Intestinal Microbiome Metabolism of Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) Proanthocyanidin Dimers, but Not Trimers, Is Altered by Dysbiosis in Ulcerative Colitis Ex Vivo.

Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins with different interflavan bond types and degrees of polymerization. These chemical differences may impact the metabolism of proanthocyanidins by the intestinal microbiome. In our previous study, we found that healthy microbiomes produced higher concentrations of the phenolic acid metabolites 5-(3',4'-dihydroxyphenyl)-g-valerolactone and 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid from the cranberry extract in comparison to ulcerative colitis (UC) microbiomes ex vivo. To understand this difference, LC-ESI-MS/MS was utilized to characterize the metabolism of the precursor proanthocyanidins. Healthy microbiomes metabolized procyanidin A2, procyanidin B2, and procyanidin dimeric intermediates but not A-type trimers, to a greater extent than UC microbiomes. The metabolism of procyanidin A2 and procyanidin B2 by fecal microorganisms was then compared to identify their derived phenolic acid metabolites. 5-(3',4'-Dihydroxyphenyl)-g-valerolactone and 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid were identified as unique metabolites of procyanidin B2. Based on these results, the metabolism of procyanidin B2 contributed to the differential metabolism observed between healthy and UC microbiomes.

A new UHPLC-HRMS metabolomics approach for the rapid and comprehensive analysis of phenolic compounds in blueberry, raspberry, blackberry, cranberry and cherry fruits.

Phenolic compounds are considered an important group of bioactive molecules that are present in abundant quantities in fruits such as berries and cherries; hence, the analysis and quantification of these compounds are of significant interest to the scientific community. The current study aimed to develop a novel analytical method using liquid chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) for the rapid, comprehensive and simultaneous analysis of 66 phenolic compounds optimized for the selected five types of fruits commercially available in Canada. Bioactive compounds that could potentially be metabolite markers for each berry were identified. Various phenolic compounds were identified and quantified in all five selected fruits. Notably, blackberries were rich in anthocyanins such as cyanidin-3-glucoside (368.4 ± 6 µg/g), while blueberries were rich in peonidin-3-glucoside (1083 ± 9 µg/g). In addition, raspberries and cherries contained significant amounts of cyanidin-3-rutinoside, at 3156 ± 36 µg/g and 301.3 ± 2 µg/g, respectively, while cranberries contained the highest concentrations of petunidin at 829.7 ± 3 µg/g. The newly developed and validated UHPLC-HRMS method proved helpful in comprehensively analyzing phenolic compounds in blueberry, raspberry, cranberry, blackberry and cherry. Identifying and quantifying bioactives can lead to applications in neutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries by using phenolic-rich berry extracts in functional foods, supplements, or pharmaceutical products.

In Vitro Analysis of Selected Antioxidant and Biological Properties of the Extract from Large-Fruited Cranberry Fruits.

This study investigated the in vitro antioxidant and biological properties of ethanol extracts obtained from the fruits of the highbush cranberry. The produced extracts exhibited a high content of polyphenols (1041.9 mg 100 g d.m.-1) and a high antioxidant activity (2271.2 mg TE g 100 d.m.-1 using the DPPH method, 1781.5 mg TE g 100 d.m.-1 using the ABTS method), as well as a substantial amount of vitamin C (418.2 mg 100 g d.m.-1). These extracts also demonstrated significant in vitro biological activity. Studies conducted on the Saccharomyces cerevisiae cellular model revealed the strong antioxidant effects of the extract, attributed to a significant reduction in the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within the cells, confirming the utility of the extracts in mitigating oxidative stress. Moreover, inhibitory properties were demonstrated against factors activating metabolic processes characteristic of inflammatory conditions. It was observed that the cranberry extract inhibits the activity of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) non-selectively. Additionally, the extract was found to be a highly active inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), potentially suggesting the applicability of this extract in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease.

Peculiarities of the Variation of Biologically Active Compounds in Fruit of Vaccinium oxycoccos L. Growing in the Cepkeliai State Strict Nature Reserve.

