Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Dan Plecenik Gaspar, Matthias Lechtenberg, Andreas Hensel
Summary: The majority of dried bilberries were found to be of good quality, but there were major problems with dietary supplements, with 45% being of unacceptable quality, such as bilberry-free products and samples falsified with anthocyanins from other sources. Efforts are needed to improve product quality.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Amos Samkumar, Dan Jones, Katja Karppinen, Andrew P. Dare, Nina Sipari, Richard V. Espley, Inger Martinussen, Laura Jaakola
Summary: This study found that both red and blue light can enhance the biosynthesis of anthocyanins in bilberry fruit, with red light showing a more significant effect in increasing anthocyanin concentration. Transcriptomic analysis revealed up-regulation of major anthocyanin structural genes, key regulatory MYB transcription factors, and abscisic acid biosynthetic genes under both light treatments.
PLANT CELL AND ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Linards Klavins, Marcis Mezulis, Vizma Nikolajeva, Maris Klavins
Summary: Berries of the genus Vaccinium found in bogs and forests of Northern Europe are a valuable source of biologically active substances containing sterols, unsaturated fatty acids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, which provide various health benefits such as treating urinary tract inflammation, controlling blood sugar levels, improving cardiovascular health, and reducing oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Studies have shown that lipid fractions of bilberry and lingonberry contain fatty acids, sterols, isoprenoids, and long-chain aliphatic compounds, and that fractions with high concentrations of phenolic acids have potential UV-B blocking activity, while those with high sterol content effectively inhibit bacterial growth. These findings are important for the development of natural functional ingredients for nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Priyanka Trivedi, Linards Klavins, Anne Linn Hykkerud, Jorens Kviesis, Didzis Elferts, Inger Martinussen, Maris Klavins, Katja Karppinen, Hely Haggman, Laura Jaakola
Summary: This study investigated the chemical composition of bilberry fruit cuticular wax at different latitudes and found that temperature is the main factor affecting the composition of the wax.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Matti Mauramo, Tuulia Onali, Wafa Wahbi, Jenni Vasara, Anniina Lampinen, Elina Mauramo, Anne Kivimaki, Stefan Martens, Hely Haggman, Meeri Sutinen, Tuula Salo
Summary: This study found that bilberry powder can inhibit the viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells, with more pronounced effects at higher concentrations. In both in vitro and in vivo experiments, bilberry powder showed anti-tumor effects on OSCC cells.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Andrew P. Dare, Catrin S. Gunther, Angus C. Grey, George Guo, Nicholas J. Demarais, Sarah Cordiner, Tony K. McGhie, Helen Boldingh, Martin Hunt, Cecilia Deng, Katja Karppinen, Laura Jaakola, Richard Espley
Summary: Bilberry is a wild berry species with high amounts of polyphenols, especially anthocyanins. Research shows that certain sugars are positively correlated with anthocyanin accumulation in the fruit, while amino acids are negatively correlated. The accumulation patterns of polyphenols in the fruit skin and flesh are related and change as the fruit develops.
Article
Plant Sciences
A. Filippi, E. Braidot, E. Petrussa, M. Fabro, M. Vuerich, F. Boscutti
Summary: The study investigates the impact of elevation and plant traits on flavonoid content in Vaccinium myrtillus. Results show that flavonoid content is influenced by both elevation and plant traits, often with non-linear relationships. This suggests a trait-mediated response of Vaccinium myrtillus to climate conditions as a result of trade-offs between plant growth, plant defense, environmental stress, and nutrient/resource availability.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vanja M. Tadic, Ivana Nesic, Milica Martinovic, Edward Roj, Snezana Brasanac-Vukanovic, Svetolik Maksimovic, Ana Zugic
Summary: The study evaluated the antioxidant and skin effects of a topical preparation containing bilberry leaf extract and seed oil, showing significant benefits when topically applied.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Aljaz Medic, Tina Smrke, Metka Hudina, Robert Veberic, Tilen Zamljen
Summary: The aim of this study was to compare the phenolic compositions of bilberry and blueberry liqueurs. 43 compounds were identified, 36 in bilberry liqueur and 21 in blueberry liqueur. Anthocyanins were the major phenolics group in bilberry liqueur, while hydroxycinnamic acids were the most abundant in blueberry liqueur.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sanda Vladimir-Knezevic, Maja Bival Stefan, Biljana Blazekovic, Dubravko Jelic, Tea Petkovic, Marta Mandic, Ekaterina Sprajc, Sandy Lovkovic
Summary: This study investigated the inhibitory properties of black chokeberry and bilberry fruits on Src tyrosine kinase activity, revealing their potential benefits in cancer and inflammation-related diseases. The extracts showed comparable inhibitory effects on the enzyme and exhibited high levels of polyphenols and antioxidant activity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Inka Bohlin, Matti Maltamo, Henrik Hedenas, Tomas Lamas, Jonas Dahlgren, Lauri Mehtatalo
Summary: The study developed prediction models for bilberry and cowberry yield using ALS data, other wall-to-wall variables and NFI field data, and identified forest structural features related to berry yields.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Diana Karcheva-Bahchevanska, Mariana Nikolova, Ilia Iliev
Summary: Recently, there has been an increased preference for bilberries due to their beneficial natural constituents and their ability to inhibit carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes, reduce blood glucose levels, and exhibit antioxidant activity. This study focused on investigating the inhibitory effects of Vaccinium myrtillus L. extracts on the key enzyme alpha-amylase, which is linked to type 2 diabetes. The analysis revealed that bilberry extracts contain high levels of phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, and stilbenes, and effectively inhibit alpha-amylase activity. These findings suggest that V. myrtillus L. extracts have potential as new pharmaceuticals for managing postprandial hyperglycemia in diabetic patients.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michail Syrpas, Egle Valanciene, Ernesta Augustiniene, Naglis Malys
Summary: This study optimized the recovery of bioactive components from bilberry pomace using enzyme-assisted extraction, resulting in a high-yield extract with enhanced antioxidant capacity. Compared to conventional maceration, enzyme-assisted extraction not only increased the yield but also improved the functional properties.
