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A Cranberry Concentrate Decreases Adhesion and Invasion of Escherichia coli (AIEC) LF82 In Vitro.

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Authors
Zhang D, Verstrepen L, De Medts J, Duysburgh C, Van den Abbeele P, Marzorati M, Khoo C
Journal
Pathogens. 10(9), 2021 Sep 18
Abstract

While many beneficial host-microbiota interactions have been described, imbalanced microbiota in the gut is speculated to contribute to the progression and recurrence of chronic inflammatory diseases such as Crohn's disease (CD). This in vitro study evaluated the impact of a cranberry concentrate Type M (CTM) on adherent-invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC) LF82, a pathobiont associated with CD. Different stages of pathogenic infection were investigated: (i) colonization of the mucus layer, and (ii) adhesion to and (iii) invasion of the epithelial cells. Following 48 h of fecal batch incubation, 0.5 and 1 mM of CTM significantly altered AIEC LF82 levels in a simulated mucus layer, resulting in a decrease of 50.5% in the untreated blank, down to 43.0% and 11.4%, respectively. At 1 mM of CTM, the significant decrease in the levels of AIEC LF82 coincided with a stimulation of the metabolic activity of the background microbiota. The increased levels of health-associated acetate (+7.9 mM) and propionate levels (+3.5 mM) suggested selective utilization of CTM by host microorganisms. Furthermore, 1 mM of both fermented and unfermented CTM decreased the adhesion and invasion of human-derived epithelial Caco-2 cells by AIEC LF82. Altogether, this exploratory in vitro study demonstrates the prebiotic potential of CTM and supports its antipathogenic effects through direct and/or indirect modulation of the gut microbiome.

Berry derived constituents in suppressing viral infection: potential avenues for viral pandemic management.

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Authors
Shahagadkar, P., Shah, H., Palani, A., Munirathinam, G.
Journal
Clinical Nutrition ESPEN 2021. 46:14-20
Abstract

Berries are acknowledged as a rich source of major dietary antioxidants and the fact that berry phenolics exhibit antioxidant property is widely accepted. Berries are abundant in Vitamin C and polyphenols such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Polyphenols are found to have several therapeutic effects such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Increasing studies are focusing on natural products and their components for alternative therapeutics against viral infections. In particular, berries such as elderberry, blueberry, raspberry, and cranberry have proven to be effective against viral infections. Of note, the decoction of Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) has been shown to treat viral epidemic diseases. Owing to the rich source of various antiviral constituents, berries could be an alternative source for managing viral infections. In this review, we provide insights into how berry derived components inhibit viral infection and their clinical usefulness in viral disease management.

 

Blueberry and cranberry anthocyanin extracts reduce bodyweight and modulate gut microbiota in C57BL/6 J mice fed with a high-fat diet.

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Authors
Liu JianHui, Hao WangJun, He ZouYan, Kwek Erika, Zhu HanYue, Ma Ning, Ma KaYing, Chen ZhenYu
Journal
European Journal of Nutrition 2021. 60(5):2735-2746
Abstract

Purpose: Blueberry and cranberry are rich in anthocyanins. The present study was to investigate the effects of anthocyanin extracts from blueberry and cranberry on body weight and gut microbiota.Methods: C57BL/6 J Mice were divided into six groups (n = 9 each) fed one of six diets namely low-fat diet (LFD), high-fat diet (HFD), HFD with the addition of 1% blueberry extract (BL), 2% blueberry extract (BH), 1% cranberry extract (CL), and 2% cranberry extract (CH), respectively.Results: Feeding BL and BH diets significantly decreased body weight gain by 20-23%, total adipose tissue weight by 18-20%, and total liver lipids by 16-18% compared with feeding HFD. Feeding CH diet but not CL diet reduced the body weight by 27%, accompanied by a significant reduction of total plasma cholesterol by 25% and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a) by 38%. The metagenomic analysis showed that the supplementation of blueberry and cranberry anthocyanin extracts reduced plasma lipopolysaccharide concentration, accompanied by a reduction in the relative abundance of Rikenella and Rikenellaceae. Dietary supplementation of berry anthocyanin extracts promoted the growth of Lachnoclostridium, Roseburia, and Clostridium_innocuum_group in genus level, leading to a greater production of fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFA).Conclusions: It was concluded that both berry anthocyanins could manage the body weight and favorably modulate the gut microbiota at least in mice..

 

Can cranberry juice protect against rotenone-induced toxicity in rats?

