genes. Also, administration of SAGEAE significantly normalized body weight, glucose, insulin, leptin, adiponectin, TC, TG, HDL-C, TBARs, SOD, IL-6, MCP-1 and TNF-α in plasma and liver tissue of HFD-treated rats. On the other hand, PCK1, GK, LepRb, SIRT1, GLUT4 and mRNA33-5P gene expression was enhanced in obese rats when administrated with SAGEAE. Histological and US studies support the biochemical, PCR and electrophoretic results.

CONCLUSION

The findings imply that SAGEAE could be used as a new pharmaceutical formula in the treatment of obesity.

Optimization of Phloretin-loaded Nanospanlastics for Targeting of FAS/SREBP1c/AMPK/ OB-Rb Signaling Pathway in HFD-induced Obesity

OBJECTIVES

Obese patients are at increased risk for CVD, which is the main cause of premature death and has been a major cause of disability and ill health in recent years. PTN, a natural dihydrochalcone flavonoid, has a variety of pharmacological characteristics. This article aimed to prepare PTN-NSLs to evaluate their anti-obesity activity.

METHODS

Morphology, Particle size, zeta potential, UV-vis, entrapment efficiency, FT-IR spectra, and an in vitro release study of PTN-NSLs were described. PTN-NSLs were also tested for their anti-obesity properties in obese rats. The LD50 of PTN-NSLs was calculated, as was the 1/20 LD50 prepared for the treatment of obese rats. Also, the level of glycemic, oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers were estimated in the obese rat's model.

RESULTS

The synthesized PTN-NSLs were uniform, spherically shaped, and well dispersed with no aggregation noted, with a size range of 114.06 ± 8.35 nm. The measured zeta potential value of PTN-NSLs was -32.50.8 mv. Also, the UV spectra of PTN and PTN-NSLs have strong absorption at 225 and 285 nm. Also, the LD50 of PTN-NSLs was found to be 2750 mg/kg.b.w. Moreover, administrating obese rats with PTN-NSLs resulted in improved glycemic features as well as GSH, SOD, GPx, GR, IL10, TBARs, and IL-6 levels, as well as attenuated FAS, SREBP1c, AMPK, ACO, CPT1, and OB-Rb gene expression.

CONCLUSION

Administration of PTN-NSLs significantly attenuated the levels of glycemic, oxidative stress, and inflammatory biomarkers. The biochemical and PCR findings are aided by histological investigations. Also, the present findings imply that PTN-NSLs might be a promising pharmacological tool for the treatment of obesity-related diseases.

Evidence for the Beneficial Effects of Brazilian Native Fruits and Their By-Products on Human Intestinal Microbiota and Repercussions on Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases-A Review

Non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs) are the most widespread cause of mortality worldwide. Intestinal microbiota balance can be altered by changes in the abundance and/or diversity of intestinal microbiota, indicating a role of intestinal microbiota in NCD development. This review discusses the findings of in vitro studies, pre-clinical studies and clinical trials on the effects of Brazilian native fruits, their by-products, as well as their bioactive compounds on human intestinal microbiota and NCD. The major bioactive compounds in Brazilian native fruits and their by-products, and the impacts of their administration on outcomes linked to intestinal microbiota modulation are discussed. Mechanisms of intestinal microbiota affecting NCD could be linked to the modulation of absorption and energy balance, immune and endocrine systems, and inflammatory response. Brazilian native fruits, such as acerola, açaí, baru, buriti, guava, jabuticaba, juçara, and passion fruit, have several bioactive compounds, soluble and insoluble fibers, and a variety of phenolic compounds, which are capable of changing these key mechanisms. Brazilian native fruits and their by-products can help to promote positive intestinal and systemic health benefits by driving alterations in the composition of the human intestinal microbiota, and increasing the production of distinct short-chain fatty acids and phenolic metabolites, thereby enhancing intestinal integrity and homeostasis. Evidence from available literature shows that the modulatory impacts of Brazilian native fruits and their by-products on the composition and metabolic activity of the intestinal microbiota could improve several clinical repercussions associated with NCD, reinforcing the influence of intestinal microbiota in extra-intestinal outcomes.

Pharmacological Activities and Chemical Stability of Natural and Enzymatically Acylated Anthocyanins: A Comparative Review

Anthocyanins (ANCs) are naturally occurring water-soluble pigments responsible for conferring red, blue, and purple colors to fruits, vegetables, flowers, and grains. Due to their chemical structure, they are highly susceptible to degradation by external factors, such as pH, light, temperature, and oxygen. Naturally acylated anthocyanins have proven to be more stable in response to external factors and exhibit superior biological effects as compared with their non-acylated analogues. Therefore, synthetic acylation represents a viable alternative to make the application of these compounds more suitable for use. Enzyme-mediated synthetic acylation produces derivatives that are highly similar to those obtained through the natural acylation process, with the main difference between these two pathways being the catalytic site of the enzymes involved in the synthesis; acyltransferases catalyze natural acylation, while lipases catalyze synthetic acylation. In both cases, their active sites perform the addition of carbon chains to the hydroxyl groups of anthocyanin glycosyl moieties. Currently, there is no comparative information regarding natural and enzymatically acylated anthocyanins. In this sense, the aim of this review is to compare natural and enzyme-mediated synthetic acylated anthocyanins in terms of chemical stability and pharmacological activity with a focus on inflammation and diabetes.

