Evidence for the efficacy of dietary interventions in protecting against cardiovascular disease has grown significantly, with flavonoids and anthocyanins receiving special attention. Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) is a good source of these compounds, and this study examined the protective effects of wild lingonberry found in Manitoba, Canada, against ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. Manitoba lingonberry contained 3793 ± 27 mg gallic acid equiv, 120,501 ± 7651 μmol trolox equiv, and 575 ± 20 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equiv per 100 g dry weight, which correspond with high total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and anthocyanin content, respectively. A complete methanolic extract and both anthocyanin-rich and phenolic-rich fractions inhibited apoptosis in H9c2 cells during simulated IR. Lingonberry extract and fractions significantly inhibited several markers of apoptosis induced by IR, including nuclei condensation, caspase-3 activation, and MAP kinase signaling. These results provide the first analysis of Manitoba lingonberry and highlight the mechanistic importance of dietary berry compounds for cardiovascular health.
Keywords: H9c2; JNK; Vaccinium vitis-idaea; anthocyanin; antioxidant; apoptosis; ischemia-reperfusion; lingonberry.