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. 2024 Jun 3:15:1368892.
doi: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1368892. eCollection 2024.

Effect of blueberry intervention on endothelial function: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Bixin Deng #  1 , Yupeng Lei #  1 , Ruixi Zhou  1   2 , Tiechao Ruan  1 , Wenting Lu  3 , Junjie Ying  2 , Yan Yue  1   2 , Dezhi Mu  1   2
Affiliations

Effect of blueberry intervention on endothelial function: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Bixin Deng et al. Front Physiol. .

Abstract

Introduction: Endothelial dysfunction indicates blood vessel injury and is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Blueberry has been approved for its benefits on human health, especially on cardiovascular function. However, its effect on endothelial function remains unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the impact of blueberries on endothelial function in adults. Methods: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, 16 studies were included in the systematic review, and 11 were used for the meta-analysis. Data associated with endothelial function were extracted and pooled as mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Blueberry consumption significantly improved flow-mediated dilation (FMD) by 1.50% (95% CI: 0.81, 2.20; I2 = 87%) and reactive hyperemia index (RHI) by 0.26 (95% CI: 0.09, 0.42; I2 = 72%). A significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was also observed (MD: -2.20 mm Hg; 95% CI: -4.13, -0.27; I2 = 11%). Subgroup analysis indicated a significant decrease in blood pressure (Systolic blood pressure [SBP]: -3.92 mmHg; 95% CI: -6.88, -0.97; I2 = 20% and DBP: -2.20 mmHg; 95% CI: -4.13, -0.27; I2 = 11%) in the smoking population. However, SBP levels (MD: -1.43 mm Hg; 95% CI: -3.11, 0.26; I2 = 20%) and lipid status (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C]: 0.06; 95% CI: -0.04, 0.16; I2 = 77%; low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C]: 0.05; 95% CI: -0.14, 0.24; I2 = 0%) did not significantly improve. Conclusion: Blueberry intervention improved endothelial function and DBP. Subgroup analysis revealed a notable improvement in blood pressure among the smoking population. However, no significant effects were observed on SBP, HDL-C, and LDL-C levels. Future research should delve into the mechanisms of endothelial improvement and verify blood pressure reduction in specific subpopulations through large-scale trials. Clinical Trial Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, Identifier CRD42023491277.

Keywords: blood pressure; blueberry; endothelial dysfunction; meta-analysis; review.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Literature screening flowchart.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Forest plot of meta-analysis of flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) for all subjects after blueberry consumption.
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Forest plot of meta-analysis of flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) for population based on health status (A) and intervention duration (B).
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 4
Forest plot of meta-analysis of reactive hyperemia index (RHI) for all subjects (A) and subgroup analyses based on health status (B) after blueberry consumption.
FIGURE 5
FIGURE 5
Forest plot of meta-analysis of diastolic blood pressure (DBP) for all subjects after blueberry consumption.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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