Andean berry (Vaccinium meridionale Swartz) juice in combination with Aspirin modulated anti-inflammatory markers on LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages.

V. meridionale Swartz is an underutilized Andean Berry that has been linked to several health benefits potentially derived from its anti-inflammatory effects. This research aimed to evaluate the impact of Andean Berry Juice (ABJ) combined with Aspirin in the modulation of anti-inflammatory markers from LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The chemical characterization of ABJ showed a high content of polyphenols, mainly gallic acid (659-75 µg/g) and cyanidin chloride (418.61 µg/mL). Compared to LPS-stimulated macrophages, ABJ, Aspirin, and its combination reduced NO and ROS production (3.26-42.55 and 17.59-65.68%, respectively). In comparison, the half inhibitory concentration of NO reduction (IC50) was found at 7.69% v/v (ABJ) and 24.48 mM (Aspirin). Compared to the pro-inflammatory control (LPS), ABJ reduced IL-1ß, MCP-1, and GCSF; Aspirin decreased IL1R1, MCP-1, GMCSF, GCSF, and TNF-α; and the ABJ + Aspirin treatment reduced IL1R, GMCSF, and CXCL10. The in silico interaction of cytokines and the prediction of potential binding interactions suggested CCR1, CCR5, and NF-kB modulation. These results showed the anti-inflammatory potential of underutilized South American berries and their co-adjuvant effect with known drugs such as Aspirin in the resolution of inflammatory-derived conditions. This is the first report of the anti-inflammatory effects of V. meridionale Swartz juice in combination with Aspirin on LPS-challenged RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Involvement of MdUGT75B1 and MdUGT71B1 in flavonol galactoside/glucoside biosynthesis in apple fruit.

Apple is rich in flavonol glycosides, which are believed to contribute to putative health benefits associated with apple consumption. Glycosylation, catalyzed by uridine diphospho-glycosyltransferases (UGTs), is the last step in flavonol biosynthesis, which confers molecular stability and solubility to the flavonol. In the present study, the involvement of two UGTs, MdUGT75B1 and MdUGT71B1, in flavonol biosynthesis in apple was investigated. The major flavonols are quercetin 3-O-glycosides, and UV-B and blue light treatment significantly enhanced the accumulation of quercetin 3-O-galactoside, quercetin 3-O-glucoside, and kaempferol 3-O-galactoside. Transcript levels of MdUGT75B1 and MdUGT71B1 in fruit subjected to different treatments were correlated well with flavonol accumulation. MdUGT75B1 showed flavonol-specific activity with a preference for UDP-galactose as the sugar donor, while MdUGT71B1 using UDP-glucose exhibited a wider substrate acceptance. Thus, MdUGT75B1 and MdUGT71B1 are key UGTs involved in flavonol biosynthesis and may have important roles in regulating accumulation of these health-promoting bioactive compounds in apple.

Chemical characterization and protective effect of the Bactris setosa Mart. fruit against oxidative/nitrosative stress.

Bactris setosa Mart. is a Brazilian tree from the palm family (Arecaceae), whose fruits are scientifically underexploited. Here, we report, for the first time, the identification and quantification of phenolic compounds and carotenoids in the pulp, seed, and peel extracts of B. setosa fruits and their in vitro biological activity. The anthocyanins cyanidin deoxyhexose hexoside and cyanidin hexoside and other phenolic compounds were detected mainly in the peel but also in the pulp extracts. All-trans-lutein was the unique carotenoid identified and quantified, and only in the peel extract. All extracts were able to scavenge reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS, respectively), to modulate human neutrophils' oxidative burst and to protect Caco-2 cells against oxidative damage, the peel extract being the most efficient. This study indicates that extracts from B. setosa fruits, especially the peel extract, are a source of bioactive compounds with promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.