BACKGROUND: Elemental enteral nutrition (EEN) decreases gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) function, including fewer Peyer's patch lymphocytes and lower levels of the tissue T helper 2 (Th2) cytokines and mucosal transport protein polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR), leading to lower luminal secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) levels. Since we recently demonstrated that cranberry proanthocyanidins (PACs) maintain the Th2 cytokine interleukin (IL)-4 when added to EEN, we hypothesized the addition of PACs to EEN would normalize other GALT parameters and maintain luminal levels of sIgA.

METHODS: Institute of Cancer Research mice were randomized (12/group) to receive chow, EEN, or EEN + PACs (100 mg/kg body weight) for 5 days, starting 2 days after intragastric cannulation. Ileum tissue was collected to measure IL-4 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, pIgR by Western blot, and phosphorylated STAT-6 by microarray. Intestinal wash fluid was collected to measure sIgA by Western blot.

RESULTS: Compared with chow, EEN significantly decreased tissue IL-4, phosphorylated STAT-6, and pIgR. The addition of PACs to EEN prevented these alterations. Compared with chow, EEN resulted in significantly lower levels of luminal sIgA. The addition of PACs to EEN increased luminal sIgA levels compared with EEN alone.

CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests the addition of PACs to EEN may support GALT function and maintain intestinal sIgA levels compared with EEN administration alone.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In periodontitis, gingival epithelial cells can produce interleukin (IL)-6, a regulator of osteoclastic bone resorption, in response to IL-1beta. IL-1beta regulates cytokine expression via signaling pathways, including nuclear factor (NF)-B and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK)/activator protein (AP)-1. Cranberry proanthocyanidins (PACs) inhibit IL-1beta-stimulated IL-6 production, but specific mechanisms are unclear. The objectives of this study were to determine effects of cranberry PACs on NF-B and MAPK/AP-1 activation of IL-1beta-stimulated IL-6 production in gingival epithelial cells.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cranberry high molecular weight non-dialyzable material (NDM), rich in PACs, was derived from cranberry juice. Human gingival epithelial cells [Smulow-Glickman (S-G)] were incubated with IL-1beta in the presence or absence of NDM or inhibitors of NF-B, [nemo-binding domain (NBD) peptide] or AP-1 (SP600125), and IL-6 levels were measured by ELISA. Effects of NDM on IL-1beta-activated NF-B and AP-1 and phosphorylated intermediates in both pathways were measured in cell extracts via binding to specific oligonucleotides and specific sandwich ELISAs, respectively. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Scheffe's F procedure for post hoc comparisons.

RESULTS: IL-1beta (> 0.1 nm) caused a time- and dose-dependent stimulation of S-G epithelial cell IL-6 production (p 0.005). This was significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner by NBD peptide or SP600125 [maximum inhibition ~30-40% (p 0.02)], and together, the two inhibitors decreased IL-6 by ~80%, similar to the inhibition caused by NDM (p 0.001). IL-1beta stimulated NF-B and AP-1 activation (p 0.003), which was inhibited by NDM (p 0.0001). NDM did not significantly affect IL-1beta-stimulated levels of phosphorylated intermediates in the NF-B pathway (IBalpha) or the AP-1 pathway (c-Jun, ERK1/2).

CONCLUSION: In S-G epithelial cells, IL-1beta appeared to upregulate IL-6 production via activation of both NF-B and MAPK/AP-1 signaling pathways because cranberry NDM decreased nuclear levels of IL-1beta-activated NF-B (p65) and AP-1 (phospho-c-Jun) and strongly inhibited IL-6 production. Lack of inhibition of phosphorylation of IBalpha, c-Jun or ERK1/2 suggested that NDM might affect both pathways downstream from those points in S-G cells, such as ubiquitination and proteosomal degradation of IBalpha, or inhibition of nuclear activity of c-Jun and/or ERK1/2. Defining these points of inhibition precisely may help identify molecular targets of cranberry polyphenols. 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

