Systemic inflammatory load in young and old ringdoves is modulated by consumption of a Jerte Valley cherry-based product

Abstract

A chronic subclinical inflammatory status that coexists with immune dysfunction is commonly found in the elderly population. Consumption of foods rich in antioxidants (e.g., cherries) is an attractive strategy to reduce risk from chronic diseases. Based on previous studies showing the antioxidant effect of a Jerte Valley cherry derivative product in humans, the objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the intake of a Jerte Valley cherry-based beverage on inflammatory load in both young and old ringdoves (Streptopelia risoria). To this purpose, circulating levels of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines as well as serum levels of different acute-phase proteins were measured before and after a 10-day treatment with the Jerte Valley cherry-based beverage. Thus, the 10-day treatment with the cherry-based beverage modulated the balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in both young and old ringdoves by down-regulating the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interferon-γ) and up-regulating the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-2, and IL-10). Moreover, the 10-day treatment with the Jerte Valley cherry-based product reduced the levels of several proteins involved in acute-phase responses, such as C-reactive protein, haptoglobin, α(2)-macroglobulin, and serum amyloid P component. On the other hand, old birds showed imbalanced levels of inflammatory markers toward a pro-inflammatory status, thereby underlining the fact that aging is usually accompanied by systemic inflammation and inflammation-related chronic diseases. To sum up, the data suggest a potential health benefit by consuming the cherry-based beverage, especially in aged populations, through their anti-inflammatory properties.

FIG. 1.

Consuming a Jerte Valle cherry-based beverage modulates circulating concentrations of IL-6 in ringdoves. Serum IL-6 levels were determined in young and old ringdoves before (basal) and after (treated) the consumption of the cherry-based beverage. Samples were analyzed at different times, as indicated in Materials and Methods. Data are mean±SEM values (in pg/mL) (n=8). *P<.05 relative to basal values; ^#P<.05 relative to its corresponding value in old animals.

FIG. 2.

Consumption of a Jerte Valle cherry-based beverage reduces circulating concentrations of different acute-phase proteins in ringdoves. Serum levels of (A) C-reactive protein (CRP), (B) α₂-macroglobulin (α2M), (C) haptoglobin, and (D) serum amyloid P component (SAP) were determined in young and old ringdoves before (basal) and after (treated) the consumption of the cherry-based beverage. Values were mesured in samples drawn in the acrophase of the melatonin rhythm (i.e., 02:00 h for young and 01:00 h for old ringdoves). Data are mean±SEM values (in ng/mL) (n=8). *P<.05 relative to basal values; ^#P<.05 relative to its corresponding value in old animals.