Chitosan-Based Nanoparticles Containing Cherry Extract from Prunus avium L. to Improve the Resistance of Endothelial Cells to Oxidative Stress

Abstract

Cherries are known for their nutraceutical properties, in particular for their antioxidant ability due to their polyphenol content, which causes a reduction of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. However, once ingested these molecules are degraded in the Gastrointestinal (GI) tract before reaching the blood, which is the action site. The object of the present work is to evaluate the ability of cherry extract (CE), encapsulated in nanoparticles (NPs) based on different chitosan (Ch) derivatives, to promote a protective effect of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) involved in vascular dysfunction against oxidative stress. CE-loaded NPs based on quaternary ammonium chitosan (NP1) and an S-protected thiolated derivative thereof (NP2) were prepared. The mean particle size (NP1 344.9 ± 17.8, NP2 339.9 ± 68.2 nm), the polydispersity index, the encapsulation efficiency (NP1 78.4 ± 4.5, NP2 79.8 ± 0.6%), and the zeta potential (NP1 14.8 ± 0.3, NP2 15.8 ± 0.5 mV) did not appear to be significantly different. Both NP types improved the CE apparent permeation parameters with respect to the control. Conversely, CE-loaded NP2 protected HUVECs from oxidative stress and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production more than CE-loaded NP1 and free CE. In addition to promoting HUVEC resistance, NP2 could be a useful tool to overcome the problem of cherry seasonality.

Comparison of Chitosan Nanoparticles and Soluplus Micelles to Optimize the Bioactivity of Posidonia oceanica Extract on Human Neuroblastoma Cell Migration

“…Our research represents one of the few studies in which an attempt was made to formulate an extract rather than a single compound. In the literature, there are few examples of nanoformulations of extracts using nanoparticles, such as gelatin NP of Centella asiatica and Cardamono extracts [42,43] and chitosan NP of Nigella sativa and cherry extracts [15,16]. The nanoparticles are not easy to prepare for extract delivery, due to the presence of various compounds with different polarity, but the application of nanotechnology to extract is of great interest in the phytotherapy field given the remarkable benefits that traditional medicine attributes to the synergistic action of the bioactive compounds present in phytocomplexes.…”

“…Thanks to its qualities, chitosan is used as nanocarrier of various types of active ingredients: proteins, antibodies, genes, hormones, drugs, but also natural molecules [14]. Chitosan nanoparticles for plant extracts have also been described, such as the Nigella sativa L. aqueous extract or the cherry extract from Prunus avium L. [15,16].…”

“…This study aims to develop biocompatible, biodegradable and easy to prepare carriers and to extend their application to carry a phytocomplex, containing molecules with different polarity. Given the chitosan characteristics, this polymer has already been applied to the formulation of nanoparticles for the delivery of polar extracts [15,16]. Polymeric micelles are easy to prepare, stable, biocompatible, and suitable for compounds with different polarity.…”

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cherry Extract: Nanosystems-Based Strategies to Improve Endothelial Function and Intestinal Absorption

“…In our own experience, the sweet CE polyphenols from Prunus avium L. showed a potential antioxidant effect by protecting HUVEC against oxidative stress, in addition to an ability to reduce ROS [66]. CE also demonstrated the ability to reduce inflammatory cytokines production, which resulted to be as efficient as that of the strong anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone [67].…”

Antioxidant Effect of Cocoa By-Product and Cherry Polyphenol Extracts: A Comparative Study

“…The cherry extracts were obtained from the Crognola Capannile variety of Prunus avium L., an ancient Tuscan variety of sweet cherry, as described by Beconcini et al [29].…”