In the context of dental caries prevention by natural foodstuff sources, antifungal and antibiofilm activities of dry commercial extracts of cranberry fruit (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) and two other red fruits (Vaccinium myrtillus L. and Malpighia punicifolia L.) were assessed on Candida albicans and Candida glabrata yeasts. When added to the culture medium, the cranberry extract displayed a significant anti-adhesion activity against Candida spp. when used at low concentrations. In addition, the pretreatment of surfaces with this extract induced an anti-adhesion activity mainly against C. glabrata yeasts and an antibiofilm activity against C. albicans. This activity was dependent on concentration, species, and strain. A phytochemical investigation bioguided by anti-adhesion tests against the two Candida species was carried out on crude cranberry juice to determine the active fractions. Three subfractions enriched in proanthocyanidins showed an anti-adhesion activity at low concentrations. This study investigated for the first time the interest of crude extracts of cranberry and cranberry juice fractions to prevent biofilms of C. glabrata. It highlighted the potency of consuming this fruit and using it as a source of anti-adhesion agents. 2014 Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstract: We examined how intake of polyphenols modifies brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) at rest, and cycling anaerobic performance, in elite athletes. In the first randomized cross-over study, FMD was measured over a three-hour period on two occasions in eight elite male and female athletes after acute consumption of either polyphenols from cranberries and grape seeds (600 mg) or a polyphenol-free placebo drink. Consumption of the polyphenol-rich drink led to a significant increase in FMD compared to placebo (p = 0.02), with a peak at 60 min. In a second study, 12 elite male and female athletes completed a three-kilometer time trial (TT) on an ergocycle on two occasions in random order, either after consumption of 800 mg of polyphenols or a placebo. Acute intake of the polyphenol extract had no impact on the three-kilometer time trial completion. However, plasma lactate levels were significantly lower before and after the TT when subjects consumed the polyphenols vs. placebo (p 0.05). Results suggest that polyphenols from cranberries and grape seeds acutely modifies FMD at rest in elite athletes but this does not translate into enhanced cycling anaerobic performance.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Gingival epithelial cells and fibroblasts participate in periodontal inflammation and destruction, producing interleukin (IL)-6, a regulator of osteoclastic bone resorption, and the neutrophil chemoattractant IL-8. IL-17, a product of T-helper 17 cells, may play a role in periodontitis by stimulating cytokine production by gingival cells. The cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is rich in polyphenols, particularly proanthocyanidins, which have antioxidant and other beneficial properties. Cranberry components inhibit pro-inflammatory activities of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human macrophages, gingival fibroblasts, and epithelial cells, but little is known of its effects on IL-17-stimulated cytokine production. The objectives were to determine the effects of IL-17 + cranberry components on IL-6 and IL-8 production by human gingival epithelial cells and fibroblasts.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cranberry high molecular weight non-dialyzable material (NDM), which is rich in proanthocyanidins, was derived from cranberry juice. Human gingival epithelial cells and normal human gingival fibroblasts were incubated with NDM (5-50 mug/mL), IL-17 (0.5-100 ng/mL), or NDM + IL-17 in serum-free medium for 6 d. IL-6 and IL-8 in culture supernatants were measured by ELISA. Membrane damage and viability were assessed by lactate dehydrogenase activity released into cell supernatants and activity of a mitochondrial enzyme, respectively. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Scheffe's F procedure for post hoc comparisons.

RESULTS: In both cell lines, IL-17 (> ~5-10 ng/mL) significantly stimulated production of IL-6 (p 0.005) and IL-8 (p 0.03). Non-toxic levels of NDM inhibited constitutive IL-6 and IL-8 production by epithelial cells (p 0.01) and fibroblasts (p 0.03) as well as IL-17-stimulated cytokine production by epithelial cells [IL-6 (maximum ~80% inhibition; p 0.0001); IL-8 (maximum ~70% inhibition; p 0.03)] and fibroblasts [IL-6 (maximum ~90% inhibition; p 0.0001); IL-8 (maximum ~80% inhibition; p 0.008)].

CONCLUSION: Cranberry NDM inhibition of constitutive and IL-17-stimulated IL-6 and IL-8 production by gingival fibroblasts and epithelial cells suggests that cranberry components could be useful as a host modulatory therapeutic agent to prevent or treat periodontitis. 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

BACKGROUND: Berries are known to have many kinds of biological activities. We focused on their antiviral effect, which has not yet been well evaluated.

RESULTS: We compared the anti-influenza viral effects of berries belonging to the genus Vaccinium - 35 species of blueberry (Vaccinium cyanococcus), the Natsuhaze (Vaccinium oldhamii), bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos)- with those belonging to the genus Ribes, i.e. blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum). Only Elliott and Legacy among Northern Highbush varieties but many Rabbiteye varieties such as Austin, Baldwin, Brightblue, Festival, T-100 and Tifblue showed anti-influenza viral activity. Natsuhaze, bilberry, cranberry and blackcurrant had high antiviral effects. A relationship was observed between the antiviral effect and total polyphenol content.

CONCLUSIONS: Antiviral effects were found to differ markedly between berry species. Rabbiteye varieties tended to have higher antiviral effects than Northern, Southern and Half Highbush blueberry varieties. We also found that Natsuhaze, which has recently been harvested in Japan as a potential functional food, had an antiviral effect comparable to that of bilberry, cranberry and blackcurrant. There was a positive relationship between antiviral activity and polyphenol content, indicating the possibility that polyphenol is one of the key factors in the antiviral effects of berries. 2012 Society of Chemical Industry.

Recent observational and clinical studies have raised interest in the
potential health effects of cranberry consumption, an association that
appearsto be due to the phytochemical content of this fruit. The profile of
cranberry bioactives is distinct from that of other berry fruit, being
rich in A-type proanthocyanidins (PACs) in contrast to the B-type PACs present
in most other fruit. Basic research has suggested a number of potential
mechanisms of action of cranberry bioactives, although further molecular
studies are necessary. Human studies on the health effects of cranberry
products have focused principally on urinary tract and cardiovascular
health, with some attention also directed to oral health and
gastrointestinal epithelia. Evidence suggesting that cranberries may decrease the
recurrence of urinary tract infections is important because a nutritional
approach to this condition could lower the use of antibiotic treatment
and the consequent development of resistance to these drugs. There is
encouraging, but limited, evidence of a cardioprotective effect of
cranberries mediated via actions on antioxidant capacity and lipoprotein
profiles. The mixed outcomes from clinical studies with cranberry
products could result from interventions testing a variety of products,
often uncharacterized in their composition of bioactives, using different
doses and regimens, as well as the absence of a biomarker for compliance
to the protocol. Daily consumption of a variety of fruit is necessary to
achieve a healthy dietary pattern, meet recommendations for micronutrient
intake, and promote the intake of a diversity of phytochemicals. Berry
fruit, including cranberries, represent a rich source of phenolic bioactives
that may contribute to human health.