Vaccinium as Potential Therapy for Diabetes and Microvascular Complications

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most critical global health concerns, with a fast-growing prevalence. The incidence of diabetic vascular complications is also rapidly increasing, exacerbating the burden on individuals with diabetes and the consumption of public medical resources. Despite the overall improvements in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diabetic microvascular complications in recent years, safe and effective alternative or adjunctive therapies are urgently needed. The mechanisms underlying diabetic vascular complications are complex, with hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress and inflammation being the leading causes. Therefore, glycemic control, antioxidation, and anti-inflammation are considered the main targets for the treatment of diabetes and its vascular comorbidities. Vaccinium L. (Ericaceae) is a genus of plants enriched with polyphenolic compounds in their leaves and fruits. Vaccinium and its extracts have demonstrated good bioactivity in reducing blood glucose, oxidative stress, and inflammation, making them excellent candidates for the management of diabetes and diabetic vascular complications. Here, we review recent preclinical and clinical studies on the potential effect of Vaccinium on ameliorating diabetes and diabetic complications, particularly diabetic kidney disease and diabetic retinopathy.

Anthocyanins ameliorate obesity-associated metainflammation: Preclinical and clinical evidence

The growing rates of obesity worldwide call for intervention strategies to help control the pathophysiological consequences of weight gain. The use of natural foods and bioactive compounds has been suggested as such a strategy because of their recognized antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. For example, polyphenols, especially anthocyanins, are candidates for managing obesity and its related metabolic disorders. Obesity is well known for the presence of metainflammation, which has been labeled as an inflammatory activation that leads to a variety of metabolic disorders, usually related to increased oxidative stress. Considering this, anthocyanins may be promising natural compounds able to modulate several intracellular mechanisms, mitigating oxidative stress and metainflammation. A wide variety of foods and extracts rich in anthocyanins have become the focus of research in the field of obesity. Here, we bring together the current knowledge regarding the use of anthocyanins as an intervention tested in vitro, in vivo, and in clinical trials to modulate metainflammation. Most recent research applies a wide variety of extracts and natural sources of anthocyanins, in diverse experimental models, which represents a limitation of the research field. However, the literature is sufficiently consistent to establish that the in-depth molecular analysis of gut microbiota, insulin signaling, TLR4-triggered inflammation, and oxidative stress pathways reveals their modulation by anthocyanins. These targets are interconnected at the cellular level and interact with one another, leading to obesity-associated metainflammation. Thus, the positive findings with anthocyanins observed in preclinical models might directly relate to the positive outcomes in clinical studies. In summary and based on the entirety of the relevant literature, anthocyanins can mitigate obesity-related perturbations in gut microbiota, insulin resistance, oxidative stress and inflammation and therefore may contribute as a therapeutic tool in people living with obesity.

The Extraction and High Antiproliferative Effect of Anthocyanin from Gardenblue Blueberry

Blueberries are rich in flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and other bioactive substances. Anthocyanins are important functional components in blueberries. We collected 65 varieties of blueberries to investigate their nutritional and functional values. Among them, Gardenblue had the highest anthocyanin content, with 2.59 mg/g in fresh fruit. After ultrasound-assisted solvent extraction and macroporous resin absorption, the content was increased to 459.81 mg/g in the dried powder. Biological experiments showed that Gardenblue anthocyanins (L¹) had antiproliferative effect on cervical cancer cells (Hela, 51.98 μg/mL), liver cancer cells (HepG2, 23.57 μg/mL), breast cancer cells (MCF-7, 113.39 μg/mL), and lung cancer cells (A549, 76.10 μg/mL), and no apparent toxic effects were indicated by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay, especially against HepG2 cells both in vitro and in vivo. After combining it with DDP (cisplatin) and DOX (doxorubicin), the antiproliferative effects were enhanced, especially when combined with DOX against HepG2 cells; the IC₅₀ value was 0.02 μg/mL. This was further evidence that L¹ could inhibit cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis. The detailed mechanism might be L¹ interacting with DNA in an intercalation mode that changes or destroys DNA, causing apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation. The findings of this study suggest that L¹ extract can be used as a functional agent against hepatoma carcinoma cells.

Does anthocyanins consumption affect weight and body composition? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background and Aims

Anthocyanins (ACNs) are water-soluble plant pigments belong to flavonoids with beneficial effects on health and disease prevention. Some studies have examined the effect of ACNs on anthropometric and body composition indices, but the findings were inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effect of ACNs and sources rich in anthocyanins on body mass index (BMI), body weight (BW), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), percentage of fat mass (PFM) and fat free mass (FFM).

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched with no limitation until May 2021 to find relevant randomized controlled clinical trials (RCT). The risk of bias was assessed utilizing Cochrane collaboration's tool. Weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained using a random effects model.

Results

A total of 31 RCTs (with 0.77-640 mg/day of ACNs supplementation for 28-90 days) with 1438 participants were included. No significant effect was found in BMI, WC, HC, WHR, PFM and FFM after ACNs consumption.

Conclusions

The results showed that ACNs did not significantly affect anthropometric and body composition parameters. Further high-quality RCTs are required to validate these findings.

Research Progress on Absorption, Metabolism, and Biological Activities of Anthocyanins in Berries: A Review

Berries, as the best dietary sources for human health, are rich in anthocyanins, vitamins, fiber, polyphenols, essential amino acids, and other ingredients. Anthocyanins are one of the most important bioactive components in berries. The attractive color of berries is attributed to the fact that berries contain different kinds of anthocyanins. Increasing research activity has indicated that anthocyanins in berries show various biological activities, including protecting vision; antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor qualities; inhibition of lipid peroxidation; anti-cardiovascular disease properties; control of hypoglycemic conditions; and other activities. Hence, berries have high nutritional and medicinal values. The recognized absorption, metabolism, and biological activities of anthocyanins have promoted their research in different directions. Hence, it is necessary to systematically review the research progress and future prospects of anthocyanins to promote a better understanding of anthocyanins. The absorption, metabolism, and biological activities of anthocyanins from berries were reviewed in this paper. The findings of this study provide an important reference for basic research, product development and utilization of berries' anthocyanins in food, cosmetics, and drugs.

