Wild blueberries rank very high in anthocyanins (ACNs) and phenolic acids (PA) among other berries. Previous work from our group has documented their beneficial effects. In this study, human umbilical vein endothelial cells were used, and ACNs, PAs, and their combination (ACNs:PAs) at concentrations of 0.002, 8, 15, 60, and 120 μg/mL were tested for endothelial tube formation. Treatment with ACNs decreased, while treatment with PAs and ACNs:PAs increased overall endothelial cell tube formation compared to control. Endothelial cells exposed to ACNs downregulated gene expression of AKT1 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), while PAs upregulated AKT1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene expression. Combination of ACNs:PAs decreased gene expression of AKT1 and eNOS, while protein levels of AKT1 increased. In summary, based on the type of wild blueberry extract, angiogenesis is differentially modulated and is concentration dependent. Further experiments will delineate the mechanism(s) of the differential action of the aforementioned extracts on angiogenesis.
Keywords: AKT1; angiogenesis; anthocyanins; phenolic acids; tube formation; wild blueberries (V. angustifolium).