A red-fleshed apple rich in anthocyanins improves endothelial function, reduces inflammation, and modulates the immune system in hypercholesterolemic subjects: the AppleCOR study

Food Funct. 2024 Jun 4;15(11):5825-5841. doi: 10.1039/d3fo05114e.

Abstract

The study determines the sustained and acute effects of a red-fleshed apple (RFA), rich in anthocyanins (ACNs), a white-fleshed apple (WFA) without ACNs, and an infusion from Aronia melanocarpa (AI) with an equivalent content of ACNs as RFA, on different cardiometabolic risk biomarkers in hypercholesterolemic subjects. A randomized, parallel study was performed for 6 weeks and two dose-response studies were performed at the baseline and after intervention. At 6 weeks, RFA consumption improved ischemic reactive hyperemia and decreased C-reactive protein and interleukine-6 compared to WFA consumption. Moreover, at 6 weeks, AI decreased P-selectin compared to WFA and improved the lipid profile. Three products reduced C1q, C4 and Factor B, and RFA and AI reduced C3. Although both RFA and AI have a similar ACN content, RFA, by a matrix effect, induced more improvements in inflammation, whereas AI improved the lipid profile. Anti-inflammatory protein modulation by proteomic reduction of the complement system and immunoglobulins were verified after WFA, AI and RFA consumption.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anthocyanins* / administration & dosage
  • Anthocyanins* / pharmacology
  • C-Reactive Protein
  • Female
  • Fruit / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Hypercholesterolemia* / drug therapy
  • Immune System / drug effects
  • Inflammation*
  • Male
  • Malus* / chemistry
  • Middle Aged
  • Photinia / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology

Substances

  • Anthocyanins
  • C-Reactive Protein
  • Plant Extracts