The anti-obesity effect of mulberry leaf (Mori Folium) extracts was increased by bioconversion with Pectinex

Mulberry leaf (Mori Folium) extract (MLE) is known to have anti-obesity effects. In this study, the enhanced effects of MLE after bioconversion treatment using Pectinex (BMLE) on obesity were explored, and the underlying mechanisms were investigated using the active components, neochlorogenic acid (5-CQA) and cryptochlorogenic acid (4-CQA), whose amounts were increased by bioconversion of MLE. Both MLE and BMLE inhibited lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes without cytotoxicity and suppressed the expression of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPα). In addition, MLE and BMLE decreased high-fat diet-induced adipose tissue mass expansion. Notably, BMLE significantly increased antiadipogenic and anti-obesity effects compared to MLE in vitro and in vivo. The active ingredients increased by bioconversion, 5-CQA and 4-CQA, inhibited the protein levels of C/EBPα and the mRNA levels of stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (Scd1). These findings provide new insights into the therapeutic possibility of using bioconversion of MLE, by which upregulation of 5-CQA and 4-CQA potently inhibits adipogenesis.

The Role of Anthocyanin in Modulating Diabetic Cardiovascular Disease and Its Potential to Be Developed as a Nutraceutical

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is directly linked to diabetes mellitus (DM), and its morbidity and mortality are rising at an alarming rate. Individuals with DM experience significantly worse clinical outcomes due to heart failure as a CVD consequence than non-diabetic patients. Hyperglycemia is the main culprit that triggers the activation of oxidative damage, inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis pathways that aggravate diabetic CVD progression. In recent years, the development of phytochemical-based nutraceutical products for diabetic treatment has risen due to their therapeutic properties. Anthocyanin, which can be found in various types of plants, has been proposed for preventing and treating various diseases, and has elicited excellent antioxidative, anti-inflammation, anti-fibrosis, and anti-apoptosis effects. In preclinical and clinical studies, plants rich in anthocyanin have been reported to attenuate diabetic CVD. Therefore, the development of anthocyanin as a nutraceutical in managing diabetic CVD is in demand. In this review, we unveil the role of anthocyanin in modulating diabetic CVD, and its potential to be developed as a nutraceutical for a therapeutic strategy in managing CVD associated with DM.

Black soybean seed coat polyphenol ameliorates the abnormal feeding pattern induced by high-fat diet consumption

High-fat diet (HFD) consumption induces chronic inflammation and microglial accumulation in the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH), the central regulator of feeding behavior and peripheral metabolism. As a result, the diurnal feeding rhythm is disrupted, leading to the development of obesity. Diet-induced obesity (DIO) can be prevented by restoring the normal feeding pattern. Therefore, functional foods and drugs that ameliorate hypothalamic inflammation and restore the normal feeding pattern may prevent or ameliorate DIO. Numerous functional foods and food-derived compounds with anti-obesity effects have been identified; however, few studies have been performed that assessed their potential to prevent the HFD-induced hypothalamic inflammation and disruption of feeding rhythm. In the present study, we found that polyphenols derived from black soybean seed coat (BE) significantly ameliorated the accumulation of activated microglia and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus of HFD-fed mice, and restored their feeding pattern to one comparable to that of standard diet-fed mice, thereby ameliorating DIO. Furthermore, cyanidin 3-O-glucoside—the principal anthocyanin in BE—was found to be a strong candidate mediator of these effects. This is the first study to show that BE has the potential to provide a variety of beneficial effects on health, which involve amelioration of the HFD-induced hypothalamic inflammation and abnormal feeding pattern. The results of this study provide new evidence for the anti-obesity effects of black soybean polyphenols.

Dietary anthocyanins balance immune signs in osteoarthritis and obesity - update of human in vitro studies and clinical trials

Anthocyanins are known to change ligand-receptor bindings, cell membrane permeability, and intracellular signaling pathways. The beneficial effects of dietary anthocyanins have been chronologically demonstrated in interventional and observational studies, including fourteen human chondrocyte studies and related cell culture assays, nineteen human clinical trials in osteoarthritis patients, seven in vivo obesity assays, nineteen in vitro assays in preadipocytes and related cells, and twenty-two clinical trials in overweight/obese subjects, which are critically discussed in this update. Strawberries, cherries, berries, pomegranate, tropical fruits, rosehip, purple rice, purple corn, red beans, and black soybean, together with cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin, peonidin, some 3-O-glycosides, metabolites, and acylated anthocyanins from a potato cultivar have shown the best outcomes. The set of these five key tests and clinical trials, taken together, contributes to the understanding of the underlying mechanisms and pathways involved. Furthermore, this set shows the value of anthocyanins in counteracting the progression of osteoarthritis/obesity. The interplay between the inflammation of osteoarthritis and obesity, and the subsequent regulation/immunomodulation was performed through isolated and food anthocyanins. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties of anthocyanins explain the findings of the studies analyzed. However, further interventional studies should be conducted to finally establish the appropriate doses for anthocyanin supplementation, dose-response, and length of consumption, to include dietary recommendations for osteoarthritis/obese patients for preventive and management purposes.

Antiamnesic Potential of Malvidin on Aluminum Chloride Activated by the Free Radical Scavenging Property

Objectives: Malvidin, a dietary anthocyanin can be a potent drug for the treatment of neuronal toxicity. The investigation was aimed to study the antioxidant role of malvidin against aluminum chloride (AlCl₃)-induced neurotoxicity in rats. Methods: To evaluate the neuroprotective role of malvidin, the rats were divided into four different groups: group I received saline, group II received AlCl₃, and groups III and IV were administered with 100 and 200 mg/kg malvidin after AlCl₃ for 60 days. During the evaluation period, all the groups were subjected to a behavioral test. On the 61st day of the study, rat brains were removed and used for a neurochemical assay. Results: From the present study, malvidin ameliorated the effects of AlCl₃ on behavioral parameters. Biochemical investigation revealed that oral treatment of malvidin shows neuroprotective effects through regulation of antioxidant levels and neuroinflammation in the AlCl₃-exposed rats. Conclusion: The results indicate that malvidin possesses antioxidant activity via acetylcholinesterase inhibition and regulation of oxidative stress in neuronal cells. Hence, malvidin could be a potential drug in correcting Alzheimer's disease.

