North American Cranberry Research Articles

Cranberry fruit epicuticular wax benefits and identification of a wax-associated molecular marker

BackgroundAs the global climate changes, periods of abiotic stress throughout the North American cranberry growing regions will become more common. One consequence of high temperature extremes and drought conditions is sunscald. Scalding damages the developing berry and reduces yields through fruit tissue damage and/or secondary pathogen infection. Irrigation runs to cool the fruit is the primary approach to controlling sunscald. However, it is water intensive and can increase fungal-incited fruit rot. Epicuticular wax functions as a barrier to various environmental stresses in other fruit crops and may be a promising feature to mitigate sunscald in cranberry. In this study we assessed the function of epicuticular wax in cranberries to attenuate stresses associated with sunscald by subjecting high and low epicuticular wax cranberries to controlled desiccation and light/heat exposure. A cranberry population that segregates for epicuticular wax was phenotyped for epicuticular fruit wax levels and genotyped using GBS. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analyses of these data identified a locus associated with epicuticular wax phenotype. A SNP marker was developed in the QTL region to be used for marker assisted selection.ResultsCranberries with high epicuticular wax lost less mass percent and maintained a lower surface temperature following heat/light and desiccation experiments as compared to fruit with low wax. QTL analysis identified a marker on chromosome 1 at position 38,782,094 bp associated with the epicuticular wax phenotype. Genotyping assays revealed that cranberry selections homozygous for a selected SNP have consistently high epicuticular wax scores. A candidate gene (GL1-9), associated with epicuticular wax synthesis, was also identified near this QTL region.ConclusionsOur results suggest that high cranberry epicuticular wax load may help reduce the effects of heat/light and water stress: two primary contributors to sunscald. Further, the molecular marker identified in this study can be used in marker assisted selection to screen cranberry seedlings for the potential to have high fruit epicuticular wax. This work serves to advance the genetic improvement of cranberry crops in the face of global climate change.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study to Assess the Urinary Anti-Adhesion Activity Following Consumption of Cranberry + health™ Cranberry Supplement (P06-114-19)

ObjectivesUrinary tract infections (UTIs) are the second most common bacterial infections and are often treated with antibiotics. The North American cranberry is recommended for UTI prophylaxis in women with recurrent UTI as a nutritional alternative approach. The ability of cranberry components or their metabolites to inhibit the adhesion of uropathogenic E.coli to the bladder is considered as an important mechanism by which cranberry mitigates UTIs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-adhesion activity of urine from healthy individuals against both type I pili and P-fimbriae uropathogenic E.coli, after the consumption of Cranberry + health™ Cranberry Supplement. MethodsIn this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial (n = 20), subjects consumed two cranberry chews, one in the morning and one in the evening. Clean-catch urine samples collected at baseline and post-intervention (0–3 h, 3–6 h, 6–9 h, 9–12 h, 12–24 h, 24–30 h, 30–36 h) were tested for anti-adhesion activity utilizing both a mannose-resistant human red blood cell hemagglutination assay specific for P-fimbriae E. coli and a T24 cell line model for type I pili E.coli (UTI89). ResultsUrinary ex vivo anti-adhesion activity against P-fimbriae E. coli after consuming cranberry chew was significantly greater (p < 0.05) than placebo chew at 0–3 h, 3–6 h, 6–9 h, 9–12, and 12–24 time point. Urinary anti-adhesion activity against type I pili E.coli (UTI89) following cranberry chew was significantly greater (p < 0.1) than placebo chew at 3–6 h, 6–9 h, and 12–24 h time point. ConclusionsAcute consumption of Cranberry + health™ Cranberry Supplement provides ex vivo anti-adhesion activity, which may help to improve urinary tract health. Funding SourcesOcean Spray Cranberries, Inc.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study to assess bacterial anti-adhesive activity in human urine following consumption of a cranberry supplement.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the common bacterial infections treated with antibiotics. The North American cranberry is recommended for prophylaxis in women with recurrent UTIs as a nutritional alternative. The ability of cranberry components and their metabolites to inhibit adhesion of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) is an important mechanism by which cranberry mitigates UTIs. The objective of this study was to evaluate urinary anti-adhesion activity against type 1 and P-type uropathogenic E. coli after consumption of cranberry +health™ cranberry supplement (cranberry chew). In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design pilot trial (n = 20), subjects consumed two cranberry or placebo chews, one in the morning and one in the evening. Clean-catch urine samples collected at the baseline and post-intervention (0-3, 3-6, 6-9, 9-12, 12-24, 24-30, 30-36 h) were tested for anti-adhesion effects with a mannose-resistant human red blood cell hemagglutination assay specific for P-type E. coli, or a T24 cell line model for type 1 E. coli. Urinary anti-adhesion activity against P-type E. coli after consumption of the cranberry chew was significantly greater (p < 0.05) than that observed with placebo chew at all time points except 24-36 h. Ex vivo anti-adhesion effects on type 1 E. coli were greater (p < 0.05) after cranberry chew consumption than placebo chew at 3-6 and 6-9 h urine collections. In conclusion, consumption of cranberry +health™ cranberry supplement exhibited greater ex vivo urinary anti-adhesion activity compared to placebo, suggesting that it may have the potential to help promote urinary tract health.

