Effect of Agraz (Vaccinium meridionale Swartz) on High-Density Lipoprotein Function and Inflammation in Women with Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with low-grade inflammation and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) dysfunction. Polyphenol-rich foods may improve these alterations. Agraz is a fruit rich in polyphenols (mainly anthocyanins); however, there is limited information about its effects on human health. We evaluated the effects of agraz consumption as compared to placebo on HDL function and inflammation in women with MetS. Forty volunteers (25–60 years) were included in this double-blind crossover study. Women consumed agraz or placebo over 4 weeks; separated by a 4-week washout period. HDL function (apoliprotein-A1; paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity; cholesterol efflux capacity), oxidative stress (myeloperoxidase (MPO), advanced oxidation protein products) and inflammatory markers (serum cytokines/chemokines and peripheral blood mononuclear cell nuclear factor-kB) were measured after each period. Compared to placebo, agraz consumption did not significantly change any of the biomarkers measured. Interestingly, only after agraz period there were significant positive correlations between PON1 activities and cholesterol efflux. Additionally, there were significant inverse correlations between changes in inflammatory markers and HDL function markers and positive correlations with oxidative markers. Although polyphenol-rich foods have been shown to be beneficial for certain conditions; polyphenol-rich agraz fruit consumption did not impact inflammation and HDL function in the current study of women with MetS.

Functional Food and Bioactive Compounds on the Modulation of the Functionality of HDL-C: A Narrative Review

“…In the present paper, we summarize the evidence on HDL functionality (CEC, CETP activity, and its antioxidant capacity by PON1 activity) as well as its expression and relationship with functional foods (extra virgin olive oil [ 27 , 81 , 83 , 84 , 85 ], whole grains [ 81 ], nuts [ 27 , 81 , 86 , 87 ], legumes [ 81 , 88 ], fresh fish [ 81 , 89 , 90 ], red wine [ 91 ]), fruits and vegetables [ 92 , 93 , 94 , 95 ], ginger [ 80 ], green tea [ 91 , 96 ], cocoa [ 91 , 97 ], and bioactive compounds as curcumin [ 79 , 80 ], resveratrol [ 78 , 98 ], and quercetin [ 75 , 76 , 99 ].…”

“…There is evidence in the literature of functional foods and/or bioactive substances related to CEC, such as extra virgin olive oil [ 27 , 81 , 83 , 84 ], fruits [ 92 , 93 ], nuts [ 87 ], legumes [ 88 ], fish [ 89 , 90 ], quercetin [ 75 , 76 ], green tea, cocoa [ 91 , 97 ], red wine [ 91 ], curcumin [ 79 ], and resveratrol [ 78 ] ( Table 1 ).…”

“…Women consumed agraz or placebo over 4 weeks with a period washout at the same duration. The main results observed were that, compared to placebo, agraz consumption did not significantly change any of biomarkers including HDL functionality [ 93 ].…”

Differential Effects of Agraz (<i>Vaccinium meridionale</i> Swartz) Consumption in Overweight and Obese Women with Metabolic Syndrome

“…Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) levels were measured in apo-B depleted serum as previously described [38]. The results were expressed in µM.…”

Effect of Four Grape Varieties on the Physicochemical and Sensory Properties of Unripe Grape Verjuice

“…There is a growing interest in verjuice consumption worldwide, not only due its potential use as an alternative to lemon juice and vinegar in adding the sour acidic flavor [ 1 , 3 , 5 ] but also due to its high content of polyphenolic compounds known for their antioxidative role inside the body and its low sugar content [ 4 , 6 , 7 ]. In ancient times, old Greeks used verjuice as a medicine to treat ulcers.…”