This study was carried out to analyze the accumulation patterns of anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavonols, chlorogenic acid, and triterpene compounds in fruit samples of Vaccinium oxycoccos L. berries growing in the Cepkeliai State Strict Nature Reserve in Lithuania. Studies were carried out on the phytochemical composition of cranberry fruit samples during the period of 2020-2022. Anthocyanins, flavonols, chlorogenic acid and triterpene compounds were identified and quantified using UPLC-DAD methods, and proanthocyanins were determined using spectrophotometric methods. The content of identified compounds varied, as reflected in the total amounts of anthocyanins (710.3 ± 40 µg/g to 6993.8 ± 119 µg/g), proanthocyanidins (378.4 ± 10 µg EE/g to 3557. 3 ± 75 µg EE/g), flavonols (479.6 ± 9 µg/g to 7291.2 ± 226 µg/g), chlorogenic acid (68.0 ± 1 µg/g to 3858.2 ± 119 µg/g), and triterpenoids (3780.8 ± 98 µg/g to 7226.9 ± 224 µg/g). Cranberry fruit samples harvested from open oligotrophic wetland habitats contained higher levels of anthocyanins, anthocyanidins, flavonol glycosides, and proanthocyanidins. The highest levels of triterpene compounds were found in the cranberry fruits harvested in the spring of the following year after the snowmelt. The use of principal component analysis showed that cranberry plant material harvested in October and November had higher levels of bioactive compounds.

1H-13C HSQC-NMR Analysis of Cranberry (Vaccinium Macrocarpon) Juice Defines the Chemical Composition of Juice Precipitate.

Shelf-stable cranberry juice precipitate has not been well characterized. Here, we describe using 1H-13C heteronuclear single quantum coherence-nuclear magnetic resonance (HSQC-NMR) spectroscopy for cranberry juice analysis, focusing on proanthocyanidins and the precipitate. HSQC-NMR cross-peaks from juices were categorized as aliphatic, olefinic, aromatic, carbohydrate backbone, or anomeric signals. An average cranberry juice precipitate had significantly more aromatic and significantly less carbohydrate backbone signals than an average supernatant. The precipitate was a collection of biomolecules held together by a mix of weak and strong intermolecular forces. Proanthocyanidin signals from precipitates of juices showed 22 ± 2 to 29.9 ± 0.7% A-type interflavan linkages and 34 ± 2 to 48 ± 3% of flavan-3-ol units with trans stereochemistry between the C2 and C3 positions. Based on this work, 1H-13C HSQC-NMR is useful to analyze cranberry juice and reveals the complex chemical nature of components in the soluble and insoluble phases.

Say 'No' to Cancer and 'Yes' to Cranberry: The Role of Cranberry Extract in Inhibition of Growth of Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Lung cancer is the leading cause of mortality due to cancer death. Treatment of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is still challenging. Cranberries contain many rich bioactive components that may help fight cancer. The action of cranberry against some cancer types has been reported, however, its role in lung cancer has only been investigated in large-cell lung cancer. In this study, we expanded current research on the role of cranberry in LUAD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A549 LUAD cancer cells were treated with commercial cranberry extract (CE). Proliferation of A549 cells was measured with a clonogenic survival assay and quick proliferation assay. Caspase-3 activity was used to evaluate apoptosis of A549 cells. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was conducted to investigate the possible molecular mechanisms involved in the action of CE. RESULTS: Treatment of LUAD with CE reduced the percentage of A549 colonies. This was consistent with the decrease in the optic density of cancer cells after treatment with CE. Caspase-3 activity increased after treatment with CE. The anti-proliferative effect of CE on A549 cells correlated with reduced expression of pro-proliferation molecules cyclin E, cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) and CDK4. The pro-apoptotic effect of CE on A549 cells correlated with the reduced expression of the anti-apoptotic molecule caspase 8 and FADD-like apoptosis regulator (FLIP). CONCLUSION: CE had an inhibitory effect on the growth of LUAD cells by modulation of both pro-proliferative and anti-apoptotic molecules. Our research hopes to guide future treatment options for LUAD.

