Cranberry Polyphenols Research Articles

Construction and characterization of selenium nanoparticles stabilized by cranberry polyphenols with protective effects on erythrocyte hemolysis

Cranberry polyphenols (CPs) were obtained via ultrasound-assisted extraction and purification on a macroporous resin X-5 column. A green synthesis method of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using CPs as reducing agents was then developed. Two types of SeNPs (CP-SeNPs1 and CP-SeNPs2) were successfully constructed and characterized. The spherical particles were well-dispersed on the polyphenol templates and the addition of the polyphenols reduced the aggregation of the nanoparticles. Both CP-SeNPs1 and CP-SeNPs2, with average particle sizes of 85.62 ± 0.11 nm and 107.97 ± 0.12 nm, respectively, demonstrated radical-scavenging activities and protective effects on erythrocyte hemolysis. CP-SeNPs2 possessed more significant antioxidant activity, as evidenced by its higher radical-scavenging rate and greater enhancement of the erythrocyte antioxidant state compared to those of CP-SeNPs1. This study provides a new application of CPs and confirms their great potential in stabilizing SeNPs.

Cranberry Polyphenols and Prevention against Urinary Tract Infections: New Findings Related to the Integrity and Functionality of Intestinal and Urinary Barriers.

This work seeks to generate new knowledge about the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of cranberry against urinary tract infections (UTI). Using Caco-2 cells grown in Transwell inserts as an intestinal barrier model, we found that a cranberry-derived digestive fluid (containing 135 ± 5 mg of phenolic compounds/L) increased transepithelial electrical resistance with respect to control (ΔTEER = 54.5 Ω cm2) and decreased FITC-dextran paracellular transport by about 30%, which was related to the upregulation of the gene expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins (i.e., occludin, zonula occludens-1 [ZO-1], and claudin-2) (∼3-4-fold change with respect to control for claudin-2 and ∼2-3-fold for occludin and ZO-1). Similar protective effects, albeit to a lesser extent, were observed when Caco-2 cells were previously infected with uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). In a urinary barrier model comprising T24 cells grown in Transwell inserts and either noninfected or UPEC-infected, treatments with the cranberry-derived phenolic metabolites 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and phenylacetic acid (PAA) (250 μM) also promoted favorable changes in barrier integrity and permeability. In this line, incubation of noninfected T24 cells with these metabolites induced positive regulatory effects on claudin-2 and ZO-1 expression (∼3.5- and ∼2-fold change with respect to control for DOPAC and ∼1.5- and >2-fold change with respect to control for PAA, respectively). Overall, these results suggest that the protective action of cranberry polyphenols against UTI might involve molecular mechanisms related to the integrity and functionality of the urothelium and intestinal epithelium.

Cranberry extracts and cranberry polyphenols induce mitophagy in human fibroblast cells

Mitophagy, a process that removes damaged mitochondria, plays a key role in healthy cellular homeostasis. Decreased mitophagy contributes to the aging process and induction of mitophagy has been identified as a novel anti-aging mechanism for a few polyphenols. Cranberries have numerous health benefits which have been ascribed to their rich polyphenol content. Cranberries and cranberry polyphenols may also have the ability to induce mitophagy. To evaluate this hypothesis, the mitophagy inducing abilities of cranberry extracts and a few abundant cranberry polyphenols were examined in normal human fibroblasts, monitoring via confocal microscopy and Western blots. A cranberry extract (polyphenol content 120–125 mg/g) induced mitophagy with a maximum effective concentration of ∼4 μg/mL. Cranberry polyphenol subfractions, flavonols (0.4 μg/mL) and anthocyanins (5 μg/mL), induced mitophagy at low concentrations, while proanthocyanidins required a significantly higher concentration (50 μg/mL) to achieve efficacy. When tested separately, the most abundant cranberry flavonols, quercetin, myricetin and kaempferol each induced mitophagy in a dose-dependent manner but were less efficient than the flavonol subfraction. A mixture of quercetin, myricetin and kaempferol at their most effective concentrations induced mitophagy comparable to the flavonol subfraction. These results suggest cranberry polyphenols induce mitophagy with flavonols requiring the lowest concentration to effectively induce mitophagy due to complementary or synergistic effects, shedding new light on the bioactivity of cranberries.

