Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction supplementation improves metabolic balance, endothelial function and maximal oxygen uptake in athletes

Abstract

Background: The study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 4-week Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction (BPF Gold; Bergamet Sport) supplementation on serum nitric oxide (NO), asymmetric dimethyl-arginine (ADMA), Endopat indices of endothelial function and maximal oxygen uptake (V _ O2max) of athletes. Methods:The effects of dietary supplementation (BPF Gold, 650 mg twice a day for 4 weeks) and placebo administration on fl ow-mediated dilatation (via Endopat measurements), serum markers (NO, ADMA), lipid profi le, and V _ O 2max were analysed in 30 athletes both before and after dietary protocols.Results: Signifi cant differences between pre-and post-intervention baseline NO levels were observed after BPF Gold dietary protocol. Higher post-intervention baseline NO level was observed after BPF Gold diet compared with placebo. Moreover BPF Gold Sport increased baseline NO concentration (∆NO). The positive correlation was observed between baseline post-intervention NO concentration and maximal oxygen uptale and also between ∆NO and ∆VO 2 max in response to BPF Gold supplementation. There was an association between a higher Edopat values of endothelial function and higher V O 2max after Bergamet Sport diet compared with lower values of placebo. Conclusion:These fi ndings suggest that an increase in NO release in response to BPF Gold Sport supplementation may play a central role in cardiovascular adaptive mechanisms and enhanced exercise performance in athletes.

Effects of Bergamot Polyphenols on Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

“…Naringin, the main component of BPF, is able to reverse SR stress, induced in diabetic cardiomyopathy. Since BPF has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant [ 94 ], hypoglycemic, and hypolipemic effects [ 46 , 53 , 58 , 59 , 150 , 152 , 153 ], in this review, we further examined the beneficial role of BPF on the pathophysiological mechanisms of diabetic cardiomyopathy. If the protective effects of BPF are further confirmed in clinical trials with a large number of enrolled patients, a greater contribution could be made in the management of diabetic cardiomyopathy through nutraceutical supplementation and the use of optimal micronutrients.…”

“…Under these conditions, protective mechanisms that include the overexpression of endogenous antioxidant enzymes, UPR, and autophagic responses are activated with the aim of antagonizing the apoptotic cell death of myocardial cells [ 153 ]. Since BPF counteracts oxidative stress in in vitro and in vivo cardiotoxicity models [ 49 , 50 , 53 ], in addition to reverting mitochondrial dysfunction [ 94 , 148 , 153 ], it is likely to assume its protective role even in the early stages of diabetic cardiomyopathy, in cardiac dysfunction, and in countering the development of heart failure.…”

“…The studies on humans reported a cardio-protective effect of a single daily dose of BE (150 mg of flavonoids), with 37% of naringin, 47% of neohesperidin and 16% of neoeriocitrin for 6 months [ 51 ]. Other studies agree that the administration of BPF per 30 days, at a daily dose of 500 mg or 1000 mg, is able to support heart health in humans and again these dosages do not interfere with liver detoxification metabolism [ 52 , 53 ].…”

The potential effect of natural antioxidants on endothelial dysfunction associated with arterial hypertension

“…The use of BPF is of great interest because of its demonstrated antihypertensive, antidyslipidemic, and antioxidant activities. Mollace R. et al (131) performed a study on cyclists in order to evaluate how much BPF Gold [BPF at 48.9% in polyphenols: naringin (>14%), neohesperidin (>13%), neoeriocitrin (>13%), bruteridin (>5%), and melitidine (>2%) developed at H&D s.r.l. Bianco (RC)] supplementation was required to improve serum asymmetric dimethyl-arginine (ADMA) concentrations and NO, EndoPAT vascular indices related to endothelium-dependent vasodilation, and muscle oxidative capacity in athletes.…”

Modulation of Nitric Oxide Synthases by oxyLDL: Role in Vascular Inflammation and Atherosclerosis Development

“…The cross-modulation of eNOS and iNOS actions in cardiovascular system represents a crucial event, aimed to ensure the right equilibrium between the constitutive, anti-atherogenic release of pulsed NO at nanomolar concentrations and the suppression of its inducible release at micromolar concentrations [17]. Thus, the maintenance of this balance reduces the potential dangerous effect of NO overproduction, which, after the reaction with superoxide anions, can trigger peroxidative processes [18].…”