Wild Blueberries (Vaccinium myrtillus) Alleviate Inflammation and Hypertension Associated with Developing Obesity in Mice Fed with a High-Fat Diet

Abstract

BackgroundLow-grade metabolic inflammation and hypertension are primary mechanisms involved in obesity-associated adverse health effects. Berries, especially Nordic wild blueberries (hereafter referred to as bilberries), represent an important source of dietary anthocyanins, a group of polyphenols with potential beneficial effects to combat obesity-associated metabolic disturbances.MethodsThe effects of 5% or 10% (w/w) of whole bilberries (BB) were studied on the development of obesity and its metabolic disturbances in C57BL mice fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) for three months. Cytokines, inflammatory cells, systolic blood pressure, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, weight gain, body fat, food consumption and energy metabolism were assessed.ResultsBilberries ameliorated type 1 pro-inflammatory responsiveness induced by HFD. This was indicated by the altered cytokine profile and the reduced prevalence of interferon gamma -producing T-cells, in particular T helper type 1 cells. Bilberries also prevented the progression of obesity associated long term increase in systolic blood pressure in mice.ConclusionsBilberries reduce the development of systemic inflammation and prevent the progression of chronic hypertension, thus supporting their potential role in alleviating the adverse health effects associated with developing obesity.

Berry intake changes hepatic gene expression and DNA methylation patterns associated with high-fat diet

“…In a human study, daily consumption of bilberry puré and dried bilberries upregulated markers of cholesterol synthesis, and a marker of cholesterol absorption tended to be downregulated [50]. Furthermore, a recent study by Mykkänen et al [51] validates our previous finding that supplementation with 20% of freeze-dried bilberries prevents weight gain in a HF diet mouse model [10]. Mykkänen et al show that 10% of freeze-dried whole bilberries supplemented to HF diet prevent body weight gain in C57BL/6J mice [51].…”

“…Furthermore, a recent study by Mykkänen et al [51] validates our previous finding that supplementation with 20% of freeze-dried bilberries prevents weight gain in a HF diet mouse model [10]. Mykkänen et al show that 10% of freeze-dried whole bilberries supplemented to HF diet prevent body weight gain in C57BL/6J mice [51]. Based on our results and these findings, we propose that intake of whole bilberries in larger doses reduces cholesterol and lipid absorption, potentially contributing to prevention of weigh gain.…”

Seasonal variations of the phenolic constituents in bilberry ( Vaccinium myrtillus L.) leaves, stems and fruits, and their antioxidant activity

“…Fruits and aerial parts of bilberry are known as a natural source of food and beverage, due to its richness in nutritional and bioactive compounds and are also consumed as dietary supplements and pharmaceutical products for health benefits. Bilberry fruit extracts have been studied for the prevention and treatment of chronic pathologies, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity (Erlund et al 2008;Mauray et al, 2010;Mykkänen et al, 2014;Rouanet et al, 2010). Anti-inflammatory properties of bilberry fruits are central to this health protection.…”

Blueberries’ Impact on Insulin Resistance and Glucose Intolerance

“…In opposition to the previous positive anti-diabetic blueberry studies, other researchers documented no influence of blueberries on insulin resistance and/or glucose tolerance in obese mice and rats [15,27,28,29]. Although Vendrame and Colleagues [29] did not observe any significant changes on HOMA-IR with blueberry supplementation, they did find significant biological changes in the glucose metabolism related plasma markers (hemoglobin A1c, retinol-binding protein 4, and resistin concentrations).…”