Lingonberry, cranberry and blackcurrant juices affect mRNA expressions of inflammatory and atherothrombotic markers of SHR in a long-term treatment

Flavonoids and other phenolic compounds affect low-grade inflammation related to cardiovascular diseases among other positive health effects. Cardioprotective actions are mainly due to enhanced endothelial function and production of nitric oxide (NO). We investigated vascular anti-inflammatory effects of cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos), lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) and blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) juices given as drinking fluid ad libitum to spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), a widely used model of human hypertension, in an 8 week intervention study. The animals were sacrificed, the aortas cleaned and RNA was extracted. cDNA was prepared for real-time PCR and blood was collected for biochemical analyses. The mRNA expressions of angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 (ACE1), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1) and P-selectin were significantly reduced in the cranberry and lingonberry groups. These findings suggest that cranberry and lingonberry cold-compressed juices have anti-inflammatory and anti-atherothrombotic actions in long-term treatment of SHR.

► SHRs were treated (8 weeks) with cranberry, lingonberry and blackcurrant juices.
► Possible anti-inflammatory and anti-atherothrombotic actions were studied.
► To conclude, cranberry and lingonberry juices have anti-inflammatory effects in SHR.
► Cranberry and lingonberry juices also have mild anti-atherothrombotic actions in SHR.