Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.) Iridoid and Anthocyanin-Rich Extract Reduces Various Oxidation, Inflammation, and Adhesion Markers in a Cholesterol-Rich Diet Rabbit Model

Abstract

Atherogenesis leads to the development of atherosclerosis, a progressive chronic disease characterized by subendothelial lipoprotein retention and endothelial impairment in the arterial wall. It develops mainly as a result of inflammation and also many other complex processes, which arise from, among others, oxidation and adhesion. Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruits are abundant in iridoids and anthocyanins-compounds with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. This study aimed to determine the effect of two different doses (10 mg and 50 mg per kg of body weight, respectively) of iridoid and anthocyanin-rich resin-purified Cornelian cherry extract on the markers that are important in the progress of inflammation, cell proliferation and adhesion, immune system cell infiltration, and atherosclerotic lesion development in a cholesterol-rich diet rabbit model. We used biobank blood and liver samples that were collected during the previous original experiment. We assessed the mRNA expression of MMP-1, MMP-9, IL-6, NOX, and VCAM-1 in the aorta, and the serum levels of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, CRP, PON-1, MCP-1, and PCT. The application of the Cornelian cherry extract at a dose of 50 mg/kg bw resulted in a significant reduction in MMP-1, IL-6, and NOX mRNA expression in the aorta and a decrease in VCAM-1, ICAM-1, PON-1, and PCT serum levels. The administration of a 10 mg/kg bw dose caused a significant decrease in serum ICAM-1, PON-1, and MCP-1. The results indicate the potential usefulness of the Cornelian cherry extract in the prevention or treatment of atherogenesis-related cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis or metabolic syndrome.

Keywords: Cornelian cherry; adhesion; anthocyanins; atherogenesis; atherosclerosis; inflammation; iridoids; oxidation.

Figure 1

mRNA expression of MMP-1, MMP-9, IL-6, NOX, and VCAM-1 in the aorta. (a) MMP-1, (b) MMP-9, (c) IL-6, (d) NOX, and (e) VCAM-1. P—standard chow; CHOL—standard chow + 1% cholesterol; EXT 10—standard chow + 1% cholesterol + Cornelian cherry extract 10 mg/kg bw; EXT 50—standard chow + 1% cholesterol + Cornelian cherry extract 50 mg/kg bw; SIMV 5—standard chow + 1% cholesterol + simvastatin 5 mg/kg bw Values are presented as mean ± SD. * p < 0.05 vs. P. ** p < 0.05 vs. CHOL.

Figure 1

mRNA expression of MMP-1, MMP-9, IL-6, NOX, and VCAM-1 in the aorta. (a) MMP-1, (b) MMP-9, (c) IL-6, (d) NOX, and (e) VCAM-1. P—standard chow; CHOL—standard chow + 1% cholesterol; EXT 10—standard chow + 1% cholesterol + Cornelian cherry extract 10 mg/kg bw; EXT 50—standard chow + 1% cholesterol + Cornelian cherry extract 50 mg/kg bw; SIMV 5—standard chow + 1% cholesterol + simvastatin 5 mg/kg bw Values are presented as mean ± SD. * p < 0.05 vs. P. ** p < 0.05 vs. CHOL.

Figure 2

Serum levels of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, CRP, PON-1, MCP-1, and PCT by ELISA method. (a) VCAM-1, (b) ICAM-1, (c) CRP, (d) PON-1, (e) MCP-1, and (f) PCT. P—standard chow; CHOL—standard chow + 1% cholesterol; EXT 10—standard chow + 1% cholesterol + Cornelian cherry extract 10 mg/kg bw; EXT 50—standard chow + 1% cholesterol + Cornelian cherry extract 50 mg/kg bw; SIMV 5—standard chow + 1% cholesterol + simvastatin 5 mg/kg bw Values are presented as mean ± SD. * p < 0.05 vs. P. ** p < 0.05 vs. CHOL.

Figure 2

Serum levels of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, CRP, PON-1, MCP-1, and PCT by ELISA method. (a) VCAM-1, (b) ICAM-1, (c) CRP, (d) PON-1, (e) MCP-1, and (f) PCT. P—standard chow; CHOL—standard chow + 1% cholesterol; EXT 10—standard chow + 1% cholesterol + Cornelian cherry extract 10 mg/kg bw; EXT 50—standard chow + 1% cholesterol + Cornelian cherry extract 50 mg/kg bw; SIMV 5—standard chow + 1% cholesterol + simvastatin 5 mg/kg bw Values are presented as mean ± SD. * p < 0.05 vs. P. ** p < 0.05 vs. CHOL.