Chemopreventive Effects of Whole Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) on Colitis‐Associated Colon Tumorigenesis

There are growing interests in using a whole-food-based approach to prevent chronic diseases due to potential synergistic interactions among different bioactive components within the whole foods. North American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), a polyphenol-rich fruit, has been shown to exert multiple beneficial health effects. For the first time, the protective effects of whole cranberry powder (WCP) are determined against colitis-associated mouse colon tumorigenesis induced by azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The results show that dietary administration of WCP (1.5%, w/w in the diet) significantly suppresses colon tumorigenesis as indicated by the reduced tumor incidence, multiplicity, burden, and average tumor size in WCP-fed mice compared to the positive control mice. Both gene and protein expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α are markedly attenuated by WCP treatment in the colon of AOM/DSS-treated mice. Moreover, WCP profoundly modulates multiple signaling pathways/proteins related to inflammation, cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastasis in the colon, which is closely associated with the inhibitory effects of WCP on colon tumorigenesis. Overall, the results demonstrate chemopreventive effects of WCP on colon tumorigenesis in mice, providing a scientific basis for using the whole cranberry as a functional food to promote colon health in humans.

Water-soluble cranberry extract inhibits Vibrio cholerae biofilm formation possibly through modulating the second messenger 3', 5' - Cyclic diguanylate level.

Quorum sensing (QS) and nucleotide-based second messengers are vital signaling systems that regulate bacterial physiology in response to changing environments. Disrupting bacterial signal transduction is a promising direction to combat infectious diseases, and QS and the second messengers are undoubtedly potential targets. In Vibrio cholerae, both QS and the second messenger 3’, 5’—cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP) play a central role in controlling motility, motile-to-sessile life transition, and virulence. In this study, we found that water-soluble extract from the North American cranberry could significantly inhibit V. cholerae biofilm formation during the development/maturation stage by reducing the biofilm matrix production and secretion. The anti-biofilm effect by water-soluble cranberry extract was possibly through modulating the intracellular c-di-GMP level and was independent of QS and the QS master regulator HapR. Our results suggest an opportunity to explore more functional foods to fight stubborn infections through interference with the bacterial signaling systems.

Effect of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) oligosaccharides on the formation of advanced glycation end-products.

BACKGROUND: The formation and accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are implicated in several chronic human illnesses including type-2 diabetes, renal failure, and neurodegenerative diseases. The cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) fruit has been previously reported to show anti-AGEs effects, attributed primarily to its phenolic constituents. However, there is lack of similar data on the non-phenolic constituents found in the cranberry fruit, in particular, its carbohydrate constituents. Herein, a chemically characterized oligosaccharide-enriched fraction purified from the cranberry fruit was evaluated for its potential anti-AGEs and free radical scavenging effects.OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro anti-AGEs and free radical scavenging effects of a chemically characterized oligosaccharide-enriched fraction purified from the North American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) fruit.METHOD: The cranberry oligosaccharide-enriched fraction was purified from cranberry hull powder and characterized based on spectroscopic and spectrometric (NMR, MALDI-TOF-MS, and HPAEC-PAD) data. The oligosaccharide-enriched fraction was evaluated for its anti-AGEs and free radical scavenging effects by the bovine serum albumin-fructose, and DPPH assays, respectively.RESULTS: Fractionation of cranberry hull material yielded an oligosaccharide-enriched fraction named Cranf1b-CL. The 1H NMR and MALDI-TOF-MS revealed that Cranf1b-CL consists of oligosaccharides ranging primarily from 6-mers to 9-mers. The monosaccharide composition of Cranf1b-CL was arabinose (25%), galactose (5%), glucose (47%) and xylose (23%). In the bovine serum albumin-fructose assay, Cranf1b-CL inhibited AGEs formation in a concentration-dependent manner with comparable activity to the synthetic antiglycating agent, aminoguanidine, used as the positive control (57 vs. 75%; both at 500μg/mL). In the DPPH free radical scavenging assay, Cranf1b-CL showed superior activity to the synthetic commercial antioxidant, butylated hydroxytoluene, used as the positive control (IC50 = 680 vs. 2200μg/mL, respectively).CONCLUSION: The in vitro anti-AGEs and free radical scavenging effects of cranberry oligosaccharides support previous data suggesting that these constituents may also contribute to biological effects of the whole fruit beyond its phenolic constituents alone. Also, this is the first study to evaluate a chemically characterized oligosaccharide fraction purified from the North American cranberry fruit for anti-AGEs and free radical scavenging properties.

