Atheroprotective effects of bilberry extracts in apo E-deficient mice.
Previous studies have demonstrated that the intake of berry foods was associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of two bilberry extracts, one rich in anthocyanins extracted from untreated bilberries (BE) and a second one extracted from yeast-fermented bilberries (FBE), on the development of atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice (apo E(-/-)). Apo E(-/-) mice received for 16 weeks a diet supplemented with 0.02% of either BE or FBE. Atherosclerotic plaque area was measured in the aortic sinus. Supplementation of the diet with both bilberry extracts led to a significant inhibition of plaque development, whereas no effect on oxidative stress parameters or lipid profiles could be observed, suggesting the implication of other mechanisms of action. In addition, a better protection was observed with FBE, suggesting that the fermentation generates new bioactive compounds more effective in attenuating progression of the atherosclerotic lesions.
Mauray
Aurelie
A
INRA, Unité de Nutrition Humaine, UMR1019, Centre de Recherche de Clermont Ferrand/Theix, Saint Genès Champanelle, France.
Milenkovic
Dragan
D
Besson
Catherine
C
Caccia
Nelly
N
Morand
Christine
C
Michel
Francoise
F
Mazur
Andrzej
A
Scalbert
Augustin
A
Felgines
Catherine
C
D000818:Animals; D001057:Apolipoproteins E / Q000235:genetics*; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D020011:Protective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011897:Random Allocation; D029800:Vaccinium myrtillus / Q000737:chemistry*
D001057:Apolipoproteins E; D010936:Plant Extracts; D020011:Protective Agents