Chromosome-level genome assembly of the diploid blueberry Vaccinium darrowii provides insights into its subtropical adaptation and cuticle synthesis

Vaccinium darrowii is a subtropical wild blueberry species that has been used to breed economically important southern highbush cultivars. The adaptive traits of V. darrowii to subtropical climates can provide valuable information for breeding blueberry and perhaps other plants, especially against the background of global warming. Here, we assembled the V. darrowii genome into 12 pseudochromosomes using Oxford Nanopore long reads complemented with Hi-C scaffolding technologies, and we predicted 41 815 genes using RNA-sequencing evidence. Syntenic analysis across three Vaccinium species revealed a highly conserved genome structure, with the highest collinearity between V. darrowii and Vaccinium corymbosum. This conserved genome structure may explain the high fertility observed during crossbreeding of V. darrowii with other blueberry cultivars. Analysis of gene expansion and tandem duplication indicated possible roles for defense- and flowering-associated genes in the adaptation of V. darrowii to the subtropics. Putative SOC1 genes in V. darrowii were identified based on phylogeny and expression analysis. Blueberries are covered in a thick cuticle layer and contain anthocyanins, which confer their powdery blue color. Using RNA sequencing, we delineated the cuticle biosynthesis pathways of Vaccinium species in V. darrowii. This result can serve as a reference for breeding berries whose colors are appealing to customers. The V. darrowii reference genome, together with the unique traits of this species, including its diploid genome, short vegetative phase, and high compatibility in hybridization with other blueberries, make V. darrowii a potential research model for blueberry species.

The Hepatoprotective Effect of Leonurine Hydrochloride Against Alcoholic Liver Disease Based on Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analysis

Excessive alcohol consumption can eventually progress to alcoholic liver disease (ALD). The underlying mechanism of ALD toxicity is primarily associated with oxidative damage. Many alkaloids have been reported to possess potential antioxidative efficacy, while the mechanism of their hepatoprotective activity against ALD is still not clear. In this study, eight alkaloids were selected from a monomer library of Traditional Chinese Medicine and evaluated for their antioxidant activity against ALD by the evaluation of Glutathione (GSH) and Malondialdehyde (MDA). The result suggested that Leonurine hydrochloride (LH) was a potent antioxidant that could reduce alcoholic liver damage. To further investigate the underlying mechanism of LH against ALD, the molecular pathway induced by LH was identified by RNA-seq analyses. Transcriptome data revealed the principal mechanism for the protective effect of LH against ALD might be attributed to the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of PI3K-AKT, AMPK, and HIF-1 signaling pathways involved in the lipid metabolism. Given the hepatoprotective mechanism of LH is involved in lipid metabolism, the lipid metabolism induced by LH was further analyzed by UHPLC-MS/MS. Metabolome analysis indicated that LH significantly regulated glycerophospholipid metabolism including phosphatidylcholine, 1-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and 1-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine in the liver. Overall, this study revealed that the hepatoprotective mechanism of LH against alcoholic liver damage might be associated with the genes involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism.

The Benefits of Anthocyanins against Obesity-Induced Inflammation

Obesity has become a serious public health epidemic because of its associations with chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Obesity triggers inflammation marked by the secretion of low-grade inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, and tumor necrosis factor-α, leading to a condition known as “meta-inflammation”. Currently, there is great interest in studying the treatment of obesity with food-derived bioactive compounds, which have low toxicity and no severe adverse events compared with pharmacotherapeutic agents. Here, we reviewed the beneficial effects of the bioactive compounds known as anthocyanins on obesity-induced inflammation. Foods rich in anthocyanins include tart cherries, red raspberries, black soybeans, blueberries, sweet cherries, strawberries and Queen Garnet plums. These anthocyanin-rich foods have been evaluated in cell culture, animal, and clinical studies, and found to be beneficial for health, reportedly reducing inflammatory markers. One factor in the development of obesity-related inflammation may be dysbiosis of the gut microbiome. Therefore, we focused this review on the in vitro and in vivo effects of anthocyanins on inflammation and the gut microbiota in obesity.

Recent advances in nuclear receptors-mediated health benefits of blueberry

BACKGROUND

Blueberry is rich in bioactive substances and has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, anti-cancer, neuroprotective, and other activities. Blueberry has been shown to treat diseases by mediating the transcription of nuclear receptors. However, evidence for nuclear receptor-mediated health benefits of blueberry has not been systematically reviewed.

PURPOSE

This review aims to summarize the nuclear receptor-mediated health benefits of blueberry.

METHODS

This study reviews all relevant literature published in NCBI PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar by January 2022. The relevant literature was extracted from the databases with the following keyword combinations: "biological activities" OR "nuclear receptors" OR "phytochemicals" AND "blueberry" OR "Vaccinium corymbosum" as well as free-text words.

RESULTS

In vivo and in vitro experimental results and clinical evidence have demonstrated that blueberry has health-promoting effects. Supplementing blueberry is beneficial to the treatment of cancer, the alleviation of metabolic syndrome, and liver protection. Blueberry can regulate the transcription of PPARs, ERs, AR, GR, MR, LXRs, and FXR and mediate the expressions of Akt, CYP 1Al, p53, and Bcl-2.

CONCLUSION

Blueberry can be targeted to treat various diseases by mediating the transcription of nuclear receptors. Nevertheless, further human research is needed.

