Inflammation Markers in Adipose Tissue and Cardiovascular Risk Reduction by Pomegranate Juice in Obesity Induced by a Hypercaloric Diet in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Pomegranate juice (Punica granatum) has been used since ancient times in traditional medicine (Unani Medicine, Ayurveda); its main compounds are anthocyanins and ellagic acid, which have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and cardiovascular health effects. The objective was to evaluate the effect of pomegranate juice on inflammation, blood pressure, and vascular and physiological markers associated with obesity induced by a high-fat diet in a murine model. The results show that pomegranate juice reduces the concentration of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (cLDL) 39% and increases the concentration of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (cHDL) by 27%, leading to a 12%–18% decrease in the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In addition to reducing blood pressure by 24%, it also had an antiatherogenic effect by decreasing sE-selectin levels by 42%. On the other hand, the juice significantly increased adiponectin levels in adipose tissue, decreased levels of inflammation markers (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), interleukin-17A (IL-17A), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β)), and inhibited the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). Pomegranate juice requires clinical studies to prove its immunoregulatory and therapeutic effects on cardiovascular and atherogenic risks.

Therapeutic Effects of Bee Bread on Obesity-Induced Testicular-Derived Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis in High-Fat Diet Obese Rat Model

“…In the male reproductive system, it is believed that cytokines, whose origin are from Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, seminal vesicles, the epididymis, prostate, testicular macrophages, and male accessory glands, accumulate in the seminal plasma, which ultimately affects steroidogenesis, spermatogenesis, and sperm function [ 51 , 52 ]. Intercellular and vascular adhesion molecules, as well as chemokines, are responsible for the secretion of necrotic fat cells which cause the proliferation and movement of monocytes and macrophages to adipose tissues [ 53 , 54 ].…”

Natural products against inflammation and atherosclerosis: Targeting on gut microbiota

“…PJ is high in polyphenols and is renowned for its anti-AS and anti-inflammation characteristics ( Danesi and Ferguson, 2017 ). PJ results in a significant reduction of the atherosclerotic lesion size and intima media thickness, a 20% reduction in the absorption of ox-LDL and native LDL by peritoneal macrophages ( Aviram et al, 2000 ; Basu and Penugonda, 2009 ), a 27% rise in HDL content and a 12 to 18% reduction in the risk of CVD ( Michicotl-Meneses et al, 2021 ).…”

Preventive Effect of Ellagic Acid on Cardiac Dysfunction in Diabetic Mice through Regulating DNA Hydroxymethylation

“…Epidemiological studies observed that the consumption of fruits improved cardiac dysfunction. , It is worth noting that bioactive chemicals in fruits have potential to prevent or reverse cardiac dysfunction in diabetes . Ellagic acid (EA) is a natural polyphenol compound rich in many fruits and vegetables, especially pomegranate, strawberries, raspberries, and cranberries .…”