Article
Plant Sciences
Amos Samkumar, Katja Karppinen, Binita Dhakal, Inger Martinussen, Laura Jaakola
Summary: In this study, 25 sugar metabolism-related genes were identified in bilberry, and their expression patterns were found to be different during berry development. The highest sugar content was observed in ripe berries, with fructose and glucose being the dominant sugars. Additionally, supplemental irradiation with red and blue light was found to upregulate several sugar metabolism-related genes.
PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Massimo Del Bubba, Claudia Di Serio, Lapo Renai, Cristina Vanessa Agata Scordo, Leonardo Checchini, Andrea Ungar, Francesca Tarantini, Riccardo Bartoletti
Summary: The study demonstrated that Vaccinium myrtillusberry extract has inhibitory and pro-apoptotic effects on prostate cancer cell lines, as well as a certain level of inhibitory effect on normal prostate epithelial cells. The recombined standard mixture of its main native phenolic compounds showed similar growth inhibitory effects.
PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Maliheh Nekouei Marvi Langari, Jaana Lindstrom, Pilvikki Absetz, Tiina Laatikainen, Jussi Pihlajamaki, Tanja Tilles-Tirkkonen, Hannele Turunen
Summary: This qualitative study explored the perspectives of Asian and Russian immigrants in Finland on healthy lifestyle and counseling. The study found that immigrants have limited knowledge on healthy lifestyle dimensions and that culture and community have an impact on healthy living. Additionally, the study identified shortcomings in health care for providing healthy lifestyle counseling and highlighted the influential individual factors for using counseling. Overall, the study emphasized the importance of developing a culturally tailored healthy lifestyle counseling program for immigrants to prevent chronic diseases.
SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Quentin Leyrolle, Renata Cserjesi, Romane Demeure, Audrey M. Neyrinck, Camille Amadieu, Julie Rodriguez, Olli Kaerkkaeinen, Kati Hanhineva, Nicolas Paquot, Miriam Cnop, Patrice D. Cani, Jean-Paul Thissen, Laure B. Bindels, Olivier Klein, Olivier Luminet, Nathalie M. Delzenne
Summary: This study evaluated the potential links between serum metabolomics and gut microbiome, and mood disturbances in obese patients. The findings revealed altered levels of microbiota-derived metabolites in obese subjects with mood disturbances, suggesting new targets for tackling mood disorders in this context.