Hibiscus sabdariffa extract improves hepatic steatosis, partially through IRS-1/Akt and Nrf2 signaling pathways in rats fed a high fat diet

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a major world-wide health problem and is characterized by lipid accumulation in the liver induced by high fat diet (HFD) consumption. It is usually associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance. Roselle extract (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is an herb which is used in traditional medicine. However, further study is necessary to represent the mechanism of NAFLD and find new preventive strategies. This study aims to investigate the protective effects of roselle extract on NAFLD rat models. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 35) were divided into 5 groups, control, HFD, HFD + Simvastatin (HFD + SIM), HFD + 250 mg/kg BW, and HFD + 500 mg/kg BW of roselle extract (HFD + R250 and HFD + R500, respectively). The results showed that roselle extract reduced hepatic lipid contents, de novo lipogenesis enzymes, microsomal triglyceride transfer protein, inflammatory cytokines, malondialdehyde, and increased antioxidant properties, transporter related with lipoprotein uptake, and insulin signal proteins. Comparing to SIM, the HFD + R500 group exhibited the greater benefit in terms of anti-hepatic steatosis, antioxidant properties, and an ability to improve insulin resistance. This study demonstrates that roselle extract improved antioxidant properties and attenuated hepatic steatosis, liver inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance in HFD-induced NAFLD in rats, which could be used for NAFLD prevention.

Blueberry-derived exosomes-like nanoparticles ameliorate nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by attenuating mitochondrial oxidative stress

Accumulating evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress play a pivotal role in the initiation and progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this study, we found that blueberry-derived exosomes-like nanoparticles (BELNs) could ameliorate oxidative stress in rotenone-induced HepG2 cells and high-fat diet (HFD)-fed C57BL/6 mice. Preincubation with BELNs decreased the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), increased the mitochondrial membrane potential, and prevented cell apoptosis by inducing the expression of Bcl-2 and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and decreasing the content of Bax in rotenone-treated HepG2 cells. We also found that preincubation with BELNs accelerated the translocation of Nrf2, an important transcription factor of antioxidative proteins, from the cytoplasm to the nucleus in rotenone-treated HepG2 cells. Moreover, administration of BELNs improved insulin resistance, ameliorated the dysfunction of hepatocytes, and regulated the expression of detoxifying/antioxidant genes by affecting the distribution of Nrf2 in the cytoplasm and nucleus of hepatocytes of HFD-fed mice. Furthermore, BELNs supplementation prevented the formation of vacuoles and attenuated the accumulation of lipid droplets by inhibiting the expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1), the two key transcription factors for de novo lipogenesis in the liver of HFD-fed mice. These findings suggested that BELNs can be used for the treatment of NAFLD because of their antioxidative activity.

The Effects of Antioxidants from Natural Products on Obesity, Dyslipidemia, Diabetes and Their Molecular Signaling Mechanism

Obesity is a risk factor that leads to the development of other diseases such as dyslipidemia and diabetes. These three metabolic disorders can occur simultaneously, hence, the treatment requires many drugs. Antioxidant compounds have been reported to have activities against obesity, dyslipidemia and diabetes via several mechanisms. This review aims to discuss the antioxidant compounds that have activity against obesity, dyslipidemia and diabetes together with their molecular signaling mechanism. The literature discussed in this review was obtained from the PUBMED database. Based on the collection of literature obtained, antioxidant compounds having activity against the three disorders (obesity, dyslipidemia and diabetes) were identified. The activity is supported by various molecular signaling pathways that are influenced by these antioxidant compounds, further study of which would be useful in predicting drug targets for a more optimal effect. This review provides insights on utilizing one of these antioxidant compounds as opposed to several drugs. It is hoped that in the future, the number of drugs in treating obesity, dyslipidemia and diabetes altogether can be minimized consequently reducing the risk of side effects.

Oxidative Transformation of Dihydroflavonols and Flavan-3-ols by Anthocyanidin Synthase from Vitis vinifera

Twelve polyphenols from three distinct families (dihydroflavonols, flavan-3-ols, and flavanones) were studied as potential substrates of anthocyanidin synthase from Vitis vinifera (VvANS). Only flavan-3-ols of (2R,3S) configuration having either a catechol or gallol group on ring B are accepted as substrates. Only dihydroflavonols of (2R,3R) configuration are accepted as substrates, but a catechol or gallol group is not mandatory. Flavanones are not substrates of VvANS. HPLC and MS/MS analyses of the enzymatic products showed that the VvANS-catalyzed oxidative transformation of (+)-dihydroflavonols, such as dihydroquercetin, dihydrokaempferol and dihydromyricetin, leads only to the corresponding flavonols. Among the flavan-3-ols recognized as substrates, (+)-gallocatechin was only transformed into delphinidin by VvANS, whereas (+)-catechin was transformed into three products, including two major products that were an ascorbate-cyanidin adduct and a dimer of oxidized catechin, and a minor product that was cyanidin. Data from real-time MS monitoring of the enzymatic transformation of (+)-catechin suggest that its products are all derived from the initial C₃-hydroxylation intermediate, i.e., a 3,3-gem-diol, and their most likely formation mechanism is discussed.

Recent Studies on Berry Bioactives and Their Health-Promoting Roles

Along with the increased knowledge about the positive health effects of food bioactives, the eating habits of many individuals have changed to obtain higher nutritional benefits from foods. Fruits are among the most preferred food materials in this regard. In particular, berry fruits are important sources in the diet in terms of their high nutritional content including vitamins, minerals, and phenolic compounds. Berry fruits have remedial effects on several diseases and these health-promoting impacts are associated with their phenolic compounds which may vary depending on the type and variety of the fruit coupled with other factors including climate, agricultural conditions, etc. Most of the berries have outstanding beneficial roles in many body systems of humans such as gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, immune, and nervous systems. Furthermore, they are effective on some metabolic disorders and several types of cancer. In this review, the health-promoting effects of bioactive compounds in berry fruits are presented and the most recent in vivo, in vitro, and clinical studies are discussed from a food science and nutrition point of view.