Impact of cranberry polyphenols and fibers, and slowly digestible starch on glycemic and insulinemic indexes of cereal products

Impact of cranberry polyphenols and fibers, and slowly digestible starch on glycemic and insulinemic indexes of cereal products

The Effects of Cranberry Polyphenol Extract (CPE) Supplementation on Astringency and Flavor Perception as a Function of PROP Taster Status and Other Individual Factors.

This study investigated whether PROP (6-n-propylthiouracil) taster status and other individual factors (gender, ethnicity, BMI, and age) are markers of variation in perceptions of astringency and other flavor attributes. Participants (n = 125) evaluated cranberry juice cocktail samples (CJC) supplemented with cranberry-derived polyphenol extract (CPE, added at 0, 0.3, 0.5 and 0.75 g/L), as well as control samples, unsweetened cranberry juice (CJ) and an aqueous solution of 0.75 g/L CPE. Subjects evaluated samples for key sensory attributes and overall liking using a 15 cm line scale. The data were analyzed using ANCOVA and machine learning tools (regression trees and random forest modeling) to examine if the latter approach would extract more meaningful insights about the roles of personal factors in sensory perceptions of cranberry-derived stimuli. ANCOVA revealed robust stimulus effects, but no effect of PROP taster status on astringency perception was observed. Several effects of PROP×gender, ethnicity, and other factors were observed on other sensory attributes and liking. ANCOVA and machine learning tools yielded similar findings, but regression trees provided a more visualized framework. These data show that PROP taster status has a limited role in astringency perception in complex samples and that other personal factors deserve greater focus in future research on astringency perception.

Therapeutic potential of cranberry for kidney health and diseases

AbstractA higher risk of cardiovascular mortality in persons with chronic renal failure (CRF) is linked to inflammation, oxidative stress, cellular aging, and gut dysbiosis, to name a few contributing factors. According to a growing body of evidence, some dietary choices may reduce the severity of certain adverse effects. Specialized databases such as PubMed/Medline, Embase, Google Scholar, and UpToDate were searched to find published studies that focus on the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of cranberries’ bioactive compounds on CRF and human health. Cranberry supplementation has been demonstrated in clinical research to offer health advantages for humans, such as reducing urinary tract infections. Recently, it has been reported that cranberry polyphenols possess anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects and are also known to have the capacity to affect gut flora. Scientific studies on the beneficial pharmacological effects of cranberries on human health may provide an understanding of traditional cranberry therapy in chronic kidney disease and other chronic conditions. However, translational studies are needed to determine the exact dose that can be administered to humans as well as the validation of nutritional supplements that contain cranberry extract.

Cranberry polyphenols and agave agavins impact gut immune response and microbiota composition while improving gut barrier function, inflammation, and glucose metabolism in mice fed an obesogenic diet.

The consumption of plant-based bioactive compounds modulates the gut microbiota and interacts with the innate and adaptive immune responses associated with metabolic disorders. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of cranberry polyphenols (CP), rich in flavonoids, and agavins (AG), a highly branched agave-derived neo-fructans, on cardiometabolic response, gut microbiota composition, metabolic endotoxemia, and mucosal immunomodulation of C57BL6 male mice fed an obesogenic high-fat and high-sucrose (HFHS) diet for 9 weeks. Interestingly, CP+AG-fed mice had improved glucose homeostasis. Oral supplementation with CP selectively and robustly (five-fold) increases the relative abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila, a beneficial bacteria associated with metabolic health. AG, either alone or combined with CP (CP+AG), mainly stimulated the glycan-degrading bacteria Muribaculum intestinale, Faecalibaculum rodentium, Bacteroides uniformis, and Bacteroides acidifaciens. This increase of glycan-degrading bacteria was consistent with a significantly increased level of butyrate in obese mice receiving AG, as compared to untreated counterparts. CP+AG-supplemented HFHS-fed mice had significantly lower levels of plasma LBP than HFHS-fed controls, suggesting blunted metabolic endotoxemia and improved intestinal barrier function. Gut microbiota and derived metabolites interact with the immunological factors to improve intestinal epithelium barrier function. Oral administration of CP and AG to obese mice contributed to dampen the pro-inflammatory immune response through different signaling pathways. CP and AG, alone or combined, increased toll-like receptor (TLR)-2 (Tlr2) expression, while decreasing the expression of interleukin 1ß (ILß1) in obese mice. Moreover, AG selectively promoted the anti-inflammatory marker Foxp3, while CP increased the expression of NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 6 (Nlrp6) inflammasome. The intestinal immune system was also shaped by dietary factor recognition. Indeed, the combination of CP+AG significantly increased the expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptors (Ahr). Altogether, both CP and AG can shape gut microbiota composition and regulate key mucosal markers involved in the repair of epithelial barrier integrity, thereby attenuating obesity-associated gut dysbiosis and metabolic inflammation and improving glucose homeostasis.