A Review on Berry Seeds-A Special Emphasis on Their Chemical Content and Health-Promoting Properties.

Berries are important components of the human diet, valued for their high content of nutrients and active compounds. Berry seeds are also important objects of scientific investigation as, in some cases, they can have a higher concentration of certain phytochemicals than other parts of the fruit. Moreover, they are often byproducts of the food industry that can be reused to make oil, extracts, or flour. We have reviewed available literature related to the chemical content and biological activity of seeds from five different berry species-red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L. and Rubus coreanus Miq.), strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa), grape (Vitis vinifera L.), sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.), and cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.). We have searched various databases, including PubMed, Web of Knowledge, ScienceDirect, and Scopus. Last search was conducted on 16.01.2023. Various preparations from berry seeds are valuable sources of bioactive phytochemicals and could be used as functional foods or to make pharmaceuticals or cosmetics. Some products, like oil, flour, or extracts, are already available on the market. However, many preparations and compounds still lack appropriate evidence for their effectiveness in vivo, so their activity should first be assessed in animal studies and clinical trials.

Predictive models built upon annotated and validated intake biomarkers in urine using paired or unpaired analysis helped to classify cranberry juice consumers in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, and crossover study.

Intake biomarkers of cranberry juice in women can assess consumption in clinical trials. Discriminant biomarkers in urine may explain urinary tract infection (UTI) preventive activities. We hypothesized that validated and annotated discriminant metabolites in human urine could be used as intake biomarkers in building predictive multivariate models to classify cranberry consumers. Urine samples were collected from 16 healthy women aged 18 to 29 years at baseline and after 3- and 21-day consumption of cranberry or placebo juice in a double-blind, crossover study. Urine metabolomes were analyzed using ultra high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Orbitrap mass spectrometry. Paired and unpaired multivariate analyses were used to annotate or identify discriminant metabolic features after cranberry consumption. Twenty-six discriminant metabolic features (paired analysis) and 27 (unpaired analysis) after cranberry consumption in an open-label intervention were rediscovered in the blinded study. These metabolites included exogenous (quinic acid) and endogenous ones (hippuric acid). The paired analysis showed better model fitting with partial least-square discriminant analysis models built on all metabolites than the unpaired analysis. Predictive models built on shared metabolites by the unpaired analysis were able to classify cranberry juice consumers with 84.4% to 100% correction rates, overall better than the paired analysis (50%-100%). The double-blind study validated discriminant metabolites from a previous open-label study. These urinary metabolites may be associated with the ability of cranberries to prevent UTIs and serve as potential cranberry intake biomarkers. It reveals the importance of selecting the right predictive models to classify cranberry consumers with higher than 95% correction rates.

Root canal disinfection and maintenance of the remnant tooth tissues by using grape seed and cranberry extracts.

The purpose of this study was to perform an integrative review on the effects of cranberry and grape seed extracts concerning the disinfection of root canals maintaining the strength of the remnant tooth tissues' structure. A bibliographical search was carried out on the PubMed electronic platform using the following key terms: cranberry, grape seed, vaccinium macrocarpon, proanthocyanidin, antibacterial, antimicrobial, decontamination, disinfection, bacteria removal, bacteria eradication, bacteria elimination, endodontic, root canal, faecalis, and strength. The inclusion criteria involved articles published in the English language, until March, 2022, reporting the antibacterial effect of grape seed and cranberry extracts. Of 185 studies identified, 13 studies were selected for the present review. The grape seed extract (GSE), composed of proanthocyanidins, showed an antioxidant activity against the main bacteria found in endodontic secondary infection. The percentage of bacteria removal was recorded at around 96.97% by using GSE. Studies on cranberry extracts, which are composed of proanthocyanidins, revealed antimicrobial effects against bacteria related to periodontitis and dental caries. Additionally, GSE or cranberry allowed the dentin collagen cross-linking that preserved the 3D collagen network leading to the maintenance of the strength of the remnant tooth structure. However, the contaminated smear layer could not be removed by using only GSE or cranberry. Cranberry extracts and GSE revealed a significant antimicrobial activity in endodontic disinfection without changing the mechanical properties of the remnant dentin tissues. Furthermore, those components can be associated with traditional compounds to enhance their antimicrobial effects and eliminate the smear layer.