Blueberry Counteracts Prediabetes in a Hypercaloric Diet-Induced Rat Model and Rescues Hepatic Mitochondrial Bioenergetics

The paramount importance of a healthy diet in the prevention of type 2 diabetes is now well recognized. Blueberries (BBs) have been described as attractive functional fruits for this purpose. This study aimed to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms pertaining to the protective impact of blueberry juice (BJ) on prediabetes. Using a hypercaloric diet-induced prediabetic rat model, we evaluated the effects of BJ on glucose, insulin, and lipid profiles; gut microbiota composition; intestinal barrier integrity; and metabolic endotoxemia, as well as on hepatic metabolic surrogates, including several related to mitochondria bioenergetics. BJ supplementation for 14 weeks counteracted diet-evoked metabolic deregulation, improving glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and hypertriglyceridemia, along with systemic and hepatic antioxidant properties, without a significant impact on the gut microbiota composition and related mechanisms. In addition, BJ treatment effectively alleviated hepatic steatosis and mitochondrial dysfunction observed in the prediabetic animals, as suggested by the amelioration of bioenergetics parameters and key targets of inflammation, insulin signaling, ketogenesis, and fatty acids oxidation. In conclusion, the beneficial metabolic impact of BJ in prediabetes may be mainly explained by the rescue of hepatic mitochondrial bioenergetics. These findings pave the way to support the use of BJ in prediabetes to prevent diabetes and its complications.

Dietary Antioxidant Anthocyanins Mitigate Type II Diabetes through Improving the Disorder of Glycometabolism and Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance (IR) is one of the pathological reasons for type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Therefore, it is important to prevent the body from developing T2DM by improving IR and maintaining glucose homeostasis. Anthocyanins (ACNs) are water-soluble pigments and are widely distributed in natural products. This article summarizes research on the bioavailability and metabolism of ACNs. Moreover, we further elaborate on how ACNs reduce IR and hyperglycemia during the development of T2DM based on studies over the past 20 years. Many studies have demonstrated that ACNs are small molecules that target the pancreatic, liver, muscle, and adipose tissues, preventing IR and hyperglycemia. However, the molecular mechanisms are still unclear. Therefore, we envision whether the molecular mechanism of reducing T2DM by ACNs could be more deeply investigated.

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.

Black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) attenuates inflammatory markers and vascular endothelial dysfunction in Wistar rats fed a high-fat diet with fructose solution

A continuous high-fat/high-fructose diet induces inflammation and lowers vascular endothelial function in the body. This research examined the effects of black raspberry (BR) powder consumption on the inflammatory response and endothelial dysfunction in rats fed with a high-fat diet and fructose solution. Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups as control (AIN-93G diet + distilled water) and HFF (high-fat diet + 20% fructose solution) groups, for 16 weeks. At 8 weeks, the HFF was further divided into three subgroups: HFF, HFFBR2.5 (2.5% BR in high-fat diet), and HFFBR5 (5% BR in high-fat diet). The BR-fed groups showed significantly higher high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and lower triglycerides than the HFF group. Rats supplemented with BR showed decreased mRNA and protein expressions of inflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules in the liver and aorta tissues. Furthermore, the aortic protein expression of endothelial nitroxide synthase was significantly greater in the HFFBR2.5 and HFFBR5 than HFF. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Black raspberry (BR: Rubus occidentalis) is abundant in flavonoids and anthocyanins. BR displays various biological activities and has been used to alleviate inflammatory conditions. In our study, BR supplementation showed promising effects against high-fat/high-fructose diet-induced inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in rats by decreasing markers of inflammation and improving vascular endothelial function. These findings suggest that BR consumption could have beneficial effects on the risk factors of cardiovascular disease.

Antioxidant properties of anthocyanins and their mechanism of action in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis develops due to lipid accumulation in the arterial wall and sclerosis as result of increased hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress, lipid oxidation, and protein oxidation. However, improving antioxidant status through diet may prevent the progression of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. It is believed that polyphenol-rich plants contribute to the inverse relationship between fruit and vegetable intake and chronic disease. Anthocyanins are flavonoid polyphenols with antioxidant properties that have been associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. The consumption of anthocyanins increases total antioxidant capacity, antioxidant defense enzymes, and HDL antioxidant properties by several measures in preclinical and clinical populations. Anthocyanins appear to impart antioxidant actions via direct antioxidant properties, as well as indirectly via inducing intracellular Nrf2 activation and antioxidant gene expression. These actions counter oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling in cells present in atherosclerotic plaques, including macrophages and endothelial cells. Overall, anthocyanins may protect against atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease through their effects on cellular antioxidant status, oxidative stress, and inflammation; however, their underlying mechanisms of action appear to be complex and require further elucidation.

Blueberry as an Attractive Functional Fruit to Prevent (Pre)Diabetes Progression

Prediabetes, a subclinical impairment between euglycemia and hyperglycemia, is a risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and associated micro- and macrovascular complications. Lifestyle therapy, the first-line treatment of prediabetes, includes physical exercise and dietary regimens enriched in phytochemicals with health-related properties. Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.), given their pleasant taste and great abundance in beneficial phytochemicals, have gained public interest all over the world. Along with a high antioxidant activity, this functional fruit is also well-recognized due to its hypoglycemic and insulin-sensitizing effects and has been recommended for overt T2DM management. Yet blueberries target several other pathophysiological traits, namely gut microbiota dysbiosis and hepatic dysmetabolism, that ensue when prediabetes begins and for which pharmacological interventions tend to be delayed. In this work, we revisited preclinical data from in vitro assays, animal models and human studies, aiming to disclose the potential mechanisms by which blueberries may be a fruitful source of phytochemicals able to prevent (pre)diabetes progression. Collectively, future efforts should focus on longer-term studies with standardized interventions and readouts, particularly in humans, that will hopefully bring more robust evidence and concrete guidance for blueberries' effective use in prediabetes.

