Differential Effects of Agraz (<i>Vaccinium meridionale</i> Swartz) Consumption in Overweight and Obese Women with Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

Obesity implies higher cardiovascular risk (CVR) than overweight. Polyphenol-rich fruits have shown to ameliorate CVR factors (CVRF). It is not clear whether differential effects could be observed between obese and overweight people consuming these fruits. Objective: To evaluate the effects of agraz on CVRF in overweight and obese women with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods: Overweight (n=22) and obese (n=18) women (25-60 years) with MetS, were included in this crossover, double-blind and placebo-controlled study. They consumed agraz or placebo over 4-weeks separated by a 4-wk washout period. At the end of each period, the following parameters were measured: anthropometrics, blood pressure, serum lipid profile, glucose, insulin, adipokines, apolipoprotein (apo)-A1, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), endogenous antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress (OxS) markers. Results: Compared to placebo, agraz consumption significantly (p<0.05) reduced hs-CRP and urinary 8-hydroxy 2 deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels in overweight and obese women, respectively. In both groups, changes in antioxidant markers were significant (p<0.05) and negatively correlated with changes in CVR factors and OxS markers, respectively. Positive correlations were observed with cardioprotective markers. Conclusions: Agraz consumption had differential effects in overweight and obese women, with better effects on inflammation and OxS markers, respectively. Further studies should consider these differential responses when analyzing the results of an intervention, and eventually adjust to get better outcomes.

Monitoring effects on anthocyanins, non-anthocyanin phenolics and ORACFL values of Colombian bilberry (V. meridionale Swartz) during pulping and thermal operations

“…Previous reports show that agraz berries contain a variety of polyphenolic compounds with bioactive characteristics including high antioxidant capacity, antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects against cancerous cells [ 1 ], cardioprotective properties in trials with ischemia-induced rats [ 2 ], anti-inflammatory effects in overweight individuals [ 3 ], and protective effects against colorectal cancer at in vitro and in vivo levels [ [4] , [5] , [6] , [7] ]. In addition, It has been shown that agraz pomace extracts prevent lipid oxidation in Greek yogurt in pork patties during storage [ [8] , [9] ] also have antimicrobial activity against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria [ 10 ].…”

Utilization of Vaccinium meridionale S. pomace as an eco‐friendly and functional colorant in Greek‐style yogurt

“…These compounds are well known for their bioactive properties. There are reports of cytotoxic activity of V. meridionale S. on leukemic cell lines (González et al., 2017), cardioprotective properties in ischemia‐induced rats (Shen et al., 2018), weight and blood pressure control in humans plasma antioxidant effects (Torres et al., 2018), modulation of anti‐inflammatory markers on lipopolysaccharide‐challenged macrophages (Arango‐Varela et al., 2020), and anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects on overweight women (Marín‐Echeverri et al., 2020).…”