Chemopreventive effects of North American cranberry (Vaccinium Macrocarpon) on colitis‐associated colon carcinogenesis in mice.

North American cranberry (Vaccinium Macrocarpon), has been reported to have beneficial biological activities. In this study, we investigated the chemopreventive effects of North American cranberry on colitis‐associated colon carcinogenesis in azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐treated mice. It was observed that dietary administration of whole cranberry powder (WCP) significantly decreased colon tumor incidence, multiplicity, average tumor size and tumor burden. qRT‐PCR and ELISA results showed that both gene and protein expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL‐1, IL‐6 and TNF‐α were inhibited by WCP treatment. Immunoblotting results showed that administration of WCP resulted in profound effects on multiple proteins related with cell proliferation, inflammation and apoptosis. For example, WCP treatment significantly decreased the expression levels of COX‐2, PI3K/Akt, MMP‐2, MMP‐9, VEGF, EGFR, cyclin D, CDK4, Rb, and increased the levels of p53, p21, p27, cleaved caspase‐3 and cleaved PARP in colonic mucosa of AOM/DSS‐treated mice. Moreover, we found that treatment with WCP significantly enhanced the expression levels of phase II antioxidant enzymes, such as HO‐1 and NQO1 in colonic mucosa. Overall, our results demonstrated that dietary administration of WCP significantly inhibited colitis‐associated colon carcinogenesis in mice, providing a solid scientific basis for using North American cranberry as a chemopreventive agent for colon cancer in human.

Variation in proanthocyanidin content and composition among commonly grown North American cranberry cultivars (Vaccinium macrocarpon)

Cranberry fruit (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is rich in polyphenols, particularly oligomeric proanthocyanidins (PACs) possessing antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. PACs may play a role in resistance to fruit rot. Although many cranberry cultivars are grown for use in foods, beverages and nutraceuticals, data on PAC content among cultivars is limited. Eight cultivars were sampled from four growing regions during the 2010 season and analyzed for PAC content and composition. MALDI-TOF MS showed that isolated PACs had similar oligomer profiles among cultivars. The major constituents were A-type (epi)catechin oligomers of two to eight degrees of polymerization. Total PAC content ranged between 18 and 92 g PAC kg⁻¹ dried fruit, quantified as procyanidin A2 by the dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde method. Among the cultivars sampled, Howes had the highest total PACs (76-92 g kg⁻¹), followed by Mullica Queen and Early Black (48-82 g kg⁻¹). Ben Lear, a disease-susceptible variety, was significantly lower in PACs than the other cultivars (P < 0.001). Several traditional and newer cultivars of cranberry from various growing regions in North America are excellent sources of PACs, particularly the Howes, Mullica Queen and Early Black cultivars. PAC content may play a role in keeping quality.

Cranberry leaves (Vaccinium macrocarpon) as a source of antimicrobial metabolites

Secondary metabolites from the leaves of North American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) are under investigation for structure and inhibitory activity against bacterial biofilm formation and cancer cell growth. Compounds were separated by column chromatography using various stationary phases, and characterized by MS and NMR. In addition to several quercetin glycosides, proanthocyanidin subfractions ranging in oligomer size from dimer to octamers, were isolated from the aqueous extracts and characterized by MALDI-TOF MS. Cranberry leaf PACs inhibited biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus (MBIC=1.5–3.1µg/mL) as well as the growth of several Candida species and HeLa cells. The quercetin glycosides also inhibited S. aureus biofilms (MBIC=25µg/mL). Constituents of the nonpolar extracts include β-sitosterol and ursolic acid derivatives to be identified. Cranberry leaves may be a useful source of antimicrobial compounds.

