Objectives: To identify the anthocyanin content in tart cherry juice concentrate (TCJC) and establish the anti-inflammatory effect of in a murine acute gout model.
Methods: The main anthocyanins in the TCJC were identified by liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy (LCMS). TCJC or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) as control were administered daily by oral gavage to BALB/C-Tg(NFκB-RE-luc)-Xen mice that harbour a firefly luciferase cDNA reporter under the regulation of 3 Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) response elements. After 14 days, gouty inflammation was induced by intra-articular injection of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals into the tibio-tarsal joint (ankle). NF-κB activity was measured locally in the injected ankle using the Xenogen in vivo imaging system (IVIS), and decalcified feet/ankles were paraffin-embedded and analysed histopathologically.
Results: The major anthocyanin compound present in TCJC was cyanidin 3-glucosylrutinoside followed by cyanidin 3-rutinoside. In the murine acute gout model, MSU injection increased NF-κB activity and oral administration of TCJC significantly reduced NF-κB activity in mouse foot, and ankle joints as assessed by IVIS analysis. Bioluminescent imaging detection of NF-κB activation was inhibited approximately 2-fold relative to control mice receiving PBS. Histopathologic examination showed suppression of infiltrates into the tibio-tarsal joint space of the mice receiving TCJC compared to PBS-treated control counterparts.
Conclusions: The major anthocyanin in TCJC was cyanidin 3-glucosylrutinoside. Clinically relevant doses of TCJC significantly inhibit inflammation and NF-κB activation induced by MSU crystals.