Anti-adhesion capacities of selected cranberry polyphenols and metabolites against P-type and Type-1 fimbriated uropathogenic E. coli using a fluorometric method

Adhesion of P-type and type-1 fimbriated uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) to uroepithelial cells initiates urinary tract infections (UTIs). This research aimed to evaluate the capacities of selected cranberry polyphenols and their microbial metabolites to inhibit such adhesion in vitro using a modified fluorometric method. Data showed that the inhibition capacity of myricetin increased with concentration and plateaued at 70%. It had IC50 values of 13.2 μM against P-type E. coli and 5.50 μM against type-1 E. coli. Quercetin showed similar anti-adhesion capacities to myricetin. Procyanidin A2 and B2 had weaker anti-adhesion activities than myricetin and quercetin, with maximal inhibition capacities of 20%–30% against UPEC. Hippuric acid, a major metabolite of cranberry polyphenols in human urine, showed a maximal inhibition of 20% at 558 μM against type-1 E. coli adhesion, whereas no anti-adhesion activity against P-type E. coli was detected. The fractions of cranberry fruit powder enriched with proanthocyanidin polymers showed the highest anti-adhesion activities compared to the fractions enriched with anthocyanins, flavonols, or proanthocyanidin oligomers. Overall, the anti-adhesion activities of cranberry polyphenols and metabolites depend on their structures and the types of fimbriae on E. coli.

Effect of Cranberry Juice Supplementation on the Gut Microbiome and Inflammatory Markers: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study in Overweight Individuals.

ObjectivesObesity is considered a growing public health concern worldwide. This complex chronic disease has been linked with alterations in adipose tissue and increased pro-inflammatory molecules. Previous studies have associated cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) polyphenols with antimicrobial effects anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we evaluate the impact of daily cranberry juice consumption for six weeks on the gut microbiome and inflammatory cytokines of overweight individuals. MethodsA total of 45 overweight or obese (BMI 28–35 kg/m2) individuals aged 18–65 years, with a body fat percentage greater than 18% for males and 25% for females consumed 8 oz of placebo or cranberry juice twice a day for six weeks. Blood, fecal samples, intestinal health questionnaires, and food records were collected at baseline and after six weeks. Inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, interferon γ (IFN-γ), were analyzed in serum. DNA was extracted from fecal samples to perform a 16S rRNA metagenomics analysis. ResultsSerum levels of TNFα were significantly decreased in the male group (p-value < 0.0317), and IL-8 levels were significantly increased in the female group (p-value < 0.0121) after six weeks of cranberry consumption. In contrast, cranberry consumption significantly improved constipation status after six weeks, based on the AGACHAN questionnaire. At the end of the study, significant differences were found among groups on the class Coriobacteriia, attributed to an increment in the relative abundance of unidentified Coriobacteriaceae sp. after cranberry consumption. Moreover, significant differences among groups on the Bilophila genus were detected after six weeks. This difference was accompanied by an increase in the relative abundance of unidentified Bilophila sp. on the placebo group. ConclusionsA short-term supplementation of a low dose of cranberry juice showed a slight impact on the inflammatory markers and increased the abundance of some beneficial bacterial species. Results are contributing to understanding the bioactive properties of cranberry polyphenols. Funding SourcesOcean Spray Cranberries, Inc.