Analyzing Cranberry Bioactive Compounds

There is a growing public interest for the North American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) as a functional food because of the potential health benefits linked to phytochemical compounds present in the fruit—the anthocyanin pigments, responsible for its brilliant red color, and other secondary plant metabolites (flavonols, flavan-3-ols, proanthocyanidins, and phenolic acid derivatives). Isolation of these phenolic compounds and flavonoids from a sample matrix is a prerequisite to any comprehensive analysis scheme. By far the most widely employed analytical technique for the characterization of these compounds has been high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) coupled with ultraviolet-visible(UV/Vis) and mass spectrometer(MS) detection. This review covers the cranberry major bioactive compounds, the extraction and purification methods, and the analytical conditions for HPLC used to characterize them. Extraction, chromatographic separation and detection strategies, analyte determinations, and applications in HPLC are discussed and the information regarding methods of specific cranberry analyte analyses has been summarized in tabular form to provide a means of rapid access to information pertinent to the reader.

Bioactive Compounds in Cranberries and their Biological Properties

Cranberries are healthy fruit that contribute color, flavor, nutritional value, and functionality. They are one of only three fruits native to America. Over the past decade, public interest for the North American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) has been rising with reports of their potential health benefits linked to the numerous phytochemicals present in the fruit—the anthocyanins, the flavonols, the flavan-3-ols, the proanthocyanidins, and the phenolic acid derivatives. The presence of these phytochemicals appears to be responsible for the cranberry property of preventing many diseases and infections, including cardiovascular diseases, various cancers, and infections involving the urinary tract, dental health, and Helicobacter pylori-induced stomach ulcers and cancers. Recent years have seen important breakthroughs in our understanding of the mechanisms through which these compounds exert their beneficial biological effects, yet these remain to be scientifically substantiated. In this paper these characteristics, as well as the antioxidant, radical scavenging, antibacterial, antimutagen, and anticarcinogen properties of cranberry major bioactive compounds are explained.

The North American cranberry fruit rot fungal community: a systematic overview using morphological and phylogenetic affinities

Cranberry fruit rot (CFR) is caused by many species of fungi, with the contribution of any given species to the disease complex varying among plantings of Vaccinium macrocarpon within a site, sites within regions, and among regions and years. This study assessed the morphological and molecular variability of five widespread CFR‐causing fungi: Phyllosticta vaccinii, Coleophoma empetri, Colletotrichum acutatum, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Physalospora vaccinii. Although the majority of isolates had morphological characteristics consistent with published descriptions, some were atypical. For example, non‐chromogenic isolates of C. acutatum were recovered from British Columbia and white isolates of Physalospora vaccinii were recovered in addition to the more common dark isolates. On the basis of sequence analysis of the ITS and large subunit rDNA (LSU), it appears that Phyllosticta vaccinii, C. empetri, C. gloeosporioides and C. acutatum are genetically uniform on cranberry in North America. This suggests the possibility that these fungal species were introduced to cultivated cranberries and concomitantly moved with planting material to new locations. In contrast, white isolates of Physalospora had ITS and LSU sequences distinct from those of their dark counterparts, with phylogenetic analyses suggesting that these isolates represent either different species or distinct members of highly divergent populations. Taxonomic placement of all species based on phylogenetic relationships was consistent with morphological placement, with the exception of Physalospora vaccinii. Unlike other Physalospora species, CFR isolates of Physalospora vaccinii were not allied with the Xylariomycetidae; instead, these fungi were members of the Sordariomycetidae. A deeper taxonomic analysis is needed to resolve this inconsistency in familial affiliation.