Fresh cranberries were processed by two pilot-scale methods to recover juice and extracts from cranberry pomace. Press cake was extracted with three successive ethanol soaks followed by decanting in trial 1 versus one ethanol soak and solvent removal by decanting and compressing with the bladder press in trial 2. Yields and recoveries of juice, dry juice solids, press cake, press cake extractives (PCEs), polyphenolics and antioxidant capacity were determined relative to the input material of fresh cranberries or press cake. PCEs from both processes exhibited strong dose-dependant vasorelaxant effects on rat aorta rings with EC50 of 2.3-3.9 micro g/mL and Emax of 96-98%. PCEs contained three to four times the phenolic acids, tartaric esters and antioxidant activities plus five to 10 times the flavonols and anthocyanins of their respective juice powders. The polyphenolic levels were 121-142, 7-10, 9-11 and 10-19 mg equivalents of catechin, caffeic acid, quercetin and cyanidin-3-glucoside/g of extract, respectively. Antioxidant activities of the PCEs and juices were 201-296 and 64-75 mg trolox equivalents/g powder. Juice yields of 47-58% accounted for only 18-50% of the bioactives recovered from whole fruit. Sequential extraction of the press cake with 95% ethanol and removal of the extract with the bladder press favored high recoveries of polyphenolics with increased antioxidant and vasorelaxant benefits.

PURPOSE: Postmenopausal women experience higher risks for cardiovascular diseases than age-matched men and pre-menopausal women. There is a need for better treatment strategy for estrogen-deficient-related cardiovascular complications. We and others have recently reported that activated renin-angiotensin system and the associated oxidative stress impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation in ovariectomized rat, while angiotensin receptor blocker rescues endothelial dysfunction. Dietary supplements and lifestyle modifications provide an alternative way to improve cardiovascular health. The present study tests the hypothesis that chronic cranberry juice consumption improves cholesterol profiles and vascular functions in estrogen-deficient animal model. The effect of cranberry consumption on expression and activity of renin-angiotensin system in the vasculature will be determined.
METHODS: Ovariectomized rats were treated daily with commercial cranberry juice at 7 mg/kg for 8 weeks, a dosage comparable to recent clinical studies. Serum was collected for measuring cholesterol levels while aorta was isolated for isometric force assay and expression studies.
RESULTS: Cranberry juice consumption reduced circulating levels of total cholesterol, triacylglycerols, HDL, nHDL, and nHDL/HDL ratio. Meanwhile, cranberry juice consumption improved endothelium-dependent relaxation in aorta of ovariectomized rats by restoring p-eNOS level (endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylated at ser-1177), reversing the up-regulated levels of renin-angiotensin system markers (angiotensin-converting enzyme, angiotensin II, and angiotensin II type 1 receptor), and normalizing the elevated NAD(P)H oxidase expression and oxidative stress.
CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate the novel cardiovascular benefits of cranberry juice consumption in improving both vascular functions and cholesterol profiles, providing insight into developing cranberry products into useful dietary supplements for postmenopausal women.

Beneficial health effects of cranberries (CBs) and wild blueberries (BBs), such as reduced levels of oxidative stress, have been demonstrated in feeding studies. These Vaccinium berries contain high levels of flavonoids; however, the bioavailability of flavonoids is generally low. We investigated the in vitro effects of these berries on intestinal cells, focusing on mitigating oxidative stress and associated reactive oxygen species (ROS). First, we simulated the passage of CB and BB through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract by treating berry homogenates to a battery of digestive enzymes. Then, Caco-2 cells, a model of small intestine epithelial uptake, were exposed to these homogenates for 60 min. Using a cell-free assay, we found that the antioxidant activity in CB homogenates was not affected by these enzymes, but that BB homogenates treated with gut enzymes had 43% lower free-radical quenching activity (P 0.05). However, both of the enzyme-treated homogenates were still able to counteract the ROS-generating ability of H2O2 added exogenously to Caco-2 cells. Berry homogenates also increased mitochondrial metabolic rates at 60 min posttreatment, as measured by MTT assays. Enzyme-treated CB (but not BB) homogenates increased the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) relative to oxidized glutathione (GSSG), a critical indicator of the cellular redox state (P 0.05). Our data suggest that CBs do not lose their antioxidant ability when passing through the GI tract, and specifically, digested CB may serve to enhance cytoprotective effects in intestinal cells by reducing potential damage caused by free radicals and ROS derived from other food sources