PMID: 

J Agric Food Chem. 2014 Jul 23 ;62(29):7022-8. Epub 2014 Jan 17. PMID: 24397282

Abstract Title: 

Inhibitory effects of wild blueberry anthocyanins and other flavonoids on biomarkers of acute and chronic inflammation in vitro.

Abstract: 

Wild lowbush blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait) are a rich source of anthocyanins and other flavonoids with anti-inflammatory activities; however, their individual effects on cellular signaling remain to be elucidated. This study determined the capacity of blueberry bioactives to protect murine RAW 264.7 macrophages from lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation. Fractionation of the crude extract (CE) into polyphenol-rich (PPR), anthocyanin-rich (ANC), and proanthocyanidin-rich (PAC) fractions and an ethyl acetate fraction (EA) revealed that PPR, ANC, and PAC components most effectively suppressed mRNA biomarkers of acute inflammation (Cox-2, iNOS, and IL-1β). Among major polyphenols found in the wild blueberries, malvidin-3-glucoside was significantly more effective than epicatechin or chlorogenic acid in reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory genes in vitro.

read more

PMID: 

J Agric Food Chem. 2014 Aug 20 ;62(33):8346-51. Epub 2014 Aug 8. PMID: 25075866

Abstract Title: 

Immunomodulatory effect of a wild blueberry anthocyanin-rich extract in human Caco-2 intestinal cells.

Abstract: 

Intestinal inflammation is a natural process crucial for the maintenance of gut functioning. However, abnormal or prolonged inflammatory responses may lead to the onset of chronic degenerative diseases, typically treated by means of pharmacological interventions. Dietary strategies for the prevention of inflammation are a safer alternative to pharmacotherapy. Anthocyanins and other polyphenols have been documented to display anti-inflammatory activity. In the present study, three bioactive fractions (anthocyanin, phenolic, and water-soluble fractions) were extracted from a wild blueberry powder. The Caco-2 intestinal model was used to test the immunomodulatory effect of the above fractions. Only the anthocyanin-rich fraction reduced the activation of NF-κB, induced by IL-1β in intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells. Specifically, concentrations of 50 and 100 μg mL(-1) decreased NF-κB activation by 68.9 and 85.2%, respectively (p ≤ 0.05). These preliminary results provide further support for the role of food bioactives as potential dietary anti-inflammatory agents.

read more

PMID: 

PLoS One. 2014 ;9(12):e114790. Epub 2014 Dec 12. PMID: 25501421

Abstract Title: 

Wild blueberries (Vaccinium myrtillus) alleviate inflammation and hypertension associated with developing obesity in mice fed with a high-fat diet.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Low-grade metabolic inflammation and hypertension are primary mechanisms involved in obesity-associated adverse health effects. Berries, especially Nordic wild blueberries (hereafter referred to as bilberries), represent an important source of dietary anthocyanins, a group of polyphenols with potential beneficial effects to combat obesity-associated metabolic disturbances.METHODS: The effects of 5% or 10% (w/w) of whole bilberries (BB) were studied on the development of obesity and its metabolic disturbances in C57BL mice fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) for three months. Cytokines, inflammatory cells, systolic blood pressure, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, weight gain, body fat, food consumption and energy metabolism were assessed.RESULTS: Bilberries ameliorated type 1 pro-inflammatory responsiveness induced by HFD. This was indicated by the altered cytokine profile and the reduced prevalence of interferon gamma -producing T-cells, in particular T helper type 1 cells. Bilberries also prevented the progression of obesity associated long term increase in systolic blood pressure in mice.CONCLUSIONS: Bilberries reduce the development of systemic inflammation and prevent the progression of chronic hypertension, thus supporting their potential role in alleviating the adverse health effects associated with developing obesity.

read more

PMID: 

Eur J Nutr. 2016 Feb ;55(1):171-82. Epub 2015 Jan 17. PMID: 25595100

Abstract Title: 

Anthocyanins and phenolic acids from a wild blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) powder counteract lipid accumulation in THP-1-derived macrophages.