Daily Exposure to a Cranberry Polyphenol Oral Rinse Alters the Oral Microbiome but Not Taste Perception in PROP Taster Status Classified Individuals

Diet and salivary proteins influence the composition of the oral microbiome, and recent data suggest that TAS2R38 bitter taste genetics may also play a role. We investigated the effects of daily exposure to a cranberry polyphenol oral rinse on taste perception, salivary proteins, and oral microbiota. 6-n-Propylthiouracil (PROP) super-tasters (ST, n = 10) and non-tasters (NT, n = 10) rinsed with 30 mL of 0.75 g/L cranberry polyphenol extract (CPE) in spring water, twice daily for 11 days while consuming their habitual diets. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the NT oral microbiome composition was different than that of STs at baseline (p = 0.012) but not after the intervention (p = 0.525). Principal coordinates analysis using unweighted UniFrac distance showed that CPE modified microbiome composition in NTs (p = 0.023) but not in STs (p = 0.096). The intervention also altered specific salivary protein levels (α-amylase, MUC-5B, and selected S-type Cystatins) with no changes in sensory perception. Correlation networks between oral microbiota, salivary proteins, and sensory ratings showed that the ST microbiome had a more complex relationship with salivary proteins, particularly proline-rich proteins, than that in NTs. These findings show that CPE modulated the oral microbiome of NTs to be similar to that of STs, which could have implications for oral health.

Cranberry Polyphenols in Esophageal Cancer Inhibition: New Insights.

Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is a cancer characterized by rapidly rising incidence and poor survival, resulting in the need for new prevention and treatment options. We utilized two cranberry polyphenol extracts, one proanthocyanidin enriched (C-PAC) and a combination of anthocyanins, flavonoids, and glycosides (AFG) to assess inhibitory mechanisms utilizing premalignant Barrett’s esophagus (BE) and EAC derived cell lines. We employed reverse phase protein arrays (RPPA) and Western blots to examine cancer-associated pathways and specific signaling cascades modulated by C-PAC or AFG. Viability results show that C-PAC is more potent than AFG at inducing cell death in BE and EAC cell lines. Based on the RPPA results, C-PAC significantly modulated 37 and 69 proteins in JH-EsoAd1 (JHAD1) and OE19 EAC cells, respectively. AFG treatment significantly altered 49 proteins in both JHAD1 and OE19 cells. Bioinformatic analysis of RPPA results revealed many previously unidentified pathways as modulated by cranberry polyphenols including NOTCH signaling, immune response, and epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Collectively, these results provide new insight regarding mechanisms by which cranberry polyphenols exert cancer inhibitory effects targeting EAC, with implications for potential use of cranberry constituents as cancer preventive agents.

Anti-Adhesion Capacities of Cranberry Polyphenols and Metabolites Against Type-P and Type-1 Fimbriated Uropathogenic E. Coli Tested Using a Fluorometric Method

Anti-Adhesion Capacities of Cranberry Polyphenols and Metabolites Against Type-P and Type-1 Fimbriated Uropathogenic E. Coli Tested Using a Fluorometric Method

Simulated gastrointestinal digestion of cranberry polyphenols under dynamic conditions. Impact on antiadhesive activity against uropathogenic bacteria

This study is the first dynamic simulation of gastrointestinal digestion of cranberry polyphenols [1 g cranberry extract per day (206.2 mg polyphenols) for 18 days]. Samples from the simulated ascending, transverse, and descending colon of the dynamic gastrointestinal simulator simgi® were analyzed. Results showed that 67% of the total cranberry polyphenols were recovered after simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Specifically, benzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, phenylpropionic acids, phenylacetic acids, and simple phenols were identified. Cranberry feeding modified colonic microbiota composition of Enterococcaceae population significantly. However, increments in microbial-derived short-chain fatty acids, particularly in butyric acid, were observed. Finally, the simgi® effluent during cranberry feeding showed significant antiadhesive activity against uropathogenic Escherichia coli (13.7 ± 1.59 % of inhibition). Understanding the role that gut microbiota plays in cranberry metabolism could help to elucidate its interaction with the human body and explain cranberry protective effects against urinary tract infections.