An 8-week freeze-dried blueberry supplement impacts immune-related pathways: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial

Background

Blueberries contain high levels of polyphenolic compounds with high in vitro antioxidant capacities. Their consumption has been associated with improved vascular and metabolic health.

Purpose

The objective was to examine the effects of blueberry supplement consumption on metabolic syndrome (MetS) parameters and potential underlying mechanisms of action.

Methods

A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled intervention trial was conducted in adults at risk of developing MetS. Participants consumed 50 g daily of either a freeze-dried highbush blueberry powder (BBP) or a placebo powder for 8 weeks (n = 49). MetS phenotypes were assessed at weeks 0, 4 and 8. Fasting blood gene expression profiles and plasma metabolomic profiles were examined at baseline and week 8 to assess metabolic changes occurring in response to the BBP. A per-protocol analysis was used.

Results

A significant treatment effect was observed for plasma triglyceride levels that was no longer significant after further adjustments for age, sex, BMI and baseline values. In addition, the treatment*time interactions were non-significant therefore suggesting that compared with the placebo, BBP had no statistically significant effect on body weight, blood pressure, fasting plasma lipid, insulin and glucose levels, insulin resistance (or sensitivity) or glycated hemoglobin concentrations. There were significant changes in the expression of 49 genes and in the abundance of 35 metabolites following BBP consumption. Differentially regulated genes were clustered in immune-related pathways.

Conclusion

An 8-week BBP intervention did not significantly improve traditional markers of cardiometabolic health in adults at risk of developing MetS. However, changes in gene expression and metabolite abundance suggest that clinically significant cardiometabolic changes could take longer than 8 weeks to present and/or could result from whole blueberry consumption or a higher dosage. BBP may also have an effect on factors such as immunity even within a shorter 8-week timeframe.

Clinical trial registration

clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03266055, 2017

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12263-021-00688-2.

Lyophilized Maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) Berry Administration Suppresses High-Fat Diet-Induced Liver Lipogenesis through the Induction of the Nuclear Corepressor SMILE

The liver is one of the first organs affected by accumulated ectopic lipids. Increased de novo lipogenesis and excessive triglyceride accumulation in the liver are hallmarks of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and are strongly associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. Maqui dietary supplemented diet-induced obese mice showed better insulin response and decreased weight gain. We previously described that these positive effects of maqui are partially due to an induction of a brown-like phenotype in subcutaneous white adipose tissue that correlated with a differential expression of Chrebp target genes. In this work, we aimed to deepen the molecular mechanisms underlying the impact of maqui on the onset and development of the obese phenotype and insulin resistance focusing on liver metabolism. Our results showed that maqui supplementation decreased hepatic steatosis caused by a high-fat diet. Changes in the metabolic profile include a downregulation of the lipogenic liver X receptor (LXR) target genes and of fatty acid oxidation gene expression together with an increase in the expression of small heterodimer partner interacting leucine zipper protein (Smile), a corepressor of the nuclear receptor family. Our data suggest that maqui supplementation regulates lipid handling in liver to counteract the metabolic impact of a high-fat diet.

Extracts of Digested Berries Increase the Survival of Saccharomyces cerevisiae during H2O2 Induced Oxidative Stress

Many studies suggest anthocyanins may prevent the development of several diseases. However, anthocyanin bioactivity against cellular stress is not fully understood. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of berry anthocyanins on stressed cells using Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The impact of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on anthocyanin profiles was also assessed. Bilberry and blackcurrant had higher anthocyanin levels than raspberry and strawberry, but digestion reduced the detected anthocyanins by approximately 90%. Yeast cells with and without digested or nondigested anthocyanin extracts were exposed to H₂O₂ and examined for survival. In the presence of anthocyanins, particularly from digested strawberry, a significant increase in cell survival was observed, suggesting that the type and levels of anthocyanins are important factors, but they also need to undergo gastrointestinal (GI) structural modifications to induce cell defence. Results also showed that cells need to be exposed to anthocyanins before the stress was applied, suggesting induction of a cellular defence system by anthocyanins or their derivatives rather than by a direct antioxidative effect on H₂O₂. Overall, data showed that exposure of severely stressed yeast cells to digested berry extracts improved cell survival. The findings also showed the importance of considering gastrointestinal digestion when evaluating anthocyanins’ biological activity.

Potential of anthocyanin as an anti-inflammatory agent: a human clinical trial on type 2 diabetic, diabetic at-risk and healthy adults

OBJECTIVE

The present research aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory potential of dietary anthocyanin (ACN) in type 2 diabetic (T2D), T2D-at-risk and healthy individuals. Furthermore, dietary inflammatory index (DII) was used to study the association of diet with biomarkers of inflammation.

RESEARCH METHODS

An open-label clinical trial was conducted at Griffith University investigating the efficacy of 320 mg ACN supplementation per day over the course of 4 weeks. Diabetes-associated inflammatory biomarkers and relevant biochemical and physical parameters were tested pre-and post-intervention, and participants' dietary inflammatory potential was estimated.

RESULTS

A significant reduction in the pro-inflammatory biomarkers' interleukin-6, interleukin-18, and tumour necrosis factor-α was observed in the T2D group. In addition, some, but not all, biochemical parameters including fasting blood glucose, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and uric acid were significantly improved in T2D-at-risk group. Moreover, a significant difference was detected between the DII scores of the healthy and T2D groups. DII score for the T2D group was consistent with an anti-inflammatory diet.

CONCLUSION

Anti-inflammatory potential of dietary ACN in T2D participants was evidenced in the present study. Although, anti-inflammatory dietary patterns of T2D participants may have accelerated the anti-inflammatory effect of the ACN capsules supplemented in this trial.

