Anthocyanin-Rich Aronox Extract from <i>Aronia</i><i>melanocarpa</i> E Protects against 7β-Hydroxycholesterol-Induced Apoptosis of Endothelial Cells

Abstract

Aims: It has been previously reported that dietary polyphenolic compounds have a positive effect in cardiovascular diseases, although the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, the effects of Aronox, an anthocyanin-rich extract from Aronia melanocarpa E, on human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) apoptosis was investigated. Methods: Apoptosis was measured in HUVEC pretreated with Aronox and than treated with 7β-hydroxycholesterol (20 μg/ml). For the evaluation of apoptosis we used the cell binding of annexin V, the propidium iodide uptake method and the TUNEL assay. We also measured the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cells, using fluorescent probe 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein acetate. Moreover, alteration of the mitochondrial membrane potential with subsequent cytochrome c release, activation of caspase-3, and the level of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 were investigated. Results: Aronox significantly decreased 7β-hydroxycholesterol-induced apoptosis and ROS generation, and ameliorated the collapse of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential with subsequent inhibition of cytochrome c release. Furthermore, down-regulation of Bcl-2 and up-regulation of caspase-3 activation were reversed by Aronox. Conclusion: The protective action of the extract against apoptosis in endothelial cells may contribute to the potential benefits drawn from consumption of plant polyphenols.

Chokeberries (Aronia melanocarpa) and Their Products as a Possible Means for the Prevention and Treatment of Noncommunicable Diseases and Unfavorable Health Effects Due to Exposure to Xenobiotics

“…From an in vitro study it has been found that aronia berry extract protects against peroxynitrite‐induced nitrative damage to the fibrinogen in the human plasma, which has a positive impact on the process of blood clotting (Bijak and others ). Moreover, Zapolska‐Downar and others () have reported that Aronox exerted protective action against apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells treated with 7β‐hydroxycholesterol, which may suggest that the extract from berries of A. melanocarpa can be effective in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis and damage to the blood vessels induced by cholesterol deposits.…”

“…The consumption of aronia products (extracts and juices) has been reported to inhibit oxidative stress and inflammatory processes in the blood vessels that contribute to the development of disorders in the cardiovascular system. It should be emphasized that protective influence of chokeberries on the cardiovascular system is a result of their antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory properties (Naruszewicz and others , ; Kowalczyk and others ; Bell and Gochenaur ; Broncel and others , ; Olas and others ; Zapolska‐Downar and others ; ; Kędzierska and others ; Duchnowicz and others ; Bijak and others ).…”

Aronia melanocarpa fruit extract exhibits anti-inflammatory activity in human aortic endothelial cells

“…Anti-platelet effects [16] as well as vasoactive and vasoprotective properties in porcine coronary arteries have also been observed [17, 18]. In vitro studies have demonstrated that the A. Melanocarpa fruit extract inhibits 7β-hydroxycholesterol-induced apoptosis of endothelial cells [19]. …”

Endothelial Protective Effects of Anthocyanins: The Underestimated Role of Their Metabolites

“…We read with great interest the article by Zapolska-Downar et al [1] who demonstrated the beneficial effects of an ACNrich extract from Aronia melanocarpa E on human umbilical vein endothelial cells.…”

“…Thus, the abundant literature data from in vitro cell culture experiments on these dietary compounds have to be thoroughly reconsidered. We believe that all future cell culture studies aimed to establish the health properties of ACN, as well as of other polyphenols, will necessarily have to pay adequate attention to the biological properties of known metabolites instead of exclusively those of native dietary compounds, and the study by Zapolska-Downar et al [1] gave us the opportunity to emphasize this.…”