Atheroprotective effects of bilberry extracts in apo E-deficient mice

J Agric Food Chem. 2009 Dec 9;57(23):11106-11. doi: 10.1021/jf9035468.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apolipoproteins E / genetics*
  • Atherosclerosis / drug therapy
  • Atherosclerosis / metabolism
  • Atherosclerosis / pathology
  • Atherosclerosis / prevention & control*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Plant Extracts / administration & dosage*
  • Protective Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Random Allocation
  • Vaccinium myrtillus / chemistry*

Substances

  • Apolipoproteins E
  • Plant Extracts
  • Protective Agents