Berries as a Treatment for Obesity-Induced Inflammation: Evidence from Preclinical Models

Inflammation that accompanies obesity is associated with the infiltration of metabolically active tissues by inflammatory immune cells. This propagates a chronic low-grade inflammation associated with increased signaling of common inflammatory pathways such as NF-κB and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Obesity-associated inflammation is linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Preclinical rodent and cell culture studies provide robust evidence that berries and their bioactive components have beneficial effects not only on inflammation, but also on biomarkers of many of these chronic diseases. Berries contain an abundance of bioactive compounds that have been shown to inhibit inflammation and to reduce reactive oxygen species. Therefore, berries represent an intriguing possibility for the treatment of obesity-induced inflammation and associated comorbidities. This review summarizes the anti-inflammatory properties of blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. This review highlights the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of berries and their bioactive components that have been elucidated through the use of preclinical models. The primary mechanisms mediating the anti-inflammatory effects of berries include a reduction in NF-κB signaling that may be secondary to reduced oxidative stress, a down-regulation of TLR4 signaling, and an increase in Nrf2.

Plant extracts in prevention of obesity

Obesity has become a worldwide issue and is accompanied by serious complications. Western high energy diet has been identified to be a major factor contributing to the current obesity pandemic. Thus, it is important to optimize dietary composition, bioactive substances, and agents to prevent and treat obesity. To date, extracts from plants, such as vegetables, tea, fruits, and Chinese herbal medicine, have been showed to have the abilities of regulating adipogenesis and attenuating obesity. These plant extracts mainly contain polyphenols, alkaloids, and terpenoids, which could play a significant role in anti-obesity through various signaling pathways and gut microbiota. Those reported anti-obesity mechanisms mainly include inhibiting white adipose tissue growth and lipogenesis, promoting lipolysis, brown/beige adipose tissue development, and muscle thermogenesis. In this review, we summarize the plant extracts and their possible mechanisms responsible for their anti-obesity effects. Based on the current findings, dietary plant extracts and foods containing these bioactive compounds can be potential preventive or therapeutic agents for obesity and its related metabolic diseases.

Select Polyphenol-Rich Berry Consumption to Defer or Deter Diabetes and Diabetes-Related Complications

Berries are considered "promising functional fruits" due to their distinct and ubiquitous therapeutic contents of anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, flavanols, alkaloids, polysaccharides, hydroxycinnamic, ellagic acid derivatives, and organic acids. These polyphenols are part of berries and the human diet, and evidence suggests that their intake is associated with a reduced risk or the reversal of metabolic pathophysiologies related to diabetes, obesity, oxidative stress, inflammation, and hypertension. This work reviewed and summarized both clinical and non-clinical findings that the consumption of berries, berry extracts, purified compounds, juices, jams, jellies, and other berry byproducts aided in the prevention and or otherwise management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and related complications. The integration of berries and berries-derived byproducts into high-carbohydrate (HCD) and high-fat (HFD) diets, also reversed/reduced the HCD/HFD-induced alterations in glucose metabolism-related pathways, and markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid oxidation in healthy/obese/diabetic subjects. The berry polyphenols also modulate the intestinal microflora ecology by opposing the diabetic and obesity rendered symbolic reduction of Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio, intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction-restoring bacteria, short-chain fatty acids, and organic acid producing microflora. All studies proposed a number of potential mechanisms of action of respective berry bioactive compounds, although further mechanistic and molecular studies are warranted. The metabolic profiling of each berry is also included to provide up-to-date information regarding the potential anti-oxidative/antidiabetic constituents of each berry.

Metabolic Impact of Flavonoids Consumption in Obesity: From Central to Peripheral

The prevention and treatment of obesity is primary based on the follow-up of a healthy lifestyle, which includes a healthy diet with an important presence of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols. For many years, the health benefits of polyphenols have been attributed to their anti-oxidant capacity as free radical scavengers. More recently it has been described that polyphenols activate other cell-signaling pathways that are not related to ROS production but rather involved in metabolic regulation. In this review, we have summarized the current knowledge in this field by focusing on the metabolic effects of flavonoids. Flavonoids are widely distributed in the plant kingdom where they are used for growing and defensing. They are structurally characterized by two benzene rings and a heterocyclic pyrone ring and based on the oxidation and saturation status of the heterocyclic ring flavonoids are grouped in seven different subclasses. The present work is focused on describing the molecular mechanisms underlying the metabolic impact of flavonoids in obesity and obesity-related diseases. We described the effects of each group of flavonoids in liver, white and brown adipose tissue and central nervous system and the metabolic and signaling pathways involved on them.

The Role of Glutathione in Protecting against the Severe Inflammatory Response Triggered by COVID-19

The novel COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the world’s population differently: mostly in the presence of conditions such as aging, diabetes and hypertension the virus triggers a lethal cytokine storm and patients die from acute respiratory distress syndrome, whereas in many cases the disease has a mild or even asymptomatic progression. A common denominator in all conditions associated with COVID-19 appears to be the impaired redox homeostasis responsible for reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation; therefore, levels of glutathione (GSH), the key anti-oxidant guardian in all tissues, could be critical in extinguishing the exacerbated inflammation that triggers organ failure in COVID-19. The present review provides a biochemical investigation of the mechanisms leading to deadly inflammation in severe COVID-19, counterbalanced by GSH. The pathways competing for GSH are described to illustrate the events concurring to cause a depletion of endogenous GSH stocks. Drawing on evidence from literature that demonstrates the reduced levels of GSH in the main conditions clinically associated with severe disease, we highlight the relevance of restoring GSH levels in the attempt to protect the most vulnerable subjects from severe symptoms of COVID-19. Finally, we discuss the current data about the feasibility of increasing GSH levels, which could be used to prevent and subdue the disease.