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Authors
Kurpik, M., Zalewski, P., Kujawska, M., Ewertowska, M., Ignatowicz, E., Cielecka-Piontek, J., Jodynis-Liebert, J.
Journal
Nutrients 2021. 13(4).
Abstract

The high polyphenols content of cranberry accounts for its strong antioxidant activity underlying the beneficial health effects of this fruit. Rotenone (ROT) is a specific inhibitor of mitochondrial complex I in the brain which leads to the generation of oxidative stress. To date, there are few data indicating that toxicity of ROT is not limited to the brain but can also affect other tissues. We aimed to examine whether ROT-induced oxidative stress could be counteracted by cranberry juice not only in the brain but also in the liver and kidney. Wistar rats were given the combined treatment with ROT and cranberry juice (CJ) for 35 days. Parameters of antioxidant status were determined in the organs. ROT enhanced lipid peroxidation solely in the brain. The increase in the DNA damage was noticed in all organs examined and in leukocytes. The beneficial effect of CJ on these parameters appeared only in the brain. Additionally, CJ decreased the activity of serum hepatic enzymes. The effect of CJ on antioxidant enzymes was not consistent, however, in some organs, CJ reversed changes evoked by ROT. Summing up, ROT can cause oxidative damage not only in the brain but also in other organs. CJ demonstrated a protective effect against ROT-induced toxicity

Cranberry Juice Extract Rapidly Protects Demineralized Dentin against Digestion and Inhibits Its Gelatinolytic Activity.

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Authors
Wang Y, Green A, Yao X, Liu H, Nisar S, Gorski JP, Hass V
Journal
Materials. 14(13), 2021
Abstract

Improving the longevity of composite restorations has proven to be difficult when they are bonded to dentin. Dentin demineralization leaves collagen fibrils susceptible to enzymatic digestion, which causes breakdown of the resin-dentin interface. Therefore, measures for counteracting the enzymatic environment by enhancing dentin collagen's resistance to degradation have the potential to improve the durability of dental composite restorations. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of polyphenol-rich extracts and a chemical cross-linker on the cross-linking interaction, resistance to digestion, and endogenous matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activities of dentin collagen under clinically relevant conditions. Ten-microm-thick films were cut from dentin slabs of non-carious extracted human third molars. Following demineralization, polyphenol-rich extracts-including grape seed (GSE), green tea (GTE), and cranberry juice (CJE)-or chemical cross-linker carbodiimide with n-hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS) were applied to the demineralized dentin surfaces for 30 s. The collagen cross-linking, bio-stabilization, and gelatinolytic activities of MMPs 2 and 9 were studied by using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, weight loss, hydroxyproline release, scanning/transmission electron microscopy, and in situ zymography. All treatments significantly increased resistance to collagenase degradation and reduced the gelatinolytic MMP activity of dentin collagen compared to the untreated control. The CJE- and GSE-treated groups were more resistant to digestion than the GTE- or EDC/NHS-treated ones (p < 0.05), which was consistent with the cross-linking interaction found with FTIR and the in situ performance on the acid-etched dentin surface found with SEM/TEM. The collagen films treated with CJE showed the lowest MMP activity, followed by GSE, GTE, and, finally, EDC/NHS. The CJE-treated dentin collagen rapidly increased its resistance to digestion and MMP inhibition. An application of CJE as short as 30 s may be a clinically feasible approach to improving the longevity of dentin bonding in composite restorations.

 

Cranberry proanthocyanidins and dietary oligosaccharides synergistically modulate Lactobacillus plantarum physiology

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Authors
Ozcan, E., Rozycki, M. R., Sela, D. A.
Journal
Microorganisms 2021. 9(3).
Abstract

Plant-based foods contain bioactive compounds such as polyphenols that resist digestion and potentially benefit the host through interactions with their resident microbiota. Based on previous observations, we hypothesized that the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum interacts with cranberry polyphenols and dietary oligosaccharides to synergistically impact its physiology. In this study, L. plantarum ATCC BAA-793 was grown on dietary oligosaccharides, including cranberry xyloglucans, fructooligosaccharides, and human milk oligosaccharides, in conjunction with proanthocyanidins (PACs) extracted from cranberries. As a result, L. plantarum exhibits a differential physiological response to cranberry PACs dependent on the carbohydrate source and polyphenol fraction introduced. Of the two PAC extracts evaluated, the PAC1 fraction contains higher concentrations of PACs and increased growth regardless of the oligosaccharide, whereas PAC2 positively modulates its growth during xyloglucan metabolism. Interestingly, fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are efficiently utilized in the presence of PAC1, as this L. plantarum strain does not utilize this substrate typically. Relative to glucose, oligosaccharide metabolism increases the ratio of secreted acetic acid to lactic acid. The PAC2 fraction differentially increases this ratio during cranberry xyloglucan fermentation compared with PAC1. The global transcriptome links the expression of putative polyphenol degradation genes and networks and metabolic phenotypes.