Cranberry Juice Polyphenols Inhibited the Formation of Advanced Glycation End Products in Collagens, Inhibited Advanced Glycation End Product-Induced Collagen Crosslinking, and Cleaved the Formed Crosslinks.

Collagens in the human skin are susceptible to glycation due to their long half-life of about 15 years, accumulating advanced glycation end products (AGEs). The formation of AGEs and the subsequent AGE-induced collagen crosslinking are major factors for skin aging. The objective of this study was to determine the capacity of cranberry juice polyphenols (CJPs) and their fractions to inhibit collagen glycation and to break AGE-induced crosslinks in collagens. Concentrated cranberry juice was extracted to obtain the CJP, which was further fractionated into an ethyl acetate fraction, water fraction, 30% methanol (MeOH) fraction, 60% MeOH fraction, MeOH fraction, and acetone fraction. CJPs and their fractions contained different ratios of anthocyanins, procyanidins, and flavonols. All the fractions significantly inhibited collagen glycation assessed with the collagen-methylglyoxal (MGO) or collagen-dehydroascorbic acid (DHAA) assays. The ethyl acetate fraction and 60% MeOH had the lowest IC50 values in the collagen-MGO and collagen-DHAA assays. The methanol fraction (IC50 = 0.52 µg/mL) and acetone fraction (IC50 = 0.019 mg/mL) had the lowest IC50 values in the inhibition and breakage of AGE-induced collagen crosslinking, respectively. The ethyl acetate fraction significantly scavenged the highest amount of MGO and DHAA after incubation compared to the other fractions. Results suggested that procyanidins were the most effective antiglycation agent in both collagen glycation assays, followed by flavonols and anthocyanins. High-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization─tandem mass spectrometry showed that the reactions of DHAA with quercetin or epicatechin formed several adducts with unreported proposed structures. This study suggested that CJPs may be used as active ingredients in cosmetics to prevent skin collagen glycation and crosslinking and to break the formed crosslinks.

Cranberry and black chokeberry extracts isolated with pressurized ethanol from defatted by supercritical CO2 pomace inhibit colorectal carcinoma cells and increase global antioxidant response of meat products during in vitro digestion.

Berry phenolics are considered as phytochemicals, which might mitigate development of degenerative diseases, including cancer. Many studies demonstrated their antiproliferative effects in various cancer cell lines while the studies with real foods are rather scarce. We report antiproliferative properties of unique extracts, which were obtained from the defatted by supercritical CO2 cranberry (CrE) and black chokeberry (ChoE) pomace using pressurized ethanol, and global antioxidant response of meat products enriched with berry polyphenolics during in vitro digestion. ChoE was more effective against HCT116 and DLD1 cells than CrE, while the HCT116 cells were more sensitive to digested meat samples than DLD1. At 1000 µL ChoE reduced cell viability to 51% (HCT116) and ∼50% (DLD1), while in case of CrE >69% of HCT116 cells remained viable. The extracts added at 2% increased antioxidant capacity values of hamburgers and cooked ham at oral and gastric digestion phases; however, at intestinal phase no regular effects were observed. The highest antioxidant potential was determined in hamburgers/cooked ham with 2% of CrE (TPC: 1.45/2.01 mg GAE/mL; ABTS●+: 9.82/15.66 mg TE/mL; ORAC: 13.58/12.08 mg TE/mL). The content of quantifiable anthocyanins remarkably decreased in the digesta at all phases and particularly at intestine phase: >99% with CrE and 97-99% with ChoE. Digested liquids of cooked ham prepared with extracts significantly stronger inhibited HCT116 cells at selected dilution factors. The results obtained provide preliminary information that cranberry and black chokeberry pomace extracts may provide health benefits when added in meat products.

Assessment of ultrasound-assisted vacuum impregnation as a method for modifying cranberries' quality.

