Effects of long-term cranberry supplementation on endocrine pancreas in aging rats

J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2011 Nov;66(11):1139-51. doi: 10.1093/gerona/glr105. Epub 2011 Jul 18.

Abstract

The effects of long-term cranberry consumption on age-related changes in endocrine pancreas are not fully understood. Here we treated male Fischer 344 rats with either 2% whole cranberry powder supplemented or normal rodent chow from 6 to 22 month old. Both groups displayed an age-related decline in basal plasma insulin concentrations, but this age-related decline was delayed by cranberry. Cranberry supplementation led to increased β-cell glucose responsiveness during the oral glucose tolerance test. Portal insulin concentration was 7.6-fold higher in rats fed cranberry, coupled with improved β-cell function. However, insulin resistance values were similar in both groups. Total β-cell mass and expression of pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 and insulin within islets were significantly enhanced in rats fed cranberry relative to controls. Furthermore, cranberry increased insulin release of an insulin-producing β-cell line, revealing its insulinotropic effect. These findings suggest that cranberry is of particular benefit to β-cell function in normal aging rats.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Fat / physiology
  • Aging / physiology
  • Animals
  • Body Composition
  • Body Weight
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Fruit*
  • Homeostasis / physiology
  • Insulin / blood
  • Insulin Resistance / physiology
  • Islets of Langerhans / physiology*
  • Male
  • Phytotherapy*
  • Plant Preparations
  • Postprandial Period
  • Powders
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred F344
  • Vaccinium macrocarpon*

Substances

  • Insulin
  • Plant Preparations
  • Powders