An Optimized Fluorometric Method to Test the Capacities of Cranberry Polyphenols and Metabolites to Inhibit the Adhesion of Type-P and Type-1 Fimbriated Uropathogenic E. coli

Abstract Objectives Adhesion of type-P and type-1 fimbriated uropathogenic E. coli to urinary tract epithelial cells initiates urinary tract infections. This research aimed to optimize and apply a fluorometric method to evaluate the capacities of cranberry polyphenols and metabolites to inhibit such adhesion in vitro. Methods BacLight Green labelled E. coli were incubated with cranberry polyphenols or microbial metabolites of cranberry polyphenols for 30 min at 37°C. Mixture was added to a 96-well microplate containing 1 × 105/well of human uroepithelial T24 cells and incubated for 1 h at 37°C. After incubation, E. coli not adhered were removed by phosphate buffer washing. Fluorescent intensity was measured on a microplate reader at 480 nm excitation and 516 nm emission. Results Stable and strong fluorescent readings were obtained with 800 μmol/L BacLight Green for E. coli labeling and an E. coli to T24 cells ratio of 400:1 for co-incubation. A standard curve was established using 0–63 μM myricetin. The half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of myricetin were 13.2 μM against type-P E. coli adhesion and 5.5 μM against type-1 E. coli adhesion. A fraction enriched with procyanidin polymers had IC50 of 57.6 μg/mL against type-P E. coli and 19.3 μg/mL against type-1 E. coli, respectively. Its anti-adhesion activities were more potent than those of cranberry fractions enriched with procyanidin oligomers, flavonols, or anthocyanin. Procyanidin A2 had a maximal inhibition about 35% at 17.3 μM against type-P E. coli, but no anti-adhesion activity was observed against type-1 E. coli. Procyanidin B2 showed a plateaued inhibition about 15% at 173–691 μM against type-P E. coli. Its maximal inhibition against type-1 E. coli was around 25% at 346 μM. Hippuric acid, a major metabolite of cranberry polyphenols, had a maximal inhibition about 20% at 558 μM against type-1 E. coli adhesion, whereas its anti-adhesion activity against type-P E. coli was not detected. Conclusions The optimized fluorometric method showed that both structure and composition of cranberry polyphenols and metabolites affected their abilities to inhibit E. coli adhesion in vitro. Anti-adhesion activities of cranberry polyphenols also depend on type of E. coli fimbriae. Funding Sources University of Florida Research Foundation Seed Fund.

Pea protein isolate characteristics modulate functional properties of pea protein-cranberry polyphenol particles.

Plant polyphenols have a natural binding affinity for proteins, and their interaction can be exploited to form diverse aggregate particles. Protein–polyphenol particles utilized as food ingredients allow consumers to incorporate more health‐benefiting plant bioactives into their diets. The functional properties of the protein–polyphenol particles can be influenced by many factors, including complexation conditions and starting material properties. Here, cranberry polyphenols extracted from pomace were complexed with nine pea protein isolate starting materials with different physical (particle size and protein content) and chemical (hydrolyzed and oxidized) properties to investigate the impact of protein characteristics on particle functionality. Chemical differences between proteins affected polyphenol binding; oxidized protein isolate (specifically, VegOtein N) bound 12%–27% more polyphenols than other isolates. Polyphenol binding to proteins decreased digestion rates in vitro, averaging 25% slower gastric (pepsin) digestion and a 35% slower intestinal (pancreatin) digestion. Physical differences in protein starting materials affected digestibility; isolate with the largest particle size (specifically, Nutralys F85G) produced particles with the lowest digestion rate. Solubility was impacted by both the process of forming particles and by polyphenol binding; control particles were 56% less soluble, and protein–polyphenol particles up to 75% less soluble, than unmodified proteins. The solubility of unmodified protein isolate starting materials varied widely according to the manufacturing process, but, after complexation, protein–polyphenol particles produced from all protein sources exhibited a similar depressed level of solubility. The desired functional properties of the protein–polyphenol particle food ingredients will be considerably influenced by the properties of the protein isolate starting material.