 

Effects of Antioxidant in Adjunct with Periodontal Therapy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

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Authors
Mizutani K, Buranasin P, Mikami R, Takeda K, Kido D, Watanabe K, Takemura S, Nakagawa K, Kominato H, Saito N, Hattori A, Iwata T
Journal
Antioxidants. 10(8), 2021 Aug 18.
Abstract

This review investigated whether the adjunctive use of antioxidants with periodontal therapy improves periodontal parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes. A systematic and extensive literature search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted before April 2021 was performed on the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. A meta-analysis was performed to quantitatively evaluate the clinical outcomes following periodontal therapy. After independent screening of 137 initial records, nine records from eight RCTs were included. The risk-of-bias assessment revealed that all RCTs had methodological weaknesses regarding selective bias, although other risk factors for bias were not evident. This meta-analysis of two RCTs showed that periodontal pocket depths were significantly reduced in the groups treated with combined non-surgical periodontal therapy and melatonin than in those treated with non-surgical periodontal therapy alone. The present systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that the adjunctive use of melatonin, resveratrol, omega-3 fatty acids with cranberry juice, propolis, and aloe vera gel with periodontal therapy significantly improves periodontal disease parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes, and melatonin application combined with non-surgical periodontal therapy might significantly reduce periodontal pocket depth. However, there are still limited studies of melatonin in combination with non-surgical periodontal therapy in Type 2 diabetic patients, and more well-designed RCTs are required to be further investigated.

 

Feruloylation of polysaccharides from cranberry and characterization of their prebiotic properties

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Authors
ES Andreani, M Li, J Ronholm, S Karboune
Journal
Food Bioscience Volume 42, August 2021, 101071
Abstract

Humicola insolens feruloyl esterase was immobilized on chemically modified epoxy-activated supports of different pore sizes. Native and immobilized feruloyl esterases were investigated for their esterification activity on raffinose in surfactantless microemulsions. Pectic polysaccharides, obtained from cranberry pomace using chelating agent (CH) and diluted alkaline (DA) extractions, were then esterified at the optimized conditions. Using CH polysaccharide extract as a substrate, immobilized feruloyl esterase led to higher feruloylation (22.1–26.6%) than the free enzyme (4.2%), and yielded polysaccharides with a higher increase in the total phenolic content. Free and immobilized feruloyl esterases acted similarly in the feruloylation of polysaccharides present in the DA extract, identified as being rich in rhamnogalacturonan I neutral branches. The prebiotic activity score showed that cranberry pectic polysaccharides were better fermented than inulin and generated abundant propionic acid. Increased feruloylation of cranberry polysaccharides had a negative impact on the growth of Lactobacillus brevis and Bifidobacterium longum strains. The total short chain fatty acid concentration showed that the presence of feruloylation affected DA polysaccharides more than CH ones. This showed the importance of controlling the feruloylation extent as a compromise between the prebiotic and the antioxidant properties.

Highly active cranberry's polyphenolic fraction: new advances in processing and clinical applications.

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Authors
Colletti, A., Sangiorgio, L., Martelli, A., Testai, L., Cicero, A. F. G., Cravotto, G.
Journal
Nutrients 2021. 13(8).
Abstract

Cranberry is a fruit originally from New England and currently growing throughout the east and northeast parts of the USA and Canada. The supplementation of cranberry extracts as nutraceuticals showed to contribute to the prevention of urinary tract infections, and most likely it may help to prevent cardiovascular and gastroenteric diseases, as highlighted by several clinical trials. However, aiming to validate the efficacy and safety of clinical applications as long-term randomized clinical trials (RCTs), further investigations of the mechanisms of action are required. In addition, a real challenge for next years is the standardization of cranberry's polyphenolic fractions. In this context, the optimization of the extraction process and downstream processing represent a key point for a reliable active principle for the formulation of a food supplement. For this reason, new non-conventional extraction methods have been developed to improve the quality of the extracts and reduce the overall costs. The aim of this survey is to describe both technologies and processes for highly active cranberry extracts as well as the effects observed in clinical studies and the respective tolerability notes.

 

Human Milk Antioxidative Modifications in Mastitis: Further Beneficial Effects of Cranberry Supplementation.

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Authors
Valls-Belles V, Abad C, Hernandez-Aguilar MT, Nacher A, Guerrero C, Balino P, Romero FJ, Muriach M
Journal
Antioxidants. 11(1), 2021
Abstract

Mastitis is the inflammation of one or several mammal lobes which can be accompanied by a mammary gland infection, and is the leading cause of undesired early weaning in humans. However, little information exists regarding the changes that this disease may induce in the biochemical composition of human milk, especially in terms of oxidative status. Given that newborns are subject to a significant increase in total ROS burden in their transition to neonatal life and that their antioxidant defense system is not completely developed, the aim of this study was to evaluate antioxidant defense (glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH), total polyphenol content (TPP), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC)) in milk samples from mothers suffering from mastitis and controls. We also measured the oxidative damage to lipids (malondyaldehyde (MDA)) and proteins (carbonyl group content (CGC)) in these samples. Finally, we tested whether dietary supplementation with cranberries (a product rich in antioxidants) in these breastfeeding mothers during 21 days could improve the oxidative status of milk. GPx activity, TPP, and TAC were increased in milk samples from mastitis-affected women, providing a protective mechanism to the newborn drinking mastitis milk. MDA concentrations were diminished in the mastitis group, confirming this proposal. Some oxidative damage might occur in the mammary gland since the CGC was increased in mastitis milk. Cranberries supplementation seems to strengthen the antioxidant system, further improving the antioxidative state of milk.