Blueberry-Based Meals for Obese Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: A Multidisciplinary Metabolomic Pilot Study

Abstract

A pilot study was carried out on five obese/overweight patients suffering from metabolic syndrome, with the aim to evaluate postprandial effects of high fat/high glycemic load meals enriched by blueberries. Postprandial urine samples were analyzed by 1H-NMR spectroscopy after 2 and 4 h from ingestion to identify potential markers of blueberry intake. Significant decrease of methylamines, acetoacetate, acetone and succinate, known indicators of type 2 diabetes mellitus, were observed after the intake of meals enriched with blueberries. On the other hand, an accumulation of p-hydroxyphenyl-acetic acid and 3-(3’-hydroxyphenyl)-3-hydropropionic acid originating from gut microbial dehydrogenation of proanthocyanidins and procyanidins was detected. Real-time PCR-analysis of mRNAs obtained from mononuclear blood cells showed significant changes in cytokine gene expression levels after meals integrated with blueberries. In particular, the mRNAs expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β), pro and anti-inflammation cytokines, respectively, significantly decreased and increased after blueberry supplementation, indicating a positive impact of blueberry ingestion in the reduction of risk of inflammation. The combined analysis of the urine metabolome and clinical markers represents a promising approach in monitoring the metabolic impact of blueberries in persons with metabolic syndrome.

Blueberry anthocyanin intake attenuates the postprandial cardiometabolic effect of an energy-dense food challenge: Results from a double blind, randomized controlled trial in metabolic syndrome participants

“…By assessing metabolite concentrations and health endpoints for a 24 h postprandial period, which was confirmed in our previous 13-C tracer study [ 31 ] as the timing of peak anthocyanin derived metabolite concentrations, we have significantly strengthened the capacity to determine metabolite-health endpoint interactions beyond the 2–6 h observations previously reported [ 19 , 29 , 30 , 75 ]. In doing so, our data confirmed the sheer scope in the increase of metabolites from likely gut microbial origin (i.e., hippuric, benzoic, (phenyl)propanoic and phenylacetic acids) after blueberry intake, which was significantly greater in urine samples by 6 h and remained elevated at 24 h. The most abundant being hippuric acid (up to 10-fold higher than placebo at 24 h).…”

“…≤25 kg/m 2 ) [ [19] , [20] , [21] , [22] , [23] , [24] , [25] , [26] , [27] ]. Whilst we know there is wide inter-individual variability in anthocyanin metabolism [ 28 ] and some evidence to support a role for phenolic metabolites on acute (2–24 h) CV health biomarkers [ 29 , 30 ], few studies have concurrently measured metabolite profiles along with cardiometabolic health endpoints for an extended period of time. Finally, although anthocyanin metabolite concentrations peak between 6 and 24 h after intake [ 31 ], postprandial assessments of heath related endpoints have been traditionally assessed prior to this timeframe; at 2 h [ 22 , 23 ], 4 h [ 30 ], or 6 h after blueberry intake [ 19 , 25 ].…”

Blueberry Counteracts BV-2 Microglia Morphological and Functional Switch after LPS Challenge

“…A polyphenol-rich extract from BB supplemented to elderly subjects for 6 months improved age-related episodic memory decline [27] and anthocyanin-rich BB provided cognitive benefits in older adults with cognitive complaints [28]. Moreover, BB was shown to exert immunomodulatory effects and attenuate oxidative stress and inflammation in obese adults or those affected by metabolic syndrome [29,30].…”

The metabolic signatures of cardiometabolic diseases: Does the shared metabotype offer new therapeutic targets?

“…Since TMAO was associated with cardiovascular events and mortality risk in T2DM, 157 the well‐established cardioprotective role of pistachios is recognizable 226,221 . Eating meals enriched with blueberries was associated with significant reduction in methylamines, acetoacetate, acetone, and succinate in obese subjects suffering from metabolic syndrome, suggesting a modulatory effect of blueberries on gut microbiota 208 . Noteworthily, blueberries consumption has anti‐inflammatory and antioxidative stress effects which tackle crucial pathogenic pathways in CMDs.…”