Vaccinium macrocarpon: An interesting option for women with recurrent urinary tract infections and other health benefits

To review the scientific publications concerning the clinical use and mechanism of action of the North American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) for women with recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI) and other health conditions. This is a retrospective study of published information concerning Vaccinium macrocarpon retrieved from a PubMed and individual searches. Urinary tract infections are very common in women, cause discomfort, and may aggravate other genitourinary conditions. The available scientific information supports a clinical benefit of Vaccinium macrocarpon in the prevention of recurrent UTI in women. There is a non-significant reduction of UTI associated with Vaccinium macrocarpon treatment during pregnancy. A group of proanthocyanidins (PAC) with A-type linkages have been isolated from Vaccinium macrocarpon which inhibit P-fimbriae synthesis and induce a bacterial deformation, on both antibiotic-susceptible and antibiotic-resistant uropathogenic Escherichia coli. It is plausible that cranberry PAC prevent bacteria from adhering to the uroepithelium of the bladder, thereby blocking the ability of E. coli to infect the urinary mucosa. Cranberry treatment is a safe, well-tolerated supplement that does not have significant drug interactions. Although investigations are in the early stages, experimental and preclinical studies suggest that cranberry components may have other potential benefits, including anti-infective, anticancer and antioxidant effects, which may be considered as positive for different age-related conditions. In addition, cranberry components may induce positive cardiovascular and metabolic changes, and may improve neuropsychological activity. These effects warrant further clinical research to better place the role of cranberry products for women.

The Natural Products in Protection against the most Important Pathological Changes in Human Metabolism

&lt;I&gt;Inflammation in joint&lt;/I&gt;: The liberation of phospholipids from cell membranes represents the first step of inflammation cascade. By action of phospholipase A2 is split of the arachidonic acid. Free arachidonic acid is than metabolised by two enzymes: 5-lipooxygenase and 2-cyclooxygenase to generate the group of prostanoids and leukotrienes which are the first active proinflammation compounds, starting the whole proces of inflammation. We verífied, that 27 flavonoids and flavans, contained in American patent Univestin are really able to interrupt this pathway by inhibition both of those enzymes. All these flavonoids are naturally occurring chemicals, which give color to plants and are found in plants, fruits, grains, nuts and vegetables. Theirs antioxidant capacity eliminates the action of Cyt P450 also and prevents to origine of epoxides. &lt;I&gt;Cancerogenesis&lt;/I&gt;: Inositolhexaphosphate (IP6) is found in substantial amounts in whole grains, cereals, legumes, nuts and seeds. As well as inositol, IP6 is contained in most mammalian cells, wherein they are important in regulating vital cellular function such as signal transduction, cell proliferation and differentation. Inositol and IP6 are contend in product Inocell and there is additional evidence that inositol alone may further enhance the anti-cancer effect of IP6. Beside decreasing cellular proliferation IP6 also causes differentation of malignant cells ofen resulting in a conversion to normal phenotype, what leads to starting of apoptose in those cells. Inocell greatly enhances NK cell activity, regulates cell growth and has very strong antioxidant capacity. The suggestion we can demonstrate on succesfful efects of Inocell in concrete causes of patients with various types of cancerogenesis. &lt;I&gt;Peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer&lt;/I&gt;: The ability of &lt;I&gt;Vaccinium macrocarpon&lt;/I&gt;, the North American cranberry, to prevent bacterial adhesion has been used to advantage in the prevention of urinary tract infections and has recently been described for the prevention of adhesion of bacteria responsible for oral infections and stomach ulcers as well in &lt;I&gt;Helicobacter pylori.&lt;/I&gt;

Cranberry Derived Proanthocyanidins Reduce Bacterial Adhesion to Selected Biomaterials

Catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) linked with the uropathogens Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) account for the majority of nosocomial infections acquired in the clinical environment. Because these infections develop following initial adhesion of the bacterial pathogens to the catheter surface, there is increased interest in developing effective methods to inhibit attachment of cells to biomaterials used in the manufacture of indwelling devices. High molecular weight proanthocyanidins (PAC) extracted from the North American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) were examined for their potential to reduce the initial adhesion of uropathogenic bacteria (E. coli CFT073 and E. faecalis 29212) to two model biomaterials, poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Well-controlled experiments conducted in a parallel-plate flow chamber (PPFC) demonstrated decreased attachment of both bacteria to PVC and PTFE when either the bacteria, biomaterial or both surfaces were treated with PAC. Most significant inhibition of bacterial adhesion was observed for the condition where both the bacteria and biomaterial surfaces were coated with PAC. Additional experiments conducted with nonbiological model particles demonstrate comparable extents of adhesion inhibition, supporting a nonbiospecific mechanism of PAC action. The results of this study are promising for the implementation of PAC in the clinical milieu for prevention of device associated infection as the proposed functional modification is independent of antibacterial mechanisms that may give rise to resistant strains.

