Polyphenol‐rich Aronia melanocarpa (chokeberry) extract regulates expression of cholesterol and lipid metabolism genes in Caco‐2 cells

Abstract

Chokeberry, Aoronia melanocarpa, is a rich source of polyphenols. We investigated the effect of an anthocyanin‐rich chokeberry extract (CBE) on the expression of genes involved in intestinal lipid metabolism in Caco‐2 cells, a human intestinal cell line. CBE had a Total Phenols value of 745 mg gallic acid equivalents/g and contained 12% anthocyanins. Cells were incubated with 50 or 100 μg/mL of CBE for 24 h and gene expression was measured by quantitative realtime PCR. ATP binding cassette transporter (ABC) A1, scavenger receptor class B, type 1, Niemann‐Pick C1 Like 1, and HMG‐CoA reductase mRNA abundance was significantly reduced by CBE. In contrast, CBE induced LDL receptor (LDLR) and ABCG8 to levels 2.5‐ and 1.5‐fold of controls. Western blot analysis confirmed increased LDLR protein level. Expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism and chylomicron assembly, including sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c, fatty acid synthase, and acyl‐CoA oxidase and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein, was significantly decreased by CBE in a dose‐dependent manner. Our data suggest that CBE may play an important role in the flux of cholesterol as well as lipid metabolism in the intestine. Supported by College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and Research Foundation at the University of Connecticut.Grant Funding Source : College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and Research Foundation at the University of Connecticut.