Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.) Iridoid and Anthocyanin Extract Enhances PPAR-α, PPAR-γ Expression and Reduces I/M Ratio in Aorta, Increases LXR-α Expression and Alters Adipokines and Triglycerides Levels in Cholesterol-Rich Diet Rabbit Model

Abstract

Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruits possess potential cardiovascular, lipid-lowering and hypoglycemic bioactivities. The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of resin-purified cornelian cherry extract rich in iridoids and anthocyanins on several transcription factors, intima/media ratio in aorta and serum parameters, which determine or are valuable indicators of the adverse changes observed in the course of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome. For this purpose, male New Zealand rabbits were fed a diet enriched in 1% cholesterol for 60 days. Additionally, one group received 10 mg/kg b.w. of cornelian cherry extract and the second group 50 mg/kg b.w. of cornelian cherry extract. PPAR-α and PPAR-γ expression in the aorta, LXR-α expression in the liver; cholesterol, triglycerides, adipokines, apolipoproteins, glucose and insulin levels in serum; the intima and media diameter in the thoracic and abdominal aorta were determined. Administration of cornelian cherry extract resulted in an enhancement in the expression of all tested transcription factors, a decrease in triglycerides, leptin and resistin, and an increase in adiponectin levels. In addition, a significant reduction in the I/M ratio was observed for both the thoracic and abdominal aorta. The results we have obtained confirm the potential contribution of cornelian cherry extract to mitigation of the risk of developing and the intensity of symptoms of obesity-related cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders such as atherosclerosis or metabolic syndrome.

Potentially Bio-Accessible Metabolites from an Extract of Cornus mas Fruit after Gastrointestinal Digestion In Vitro and Gut Microbiota Ex Vivo Treatment

“…On the other hand, the activity of lipase was inhibited by 50% in the case of fractions in the highest tested concentrations (437.5 µg/mL). That may support the lipid lowering prerequisites, in particular triglicerides, in the previous studies in vivo [ 11 ].…”

“…Moreover, in a clinical trial, it was shown that C. mas extract intake caused a reduction of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and triglyceride blood levels [ 10 ]. In particular, resin-purified extract of cornelian cherry, which was characterized by a high content of iridoids and anthocyanins, reduced concentrations of triglycerides, contrary to total cholesterol and LDL, in rats treated with a high-fat diet [ 11 ]. In addition, the decrease of leptin and increase of adiponectin concentrations were noted in the study by Danielewski et al [ 11 ].…”

Cornus mas L. Increases Glucose Uptake and the Expression of PPARG in Insulin-Resistant Adipocytes

“…It is more likely that the mechanism might involve gene regulation and signal transduction. Indeed, the present paper and other studies showed that CM fruit extract increases the expression rate of numerous transcription factors involved in lipid metabolism as well as insulin sensitivity regulation, including PPARA , PPARG and LXR [ 12 , 13 , 32 ].…”

“…It is also described as an important antimicrobial agent which showed significant activity against numerous bacteria and fungi including Bacillus , E.coli , Staphyloccocus aureus , and Pseudomonas aeruginosa [ 10 , 11 ]. The previous studies conducted by the authors showed lipid-lowering and antiatherosclerotic properties of CM fruits and their isolated constituents [ 12 , 13 , 14 ] as well as their inhibitory effect on endogenous nitric oxide antagonists [ 15 , 16 ]. Cornus mas L. has also been reported as an antiobesity and antidiabetic drug that improves metabolic homeostasis and overall carbohydrate metabolism [ 17 , 18 ].…”

PPARγ Gene Polymorphisms, Metabolic Disorders, and Coronary Artery Disease

“…Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand-inducible transcription factors, belonging to the nuclear receptor superfamily ( 7 ). PPARs have multiple and complex physiological functions, involving lipid and glucose metabolism, ( 8 , 9 ) inflammatory response, ( 10 , 11 ) oxidative stress, ( 11 , 12 ) cell differentiation and apoptosis, ( 13 , 14 ) and even cognitive function ( 15 ). PPARs have been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of major human diseases, such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, ( 16 , 17 ) malignant tumors, ( 18 , 19 ) diabetes mellitus, ( 20 , 21 ) metabolic syndrome, ( 22 ) and neurodegenerative disorders ( 23 ).…”