Fermentation of Vaccinium floribundum Berries with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Reduces Oxidative Stress in Endothelial Cells and Modulates Macrophages Function

Abstract

Accumulating evidence suggests that high consumption of natural antioxidants promotes health by reducing oxidative stress and, thus, the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Similarly, fermentation of natural compounds with lactic acid bacteria (LAB), such as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, enhances their beneficial properties as regulators of the immune, digestive, and cardiovascular system. We investigated the effects of fermentation with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum on the antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects of Pushgay berries (Vaccinium floribundum, Ericaceae family) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and macrophage cell line RAW264.7. Polyphenol content was assayed by Folin–Ciocalteu and HPLC-MS/MS analysis. The effects of berries solutions on cell viability or proliferation were assessed by WST8 (2-(2-methoxy-4-nitrophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-(2,4-disulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium, monosodium salt and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, Trypan blue exclusion test, and Alamar blue assay. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by a cell-based chemiluminescent probe for the detection of intracellular H2O2 production in HUVECs. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression levels were investigated by RT-qPCR. Glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities, as markers of intracellular antioxidant defense, were evaluated by spectrophotometric analysis. The immunomodulatory activity was examined in RAW 264.7 by quantification of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and Tumor Necrosis Factor—alpha (TNFα) by RT-qPCR. Data showed that fermentation of Pushgay berries (i) enhances the content of quercetin aglycone, and (ii) increases their intracellular antioxidant activity, as indicated by the reduction in H2O2-induced cell death and the decrease in H2O2-induced HO-1 gene expression in HUVECs treated for 24 h with fermented berries solution (10 µg/mL). Moreover, treatment with Pushgay berries for 72 h (10 µg/mL) promotes cells growth in RAW 264.7, and only fermented Pushgay berries increase the expression of iNOS in the same cell line. Taken together, our results show that LAB fermentation of Pushgay berries enhances their antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties.

Influence of Altitudes and Development Stages on the Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Capacity of the Wild Andean Blueberry (Vaccinium floribundum Kunth)

“…Flavonols and anthocyanins correspond to most of the flavonoids identified in V. floribundum Kunth, in terms of both the peak areas and number of identifications. Similar results were previously reported in the same species [ 46 , 47 ] and other berries belonging to the genus Vaccinium, such as Vaccinium corymbosum [ 48 ] and V. myrtillus [ 49 ].…”

“…Meanwhile, a study into strawberries reported that altitude significantly affected the concentration of single classes of phenolic compounds [ 24 , 40 ]. Particularly, the concentrations of caffeic acid derivatives increased with the rising altitude [ 45 , 46 ] as a response to higher sunlight spectra, visible light, and UV radiation [ 37 ].…”

Anti-Photoaging Effect of Rhodiola rosea Fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum on UVA-Damaged Fibroblasts

“…At present, studies have shown that salidroside, flavonoids, and phenols in Rhodiola have excellent free radical scavenging activity [ 31 ]. Therefore, we speculate that the effect of Rhodiola rosea fermented liquid is better than that of unfermented Rhodiola rosea due to the modification and optimization of the active substances in Rhodiola rosea by the metabolites of Lactobacillus plantarum, and the specific mechanism of action needs to be further studied [ 32 ]. All the results showed that fermented Rhodiola has a better effect on cells.…”

Agri-Food Waste from Apple, Pear, and Sugar Beet as a Source of Protective Bioactive Molecules for Endothelial Dysfunction and Its Major Complications

“…There is strong evidence showing the potential role of natural antioxidants in promoting endothelium health [ 6 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 ]. Among natural antioxidants are polyphenols, a large family of naturally occurring organic compounds characterized by several hydroxyl groups on aromatic rings, widely found in grains, cereals, vegetables, spices.…”

“…There is a great deal of epidemiological evidence indicating that a diet rich in fruit and vegetables is associated with a reduced risk of many chronic diseases, especially CVD [ 5 , 6 ]. The scientific community is highlighting the important action of natural molecules that can improve biological function and personal well-being [ 7 , 8 ].…”