Cranberry and blueberry: Evidence for protective effects against cancer and vascular diseases

Growing evidence from tissue culture, animal, and clinical models suggests that the flavonoid-rich fruits of the North American cranberry and blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) have the potential ability to limit the development and severity of certain cancers and vascular diseases including atherosclerosis, ischemic stroke, and neurodegenerative diseases of aging. The fruits contain a variety of phytochemicals that could contribute to these protective effects, including flavonoids such as anthocyanins, flavonols, and proanthocyanidins; substituted cinnamic acids and stilbenes; and triterpenoids such as ursolic acid and its esters. Cranberry and blueberry constituents are likely to act by mechanisms that counteract oxidative stress, decrease inflammation, and modulate macromolecular interactions and expression of genes associated with disease processes. The evidence suggests a potential role for dietary cranberry and blueberry in the prevention of cancer and vascular diseases, justifying further research to determine how the bioavailability and metabolism of berry phytonutrients influence their activity in vivo.

Prevention of Nonspecific Bacterial Cell Adhesion in Immunoassays by Use of Cranberry Juice

The ability of Vaccinum macrocarpon, the North American cranberry, to prevent bacterial adhesion has been used to advantage in the prevention of urinary tract infections and has recently been described for the prevention of adhesion of bacteria responsible for oral infections and stomach ulcers. This report documents the ability of cranberry juice to reduce nonspecific adhesion of bacteria to the borosilicate glass microscope slides used in an immunoarray biosensor format. Nonspecific binding of analytes in the array sensor leads to high background signals that cause increased detection limits and false positives. Reduction in background-to-signal ratios can be seen as the juice concentration is increased from 0 to 50% of the sample. This impact cannot be duplicated with grape, orange, apple, or white cranberry juice. Sugar content and pH have been eliminated as the agents in the juice responsible for the anti-adhesive activity.

MALDI‐TOF MS characterization of proanthocyanidins from cranberry fruit (Vaccinium macrocarpon) that inhibit tumor cell growth and matrix metalloproteinase expression in vitro

AbstractProanthocyanidin‐rich extracts were prepared by fractionation of the fruit of the North American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon). In vitro growth inhibition assays in eight tumor cell lines showed that selected fractions inhibited the growth of H460 lung tumors, HT‐29 colon and K562 leukemia cells at GI50 values ranging from 20 to 80 µg ml−1. Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) of one of these fractions found it to be composed of polyflavan‐3‐ols, which are primarily tetramers through heptamers of epicatechin containing one or two A‐type linkages. Whole cranberry extract and the proanthocyanidin fractions were screened for effect on the expression of matrix metalloproteinases in DU 145 prostate carcinoma cells. The expression of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 was inhibited in response to whole cranberry extract and to a lesser degree by the proanthocyanidin fractions. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry

Metabolic adaptation to prolonged anoxia in leaves of American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon).

The indigenous North American Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), when cultivated in specially constructed cranberry bogs, is normally flooded in winter to prevent frost injury. This protection under ice can give rise to prolonged periods of anoxia, which depending on the state of the vines and environmental conditions, can cause severe oxygen-deprivation injury. An experimental study of the tolerance of cranberry vines to controlled total anoxia reveals that mature dark-green perennating leaves with high carbohydrate levels are able to survive prolonged periods of total oxygen-deprivation while younger newly formed leaves are readily damaged. During the anoxic treatment the mature leaves exhibit a marked downregulation of metabolism. Carbohydrate consumption and energy metabolism stabilize at low levels soon after the switch from aerobic to anaerobic pathways. Pathways such as TCA cycle or photosynthesis, which are non-operating during the anoxia treatment, are severely affected but still measurable after 28 days anoxia. In the post-anoxic period the perennating leaves rapidly re-establish their capacity for aerobic respiration and photosynthesis.

In Short, In Hort

Abstract Pesticides and Ground Water Quality A Heritage Garden of Antique Fruits and Vegetables Is Being Planted at Cornell Proceedings – Turf grass Symposia Optimum Storage Conditions for Herbs Biennial Meetings of the North American Cranberry Workers Conference Who Am I? Natural Control of Pecan Pest Employment Opportunities for College Graduates in the Food and Agricultural Sciences