Abstract: 

PURPOSE: Blueberries are a rich source of anthocyanins (ACNs) and phenolic acids (PA), which are hypothesized to protect against development of atherosclerosis. The present study examined the effect of an ACN- and PA-rich fractions, obtained from a wild blueberry powder, on the capacity to counteract lipid accumulation in macrophages derived from monocytic THP-1 cells. In addition, we tested the capacity of pure ACNs and their metabolites to alter lipid accumulation.METHODS: THP-1-derived macrophages were incubated with fatty acids (500μM oleic/palmitic acid, 2:1 ratio) and different concentrations (from 0.05 to 10 μg mL(-1)) of ACN- and PA-rich fractions, pure ACN standards (malvidin, delphinidin and cyanidin 3-glucoside), and metabolites (syringic, gallic and protocatechuic acids). Lipid accumulation was quantified with the fluorescent dye Nile red.RESULTS: Lipid accumulation was reduced at all concentrations of the ACN-rich fraction tested with a maximum reduction at 10μg mL(-1) (-27.4%; p

read more

PMID: 

Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2016 Oct ;41(10):1045-1051. Epub 2016 Sep 26. PMID: 27669020

Abstract Title: 

Wild blueberry consumption attenuates local inflammation in the perivascular adipose tissue of obese Zucker rats.

Abstract: 

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) has been shown to play important roles in regulating vascular tone and linking local and systemic vascular inflammation. We examined the impact of PVAT on phenylephrine-mediated vasoconstriction in the aorta of obese Zucker rats (OZR) and their lean littermates (LZR) by comparing aortic rings with or without PVAT. Subsequently we placed OZR and LZR on a control (C) or an 8% wild blueberry (WB) diet and evaluated the effect of WB consumption on such response. PVAT-released adipokine concentrations were also measured as a function of WB diet. Maximal constrictor force (Fmax) in aortic rings without PVAT was significantly lower in OZR-C compared with LZR-C (0.41± 0.05 and 0.71 ± 0.06 g, respectively). Following WB diet, Fmax significantly increased in OZR (0.54 ± 0.06 g). In aortas with intact PVAT, Fmax was significantly lower in all groups (0.31 ± 0.06 OZR-C, 0.30 ± 0.05 OZR-WB, 0.29 ± 0.03 LZR-C, and 0.30 ± 0.04 g LZR-WB), but no difference was observed between treatments. PVAT concentrations of monocyte chemoactractant protein 1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor alpha, and adiponectin were significantly higher in OZR compared with LZR (+102%, +108%, and +45%, respectively). Following WB diet, PVAT concentrations of interleukin-8 were significantly lower in both OZR (-37%) and LZR (-30%), while adiponectin concentrations significantly increased in both OZR (+11%) and LZR (+16%). MCP-1 concentrations significantly decreased (-31%) in the PVAT of OZR with the WB diet. WB consumption appears to attenuate local inflammation in PVAT, which may impact systemic vascular inflammation and endothelial function.

read more

PMID: 

BMC Nutr. 2017 ;3:45. Epub 2017 May 25. PMID: 32153825

Abstract Title: 

The effects of 100% wild blueberry () juice consumption on cardiometablic biomarkers: a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial in adults with increased risk for type 2 diabetes.

Abstract: 

Background: Wild blueberries have a high content of polyphenols, but there is limited data evaluating their health benefits in adults at risk for type 2 diabetes. The objective of the study was to investigate whether consumption of 100% wild blueberry juice improves cardiometabolic biomarkers associated with type 2 diabetes risk.Methods: A single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover design trial was conducted in which adults (women, = 19, ages 39-64 y) at risk for type 2 diabetes consumed 240 mL of wild blueberry juice or a placebo beverage as part of their free-living diet for 7 days. Blood was collected to determine various biomarkers such as fasting plasma glucose, fasting serum insulin, surrogate markers of insulin sensitivity, triglycerides, inflammation (interleukin-6, interleukin-10, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, serum amyloid A), adhesion molecules (soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, soluble vascular adhesion molecule-1), oxidative stress (LDL-oxidation, total 8-isoprostanes), and nitric oxide. Endothelial function and blood pressure were also assessed.Results: Wild blueberry juice consumption for 7 days produced no significant changes in glucose, insulin, insulin sensitivity, triglycerides, inflammatory markers, adhesion molecules, oxidative stress, endothelial function or blood pressure. However, wild blueberry juice consumption showed a trend for lowering systolic blood pressure: 120.8 ± 2.2 mmHg in the placebo group vs 116.0 ± 2.2 mmHg in the blueberry juice group ( = 0.088). Serum concentrations of nitrates and nitrites, an index of nitric oxide production, increased from 2.9 ± 0.4 μM after placebo drink to 4.1 ± 0.4 μM after drinking wild blueberry juice ( = 0.039).Conclusions: Short-term consumption of wild blueberry juice may promote cardioprotective effects, by improving systolic blood pressure, possibly through nitric oxide production, in adults at risk for type 2 diabetes. This outcome warrants longer-term human studies of blueberries, including defined amounts of either the whole fruit or juice, to clarify whether polyphenol-rich foods can be efficacious for improving cardiometabolic biomarkers in adults at risk for type 2 diabetes.Trial registration: NCT02139878, clinicaltrials.gov; date of registration: May 4, 2014.

read more

PMID: 

Curr Cardiovasc Risk Rep. 2010 Jul ;4(4):271-276. Epub 2010 Apr 30. PMID: 20672110

Abstract Title: 

Steps to Better Cardiovascular Health: How Many Steps Does It Take to Achieve Good Health and How Confident Are We in This Number?