Combined vacuum impregnation and ultrasound was proposed as an alternative method to improve the infusion of ascorbic acid in berry fruit. The effect of ultrasound application at different stages of impregnation - vacuum, relaxation, and both stages - on the qualitative characteristics of impregnated cranberries was investigated. The quality assessment was based on porosity, color, antioxidant capacity, anthocyanin, polyphenol and structure compound content. Ultrasound-assisted vacuum impregnation contributed to higher ascorbic acid content, smaller relative color difference, and greater antioxidant properties. It was found that the degree of impregnation varies considerably and depends on the stage of using ultrasound. Due to more favorable quality attributes, the conclusion was reached that ultrasound should be applied during the relaxation stage of vacuum impregnation.

Contrasting a reference cranberry genome to a crop wild relative provides insights into adaptation, domestication, and breeding.

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is a member of the Heath family (Ericaceae) and is a temperate low-growing woody perennial native to North America that is both economically important and has significant health benefits. While some native varieties are still grown today, breeding programs over the past 50 years have made significant contributions to improving disease resistance, fruit quality and yield. An initial genome sequence of an inbred line of the wild selection 'Ben Lear,' which is parent to multiple breeding programs, provided insight into the gene repertoire as well as a platform for molecular breeding. Recent breeding efforts have focused on leveraging the circumboreal V. oxycoccos, which forms interspecific hybrids with V. macrocarpon, offering to bring in novel fruit chemistry and other desirable traits. Here we present an updated, chromosome-resolved V. macrocarpon reference genome, and compare it to a high-quality draft genome of V. oxycoccos. Leveraging the chromosome resolved cranberry reference genome, we confirmed that the Ericaceae has undergone two whole genome duplications that are shared with blueberry and rhododendron. Leveraging resequencing data for 'Ben Lear' inbred lines, as well as several wild and elite selections, we identified common regions that are targets of improvement. These same syntenic regions in V. oxycoccos, were identified and represent environmental response and plant architecture genes. These data provide insight into early genomic selection in the domestication of a native North American berry crop.

Cranberry proanthocyanidins composite electrospun nanofibers as a potential alternative for bacterial entrapment applications.

The interaction between A-type interflavan bonds from cranberry proanthocyanidins (PAC) and surface virulence factors of extra-intestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) was studied. Electrospun nanofibers (ESNF) were fabricated using PAC and polycaprolactone (PCL) solutions and their physical and chemical properties were characterized. The ability of PAC:PCL composite ESNF to interact with and entrap ExPEC strain 5011 (ExPEC-5011) was evaluated in vitro by plate culturing and when formulated as a biofilter and nanocoating. As a biofilter, the PAC:PCL ESNF exhibited a dose-dependent ability to entrap ExPEC-5011. Images from scanning electron and fluorescent microscopies revealed that ESNF sections with higher amounts of PAC led to higher bacterial entrapment. The effectiveness PAC:PCL ESNF to bind ExPEC when applied as a nanocoating was studied using ESNF-coated polyvinyl chloride intermittent catheter. Results indicate that ExPEC-5011 was entrapped well into the PAC:PCL ESNF coating on the catheter. Overall, our results suggest that incorporating the biomolecule PAC in ESNF is a potential means for applications requiring bacterial entrapment, such as biofunctionalization, biofiltration, and surface coating, among others.

Development, Validation, and Application of the UPLC-DAD Methodology for the Evaluation of the Qualitative and Quantitative Composition of Phenolic Compounds in the Fruit of American Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton).

