Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Extracts from Pulsed Electric Field-Treated Artichoke By-Products in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Human THP-1 Macrophages

Abstract

In this study, pulsed electric field (PEF—3 kV/cm; 5 kJ/kg) pretreatment was used to intensify the extractability of valuable intracellular compounds from artichoke by-products during a subsequent aqueous extraction (solid–liquid ratio = 1:10 g/mL, T = 20 °C; t = 120 min). Total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS) and HPLC–PDA analysis of the artichoke extract (AE) and the biological effects on human cell lines were determined. Chlorogenic acid was found to be the most abundant phenolic compound (53% of the TPC) in the AE. The extract showed good antioxidant properties in a concentration-dependent manner. The potential biological effects of AE were investigated using THP-1 macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) as an in vitro model system of oxidative stress. Reduced reactive oxygen species production upon treatment with AE was found. Moreover, AE was able to reduce the secretion of the pro-inflammatory mediators Interleukin-6 and Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 in LPS-stimulated macrophages, as determined by qRT-PCR and ELISA assays. These results highlighted the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the extracts from PEF-treated artichoke by-products, corroborating their potential application as a source of functional ingredients obtained through a feasible and sustainable process.

Wild Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus subsp. sylvestris, Asteraceae) Leaf Extract: Phenolic Profile and Oxidative Stress Inhibitory Effects on HepG2 Cells

“…with broad antioxidant properties, as confirmed by the good free radical scavenging properties highlighted in the DPPH assay (IC 50 20.04 ± 2.52 µg/mL). These results confirmed the higher radical scavenger activity of wild artichoke with respect to the cultivated forms (globe artichoke) [ 33 , 34 ].…”

Functional and Therapeutic Potential of Cynara scolymus in Health Benefits

“…Considering the critical role of intestinal macrophages in maintaining GI tract homeostasis, recent research has highlighted the significance of these immune cells. Disruptions in macrophage abundance and function have been associated with the disturbances in gut homeostasis, leading to chronic inflammation associated with various GI diseases [ 39 , 50 , 51 ]. Based on these findings, it is suggested that artichoke extract may indirectly contribute to GI homeostasis by influencing intestinal macrophages, implying a potential avenue for further investigation.…”

“…Anti-inflammatory action [36] Antimicrobial action [37] Di-caffeoylquinic acids 1,3-di-CQA Hepato-protective action [5] Anti-inflammatory action [38,39] Di-caffeoylquinic acids 1,5-di-CQA Antiglycative action [40] Di-caffeoylquinic acids…”

Globe Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) By-Products in Food Applications: Functional and Biological Properties

“…For example, good results were registered for an aqueous stem extract obtained by applying the pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment (used to increase the cell membrane permeability and disruption). This extract, mainly rich in 5-CQA (54%), reduces the effect on the expression and secretion of Interleukin-6 (IL)-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1/C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) in human THP-1 macrophages, when used as an inflammatory cell model [77]. A strong reduction in prostaglandins and other inflammatory mediators (C-reactive protein-CRP) and fibrinogen), and in the migration of inflammatory cells, was registered for a bract ethanolic extract.…”