Abstract: 

Pedometers and other types of step-counting devices are growing in popularity with both researchers and practitioners. The focus of this article is on describing the most recent pedometer-related advances in terms of cardiovascular health. The emergent body of evidence suggests that pedometer-determined physical activity is related to a number of cardiovascular health outcomes and that intervention participants can realize modest changes in body mass index and blood pressure. Taking into consideration individual baseline values, tailored messages congruent with public health recommendations should promote incremental increases in steps/day on the order of an extra 3,000 to 4,000 (approximately 30 min) of at least moderate intensity and taken in at least 10-minute bouts. Additional health benefits accrue with greater increases. Of course, even more benefits are possible from engaging in vigorous physical activity, but this seems less appealing for most people. Pedometer-based guidelines are not intended to supplant existing public health recommendations, but rather supplement them.

read more

PMID: 

Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2012 May ;44(5):977-82. PMID: 22051570

Abstract Title: 

Daily step target to measure adherence to physical activity guidelines in children.

Abstract: 

PURPOSE: There is a lack of robust evidence to support a daily step count target that equates to current physical activity guidelines in children and youth. This information would be useful to researchers and practitioners who are using pedometers to monitor physical activity.METHODS: Accelerometer and pedometer data collected on children and youth age 6-19 yr in the Canadian Health Measures Survey were used in this analysis (n = 1613). Correlation analyses of daily step counts and minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) by age and sex were completed. The daily step count equivalent to 60 min of MVPA was derived using linear regression by age and sex. Cross-validation, including receiver operating curve analysis, was completed to compare the new cut points to one currently used as a proxy estimate of 60 min of daily MVPA (13,500 steps per day) as well as a range of possible step count targets between 8000 and 15,000 steps per day.RESULTS: Daily step counts were correlated with daily minutes of MVPA (r = 0.81, P

read more

PMID: 

Osteoporos Int. 2011 Dec ;22(12):2981-8. Epub 2011 Feb 12. PMID: 21318440

Abstract Title: 

Maintaining femoral bone density in adults: how many steps per day are enough?

Abstract: 

UNLABELLED: The amount and intensity of walking to maintain a healthy skeleton is unknown. This study examined the relationship between habitual walking activity and femoral bone mineral density (BMD) in healthy individuals using a quantitative theory for bone maintenance. Our results suggest a gender, weight, and speed sensitivity of walking interventions.INTRODUCTION: Walking has been extensively promoted for the prevention of osteoporosis. The amount and intensity of walking to maintain a healthy skeleton is unknown and evidence to support a specific target of steps per day is lacking. The goal of our study was to examine the relationship between habitual walking activity and femoral bone mineral density (BMD) in healthy individuals using a quantitative theory for bone maintenance.METHODS: Habitual walking activity and total femur BMD were measured in 105 individuals (49-64 years). An index of cumulative loading (bone density index, BDI) was examined as a predictor of BMD. The BDI-BMD relationship was used to predict the steps per day to maintain healthy BMD values for a range of body weights (BW) and walking speeds.RESULTS: For females but not for males, BDI was correlated with BMD (r (2) = 0.19, p

read more

PMID: 

Metabolism. 2006 Oct ;55(10):1382-7. PMID: 16979410

Abstract Title: 

Efficacy of a pedometer-based physical activity program on parameters of diabetes control in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Abstract: 

The aim of the study was to determine whether a recommendation to walk 10000 steps per day would result in significant improvements in glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, and cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study was a 6-week randomized controlled trial that included 30 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. After 10 days of baseline activity, patients were randomized into 2 groups: control and active. The control group (n = 15) was instructed to continue with their baseline activity for 6 weeks. The active group (n = 15) was instructed to walk at least 10000 steps per day 5 or more days per week, for 6 weeks. Data relevant to glycemic control and other parameters of health were collected at study weeks 0 and 6. There were no differences in the baseline activity between groups (P = .36). Subjects in the active group significantly increased physical activity by 69% during the intervention phase of the study (P = .002), whereas there was no change in the physical activity of the control group (P>.05). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol and resting energy expenditure significantly increased in the active group (P

read more