Phenolic compounds in the fruit of American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) determine the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and other biological effects. The berries are used in the production of medicinal preparations and food supplements, which highlights the importance of qualitative and quantitative analysis of phenolic compounds in cranberry fruit raw material. The aim of our study was to develop and validate an efficient, cost-effective, reproducible, and fast UPLC-DAD methodology for the evaluation of the qualitative and quantitative composition of phenolic compounds in raw material and preparations of American cranberry fruit. During the development of the methodology, chlorogenic acid and the following flavonols were identified in cranberry fruit samples: myricetin-3-galactoside, quercetin-3-galactoside, quercetin-3-glucoside, quercetin-3-α-L-arabinopyranoside, quercetin-3-α-L-arabinofuranoside, quercetin-3-rhamnoside, myricetin, and quercetin. The developed and optimized UPLC-DAD methodology was validated according to the guidelines of the International Council for Harmonization (ICH), evaluating the following parameters: range, specificity, linearity (R2 > 0.999), precision (%RSD < 2%), LOD (0.38-1.01 µg/mL), LOQ (0.54-3.06 µg/mL), and recovery (80-110%). The developed methodology was applied to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative composition of phenolic compounds in fruit samples of cranberry cultivars 'Baifay', 'Bergman', 'Prolific', and 'Searles', as well as 'Bain-MC' and 'BL-12' clones. In the tested samples, the majority (about 70%) of the identified flavonols were quercetin derivatives. The greatest amount of quercetin-3-galactoside (1035.35 ± 4.26 µg/g DW) was found in fruit samples of the 'Searles' cultivar, and the greatest amount of myricetin-3-galactoside (940.06 ± 24.91 µg/g DW) was detected in fruit samples of the 'Woolman' cultivar.

Non-Woven Infection Prevention Fabrics Coated with Biobased Cranberry Extracts Inactivate Enveloped Viruses Such as SARS-CoV-2 and Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria.

The Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic is demanding the rapid action of the authorities and scientific community in order to find new antimicrobial solutions that could inactivate the pathogen SARS-CoV-2 that causes this disease. Gram-positive bacteria contribute to severe pneumonia associated with COVID-19, and their resistance to antibiotics is exponentially increasing. In this regard, non-woven fabrics are currently used for the fabrication of infection prevention clothing such as face masks, caps, scrubs, shirts, trousers, disposable gowns, overalls, hoods, aprons and shoe covers as protective tools against viral and bacterial infections. However, these non-woven fabrics are made of materials that do not exhibit intrinsic antimicrobial activity. Thus, we have here developed non-woven fabrics with antimicrobial coatings of cranberry extracts capable of inactivating enveloped viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and the bacteriophage phi 6 (about 99% of viral inactivation in 1 min of viral contact), and two multidrug-resistant bacteria: the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis. The morphology, thermal and mechanical properties of the produced filters were characterized by optical and electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. The non-toxicity of these advanced technologies was ensured using a Caenorhabditis elegans in vivo model. These results open up a new prevention path using natural and biodegradable compounds for the fabrication of infection prevention clothing in the current COVID-19 pandemic and microbial resistant era.

Physicochemical Properties, Fatty Acid Composition, Volatile Compounds of Blueberries, Cranberries, Raspberries, and Cuckooflower Seeds Obtained Using Sonication Method.

Every year, thousands of tons of fruit seeds are discarded as agro-industrial by-products around the world. Fruit seeds are an excellent source of oils, monounsaturated fatty acids, and n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated essential fatty acids. This study aimed to develop a novel technology for extracting active substances from selected seeds that were obtained after pressing fruit juices. The proposed technology involved sonification with the use of ethyl alcohol at a low extraction temperature. Seeds of four species-blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.), raspberry (Rubus idaeus), cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), and cuckooflower (Cardamine pratensis)-were used for extraction. Following alcohol evaporation under nitrogen, the antioxidant activity, chemical composition, and volatile compounds of the obtained extracts were analyzed using chromatographic methods, including gas chromatography (GC)-mass spectrometry (MS) (GC-MS/MS), and high-performance liquid chromatography-MS. We analyzed physicochemical properties, fatty acid, and volatile compounds composition, sterol and tocochromanol content of blueberry, cranberry, raspberry, and cuckooflower seed oils obtained by sonication. This method is safe and effective, and allows for obtaining valuable oils from the seeds.

The postnatal window is critical for the development of sex-specific metabolic and gut microbiota outcomes in offspring.