Cranberry Proanthocyanidins and Dietary Oligosaccharides Synergistically Modulate Lactobacillus plantarum Physiology.

Plant-based foods contain bioactive compounds such as polyphenols that resist digestion and potentially benefit the host through interactions with their resident microbiota. Based on previous observations, we hypothesized that the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum interacts with cranberry polyphenols and dietary oligosaccharides to synergistically impact its physiology. In this study, L. plantarum ATCC BAA-793 was grown on dietary oligosaccharides, including cranberry xyloglucans, fructooligosaccharides, and human milk oligosaccharides, in conjunction with proanthocyanidins (PACs) extracted from cranberries. As a result, L. plantarum exhibits a differential physiological response to cranberry PACs dependent on the carbohydrate source and polyphenol fraction introduced. Of the two PAC extracts evaluated, the PAC1 fraction contains higher concentrations of PACs and increased growth regardless of the oligosaccharide, whereas PAC2 positively modulates its growth during xyloglucan metabolism. Interestingly, fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are efficiently utilized in the presence of PAC1, as this L. plantarum strain does not utilize this substrate typically. Relative to glucose, oligosaccharide metabolism increases the ratio of secreted acetic acid to lactic acid. The PAC2 fraction differentially increases this ratio during cranberry xyloglucan fermentation compared with PAC1. The global transcriptome links the expression of putative polyphenol degradation genes and networks and metabolic phenotypes.

Ulcerative colitis results in differential metabolism of cranberry polyphenols by the colon microbiome in vitro.

The microbiome plays a major role in polyphenol metabolism, producing metabolites that are bioavailable and potentially more bioactive than the compounds from which they are derived. However, the microbiome can vary among individuals, and especially for those with co-morbidities, such as ulcerative colitis. In subjects with ulcerative colitis, the consequence of a 'dysbiotic' microbiome is characterized by decreased diversity of microbiota that may impact their capability to metabolize polyphenols into bioavailable metabolites. On this premise, the microbiome metabolism of cranberry polyphenols between healthy individuals and those with ulcerative colitis was compared in vitro. Fecal samples from volunteers, with or without diagnosed ulcerative colitis, were cultured anaerobically in the presence of cranberry polyphenols. The resulting metabolites were then quantified via LC-ESI-MS/MS. 16S rRNA metagenomics analysis was also utilized to assess differences in microbiota composition between healthy and ulcerative colitis microbiomes and the modulatory effects of cranberry polyphenols on microbiota composition. Healthy microbiomes produced higher (p < 0.05) concentrations of 5-(3',4'-dihydroxyphenyl)-gamma-valerolactone and 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid in comparison to ulcerative colitis microbiomes. Additionally, healthy microbiomes contained a higher (p < 0.05) abundance of Ruminococcaceae, which could explain their ability to produce higher concentrations of cranberry polyphenol metabolites. Health status and the presence of cranberry polyphenols also significantly impacted the production of several short-chain and branched-chain fatty acids. These results suggest that efficiency of polyphenol metabolism is dependent on microbiota composition and future works should include metabolite data to account for inter-individual differences in polyphenol metabolism.

Time Course of Salivary Protein Responses to Cranberry-Derived Polyphenol Exposure as a Function of PROP Taster Status

