Suppression of CCL26 and CCL11 generation in human alveolar epithelial cells by apple extracts containing procyanidins

Apples and pears from New Zealand commercial varieties and breeding selections were evaluated for their potential to modulate airway inflammation. Allergic asthma is characterised by eosinophil cell infiltration and inflamed airways of the lungs as a result of inhaled allergens. Prevention or delayed entry of eosinophils by targeting the IL-4 pathway and eotaxin generation is seen as a constructive method to minimise severity of asthmatic conditions. We evaluated in vitro several apple and pear cultivars and selections, comparing extracts from whole fruit, peel and cortex and demonstrated inhibition of eotaxins CCL26 and CCL11 from human alveolar epithelial cells. Correlation analyses between the extract compositions and inflammation responses revealed the bioactivity of CCL11 inhibition was related to oligomeric and polymeric procyanidins. These data suggest that apples and/or foods rich in certain apple polyphenols should be evaluated for their potential management of airway inflammation.