The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) concept has been proposed to explain the influence of environmental conditions during critical developmental stages on the risk of diseases in adulthood. The aim of this study was to compare the impact of the prenatal vs. postnatal environment on the gut microbiota in dams during the preconception, gestation and lactation periods and their consequences on metabolic outcomes in offspring. Here we used the cross-fostering technique, e.g. the exchange of pups following birth to a foster dam, to decipher the metabolic effects of the intrauterine versus postnatal environmental exposures to a polyphenol-rich cranberry extract (CE). CE administration to high-fat high-sucrose (HFHS)-fed dams improved glucose homeostasis and reduced liver steatosis in association with a shift in the maternal gut microbiota composition. Unexpectedly, we observed that the postnatal environment contributed to metabolic outcomes in female offspring, as revealed by adverse effects on adiposity and glucose metabolism, while no effect was observed in male offspring. In addition to the strong sexual dimorphism, we found a significant influence of the nursing mother on the community structure of the gut microbiota based on α-diversity and ß-diversity indices in offspring. Gut microbiota transplantation (GMT) experiments partly reproduced the observed phenotype in female offspring. Our data support the concept that the postnatal environment represents a critical window to influence future sex-dependent metabolic outcomes in offspring that are causally but partly linked with gut microbiome alterations.

The Concentration of Organic Acids in Cranberry Juice Modulates the Gut Microbiota in Mice.

A daily consumption of cranberry juice (CJ) is linked to many beneficial health effects due to its richness in polyphenols but could also awake some intestinal discomforts due to its organic acid content and possibly lead to intestinal inflammation. Additionally, the impact of such a juice on the gut microbiota is still unknown. Thus, this study aimed to determine the impacts of a daily consumption of CJ and its successive deacidification on the intestinal inflammation and on the gut microbiota in mice. Four deacidified CJs (DCJs) (deacidification rates of 0, 40, 60, and 80%) were produced by electrodialysis with bipolar membrane (EDBM) and administered to C57BL/6J mice for four weeks, while the diet (CHOW) and the water were ad libitum. Different parameters were measured to determine intestinal inflammation when the gut microbiota was profiled. Treatment with a 0% DCJ did not induce intestinal inflammation but increased the gut microbiota diversity and induced a modulation of its functions in comparison with control (water). The effect of the removal of the organic acid content of CJ on the decrease of intestinal inflammation could not be observed. However, deacidification by EDBM of CJ induced an additional increase, in comparison with a 0% DCJ, in the Lachnospiraceae family which have beneficial effects and functions associated with protection of the intestine: the lower the organic acid content, the more bacteria of the Lachnospiraceae family and functions having a positive impact on the gut microbiota.

Consumption of cranberry as adjuvant therapy for urinary tract infections in susceptible populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis.

The efficacy of cranberry (Vaccinium spp.) as adjuvant therapy in preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs) remains controversial. This study aims to update and determine cranberry effects as adjuvant therapy on the recurrence rate of UTIs in susceptible groups. According to PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a literature search in Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library from their inception dates to June 2021. We included articles with data on the incidence of UTIs in susceptible populations using cranberry-containing products. We then conducted a trial sequential analysis to control the risk of type I and type II errors. This meta-analysis included 23 trials with 3979 participants. We found that cranberry-based products intake can significantly reduce the incidence of UTIs in susceptible populations (risk ratio (RR) = 0.70; 95% confidence interval(CI): 0.59 ~ 0.83; P<0.01). We identified a relative risk reduction of 32%, 45% and 51% in women with recurrent UTIs (RR = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.56 ~ 0.81), children (RR = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.31 ~ 0.97) and patients using indwelling catheters (RR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.33 ~ 0.73). Meanwhile, a relative risk reduction of 35% in people who use cranberry juice compared with those who use cranberry capsule or tablet was observed in the subgroup analysis (RR = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.54 ~ 0.77). The TSA result for the effects of cranberry intake and the decreased risk of UTIs in susceptible groups indicated that the effects were conclusive. In conclusion, our meta-analysis demonstrates that cranberry supplementation significantly reduced the risk of developing UTIs in susceptible populations. Cranberry can be considered as adjuvant therapy for preventing UTIs in susceptible populations. However, given the limitations of the included studies in this meta-analysis, the conclusion should be interpreted with caution.