Bilberry Supplementation after Myocardial Infarction Decreases Microvesicles in Blood and Affects Endothelial Vesiculation
Journal article, 2020

Scope: Diet rich in bilberries is considered cardioprotective, but the mechanisms of action are poorly understood. Cardiovascular disease is characterized by increased proatherogenic status and high levels of circulating microvesicles (MVs). In an open-label study patients with myocardial infarction receive an 8 week dietary supplementation with bilberry extract (BE). The effect of BE on patient MV levels and its influence on endothelial vesiculation in vitro is investigated. Methods and results: MVs are captured with acoustic trapping and platelet-derived MVs (PMVs), as well as endothelial-derived MVs (EMVs) are quantified with flow cytometry. The in vitro effect of BE on endothelial extracellular vesicle (EV) release is examined using endothelial cells and calcein staining. The mechanisms of BE influence on vesiculation pathways are studied by Western blot and qRT-PCR. Supplementation with BE decreased both PMVs and EMVs. Furthermore, BE reduced endothelial EV release, Akt phosphorylation, and vesiculation-related gene transcription. It also protects the cells from P2X7-induced EV release and increase in vesiculation-related gene expression. Conclusion: BE supplementation improves the MV profile in patient blood and reduces endothelial vesiculation through several molecular mechanisms related to the P2X7 receptor. The findings provide new insight into the cardioprotective effects of bilberries.

bilberries

cardiovascular diseases

microvesicles

P2X (P2X purinoreceptor 7) 7

Author

Paulina Bryl-Górecka

Lund University

Ramasri Sathanoori

Lund University

Lilith Arevström

Örebro University

Rikard Landberg

Chalmers, Biology and Biological Engineering, Food and Nutrition Science

Cecilia Bergh

Örebro University

Mikael Evander

Lund University

Björn Olde

Lund University

Thomas Laurell

Lund University

Ole Fröbert

Örebro University

David Erlinge

Lund University

Molecular Nutrition and Food Research

1613-4125 (ISSN) 1613-4133 (eISSN)

Vol. 64 20 2000108

Subject Categories

Other Clinical Medicine

Cell and Molecular Biology

Hematology

DOI

10.1002/mnfr.202000108

PubMed

32846041

More information

Latest update

11/5/2020