Astringency is a complex oral sensation, commonly experienced when dietary polyphenols interact with salivary proteins. Most astringent stimuli alter protein levels, which then require time to be replenished. Although it is standard practice in astringency research to provide breaks in between stimuli, there is limited consensus over the amount of time needed to restore the oral environment to baseline levels. Here we examined salivary protein levels after exposure to 20 mL of a model stimulus (cranberry polyphenol extract, 0.75 g/L CPE) or unsweetened cranberry juice (CJ), over a 10 min period. Whole saliva from healthy subjects (n = 60) was collected at baseline and after 5 and 10 min following either stimulus. Five families of proteins: basic proline-rich proteins (bPRPs); acidic proline-rich proteins (aPRPs); histatins; statherin; and S-type cystatins, were analyzed in whole saliva via HPLC-low resolution-ESI-IT-MS, using the area of the extracted ion current (XIC) peaks. Amylase was quantified via immunoblotting. In comparison to baseline (resting), both stimuli led to a rise in levels of aPRPs (p < 0.000) at 5 min which remained elevated at 10 min after stimulation. Additionally, an interaction of PROP taster status and time was observed, wherein super-tasters had higher levels of amylase in comparison to non-tasters after stimulation with CJ at both timepoints (p = 0.014–0.000). Further, male super-tasters had higher levels of bPRPs at 5 min after stimulation with both CJ and CPE (p = 0.015–0.007) in comparison to baseline. These data provide novel findings of interindividual differences in the salivary proteome that may influence the development of astringency and that help inform the design of sensory experiments of astringency.

Cranberry Polyphenols and Prevention against Urinary Tract Infections: Relevant Considerations.

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is a distinctive source of polyphenols as flavonoids and phenolic acids that has been described to display beneficial effects against urinary tract infections (UTIs), the second most common type of infections worldwide. UTIs can lead to significant morbidity, especially in healthy females due to high rates of recurrence and antibiotic resistance. Strategies and therapeutic alternatives to antibiotics for prophylaxis and treatment against UTIs are continuously being sought after. Different to cranberry, which have been widely recommended in traditional medicine for UTIs prophylaxis, probiotics have emerged as a new alternative to the use of antibiotics against these infections and are the subject of new research in this area. Besides uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), the most common bacteria causing uncomplicated UTIs, other etiological agents, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae or Gram-positive bacteria of Enterococcus and Staphylococcus genera, seem to be more widespread than previously appreciated. Considerable current effort is also devoted to the still-unraveled mechanisms that are behind the UTI-protective effects of cranberry, probiotics and their new combined formulations. All these current topics in the understanding of the protective effects of cranberry against UTIs are reviewed in this paper. Further progresses expected in the coming years in these fields are also discussed.

Moderate to Severe Ulcerative Colitis Results in Differential Metabolism of Cranberry Polyphenols by the Colon Microbiome Ex Vivo

Abstract Objectives The microbiome plays a major role in polyphenol metabolism, producing metabolites that are bioavailable and potentially more bioactive than the polyphenol compounds from which they are derived. A consequence of ulcerative colitis (UC) is a ‘dysbiotic’ microbiome characterized by decreased species diversity, which may impact an individual's capability to metabolize polyphenols into bioavailable metabolites. The objective was to compare the microbial metabolism of cranberry polyphenols between fecal donors that were healthy or had moderate to severe UC to determine if dysbiosis effects polyphenol metabolism. Methods Fecal samples were donated by volunteers with or without moderate to severe UC (n = 9). Fecal samples were cultured anaerobically within 2 hours of defecation in the presence of A and B type proanthocyanidins, flavonols and anthocyanins extracted from cranberry powder. Aliquots were taken at 5 different time points over a 48-hour period and the resulting polyphenol metabolites were quantified via LC-ESI-MS/MS using SRM and authentic standards. 16S rRNA metagenomics analysis was also utilized to assess changes in the composition of the fecal microbiota. Results After 6 hours, healthy individuals produced 2.50, 20.1 and 5.25-fold higher (P &amp;lt; 0.05) concentrations of 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and 3’,4’-dihydroxyphenyl-gamma-valerolactone, respectively. Healthy individuals continued to have significantly higher concentrations of these metabolites over the 48-hour period. UC microbiomes did not produce 3-hydroxyphenylacetic until after 48 hours, suggesting that the microbiome of those with UC may have significantly lower de-hydroxylase activity. Healthy microbiomes contained higher (P &amp;lt; 0.05) proportions of Ruminococcaceae, which could explain their ability to produce higher concentrations of cranberry polyphenol metabolites. Conclusions The microbiome of individuals with UC produces significantly lower cranberry polyphenol metabolites than healthy microbiomes. These results suggest that efficiency of polyphenol metabolism is dependent on health status of the colon and polyphenols could be potential biomarkers of colon health. Funding Sources Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc, Middleborough, MA.