Reduced-energy cranberry juice increases folic acid and adiponectin and reduces homocysteine and oxidative stress in patients with the metabolic syndrome

Abstract

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) comprises pathological conditions that include insulin resistance, arterial hypertension, visceral adiposity and dyslipidaemia, which favour the development of CVD. Some reports have shown that cranberry ingestion reduces cardiovascular risk factors. However, few studies have evaluated the effect of this fruit in subjects with the MetS. The objective of the present study was to assess the effect of reduced-energy cranberry juice consumption on metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with the MetS, and to verify the effects of cranberry juice concomitantly on homocysteine and adiponectin levels in patients with the MetS. For this purpose, fifty-six individuals with the MetS were selected and divided into two groups: control group (n 36) and cranberry-treated group (n 20). After consuming reduced-energy cranberry juice (0·7 litres/d) containing 0·4 mg folic acid for 60 d, the cranberry-treated group showed an increase in adiponectin (P¼ 0·010) and folic acid (P¼0·033) and a decrease in homocysteine (P,0·001) in relation to baseline values and also in comparison with the controls (P,0·05). There was no significant change in the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-a, IL-1 and IL-6. In relation to oxidative stress measurements, decreased (P,0·05) lipoperoxidation and protein oxidation levels assessed by advanced oxidation protein products were found in the cranberry-treated group when compared with the control group. In conclusion, the consumption of cranberry juice for 60 d was able to improve some cardiovascular risk factors. The present data reinforce the importance of the inverse association between homocysteine and adiponectin and the need for more specifically designed studies on MetS patients.

Adipokines in rheumatoid arthritis

“…Several studies have demonstrated the role of this important anti-inflammatory cytokine in obesity, diabetes mellitus type 2, atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome, being the highest levels a protective factor for these diseases [35,[60][61][62].…”

The impact of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) and cranberry products on each component of the metabolic syndrome: a review

“…The researchers observed that although the consumption of berries did not suppress postprandial peak glucose, less insulin was required for the maintenance of postprandial glucose metabolism [45]. According to the investigators, the more desirable postprandial insulin response did not appear to be related to the polyphenol composition of Simão et al, 2013 [6] Clinical trial to evaluate the effect of intake of low calorie cranberry juice on metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers in MetS patients.…”

“…Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) are native fruits from North America that contain low carbohydrate concentrations in comparison to other fruits. Furthermore, they have high content of vitamins, minerals, and polyphenolic compounds [6], such as flavan-3-ols, anthocyanins, benzoic acid, and ursolic acid [7]. A-type proanthocyanidins are also present in high concentrations in cranberry, while other berries predominantly have B-type proanthocyanidins.…”

“…Resveratrol has several biological effects related to cardiovascular health, including inhibition of platelet aggregation and reduction of inflammation [6]. The polyphenols present in cranberry have a wide variety of biological effects, including antibacterial, anticarcinogenic, antiangiogenic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, modulating enzyme activity, and gene expression regulation [7,[10][11][12][13][14][15][16].…”

“…According to observational and interventional studies in humans, consumption of cranberry and cranberry products may be associated with beneficial effects on MetS, affecting one or more of its components [6,18], a variety of inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress [19]. Thus, the present review gathers recent and relevant literature involving the consumption of cranberry products and the components of the MetS in humans, in addition to highlighting the most relevant mechanisms involved.…”