Article
Biology
Max Tamlander, Nina Mars, Matti Pirinen, Elisabeth Widen, Samuli Ripatti
Summary: Max Tamlander et al. develop a method for preliminary cardiometabolic risk assessment by combining polygenic risk scores and clinical assessments. Their research demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating genomic data with questionnaire-based risk factors in predicting coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Stefania Noerman, Jyrki K. Virtanen, Marko Lehtonen, Carl Brunius, Kati Hanhineva
Summary: The study aimed to identify fasting serum metabolites associated with whole grain intake in a free-living population. The findings suggested strong associations between whole grain intake and several metabolites, which remained significant even after adjusting for potential confounders. These metabolites have the potential to serve as robust biomarkers for whole grain consumption.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
T. Schillemans, I. A. Bergdahl, K. Hanhineva, L. Shi, C. Donat-Vargas, J. Koponen, H. Kiviranta, R. Landberg, A. akesson, C. Brunius
Summary: The widespread environmental pollutants PFAS have been repeatedly linked to elevated serum cholesterol in humans, but the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, we investigated the associations between PFAS-related metabolite features and plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. The results indicated that longer chain PFAS may affect glycerophospholipid metabolism, leading to changes in triglyceride levels.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valeria Iannone, Johnson Lok, Ambrin Farizah Babu, Carlos Gomez-Gallego, Roosa Maria Willman, Ville Mikael Koistinen, Anton Klavus, Mikko I. Kettunen, Anna Karlund, Ursula Schwab, Kati Hanhineva, Marjukka Kolehmainen, Hani El-Nezami
Summary: This study aimed to elucidate the pathogenesis of NAFLD and its relationship with metabolic alterations. ALIOS diet-fed mice showed higher hepatic steatosis, body weight, energy consumption, and liver mass compared to control mice. The ALIOS diet also altered the expression of genes related to inflammation and lipid metabolism. Metabolomics analysis revealed changes in lipid and peptide profiles, as well as correlations between different metabolites and inflammation, lipid uptake, and synthesis. The reduction of antioxidant metabolites and gut microbiota-derived metabolites contributed to NAFLD development. Non-targeted metabolomics combined with gene expression can help identify potential therapeutic targets for NAFLD.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITIONAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Rosaria M. Pipitone, Francesco Malvestiti, Grazia Pennisi, Oveis Jamialahmadi, Paola Dongiovanni, Giorgio Bertolazzi, Jussi Pihlajamaeki, Hannele Yki-Jaervinen, Umberto Vespasiani-Gentilucci, Federica Tavaglione, Samantha Maurotti, Cristiana Bianco, Gabriele Di Maria, Marco Enea, Anna L. Fracanzani, Vesa Kaerjae, Giulia Lupo, Ville Maennistoe, Marica Meroni, Roberto Piciotti, Sami Qadri, Rossella Zito, Antonio Craxi, Vito Di Marco, Calogero Camma, Claudio Tripodo, Luca Valenti, Stefano Romeo, Salvatore Petta, Stefania Grimaudo
Summary: The study found that the variation in the PDCD1 gene is associated with liver inflammation and progression to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The rs13023138 G>C variation was found to be associated with severe steatosis, NASH, and advanced fibrosis in individuals who underwent liver biopsy.
LIVER INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Ursula Schwab, Maria Lankinen, Matti Uusitupa, Markku Laakso
Summary: Previous intervention studies have shown that lifestyle modifications can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes (T2D). In the 3-year T2D-GENE trial, a less resource-demanding group and internet-based counseling was found to be feasible and effective in preventing T2D in individuals at high risk. The intervention included group sessions, web portal information, and activities, as well as monitoring of body weight and physical activity.
Editorial Material
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Ville Koistinen, Olli Kaerkkaeinen, Pekka Keski-Rahkonen, Hiroshi Tsugawa, Augustin Scalbert, Masanori Arita, David Wishart, Kati Hanhineva
Summary: The metabolomics literature needs improved nomenclature for individual metabolites to ensure consistency and avoid misinterpretations. This Comment proposes recommendations for metabolite annotations to encourage the scientific community and publishers to adopt a more standardized approach.
Article
Biology
Aleksi Husso, Tiina Pessa-Morikawa, Ville Mikael Koistinen, Olli Karkkainen, Hyuk Nam Kwon, Leo Lahti, Antti Iivanainen, Kati Hanhineva, Mikael Niku
Summary: Maternal microbiota has a significant impact on fetal development, with gene expression differences in the fetal intestines, brains, and placenta associated with microbial metabolite concentrations. Male fetuses may be more susceptible to microbial modulation, affecting genes important for immune system, neurophysiology, translation, and energy metabolism before birth. Several microbial metabolites have been identified in this context, with many important metabolites yet to be discovered.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Mari Naatanen, Anna Karlund, Santtu Mikkonen, Anton Klavus, Otto Savolainen, Marko Lehtonen, Leila Karhunen, Kati Hanhineva, Marjukka Kolehmainen
Summary: This study investigated the effect of two isocaloric 24-week weight maintenance diets on metabolism and identified metabolite features associated with successful weight loss maintenance. It was found that the dietary fiber, protein, and fat content of the diet influenced amino acid and lipid metabolism, and increased abundance of certain phospholipids and free fatty acids was associated with better weight loss maintenance.
CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Mueez U-Din, Vanessa D. de Mello, Marjo Tuomainen, Juho Raiko, Tarja Niemi, Tobias Fromme, Anton Klavus, Nadine Gautier, Kimmo Haimilahti, Marko Lehtonen, Karsten Kristiansen, John W. Newman, Kirsi H. Pietilaeinen, Jussi Pihlajamaeki, Ez-Zoubir Amri, Martin Klingenspor, Pirjo Nuutila, Eija Pirinen, Kati Hanhineva, Kirsi A. Virtanen
Summary: Cold stimulates NAD+ metabolism in humans and may be regulated by multiple tissues.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Valeria Iannone, Ambrin Farizah Babu, Johnson Lok, Carlos Gomez-Gallego, Giuseppe D'Auria, Ruben Vazquez-Uribe, Troels Holger Vaaben, Mareike Bongers, Santtu Mikkonen, Maija Vaittinen, Ida Tikkanen, Mikko Kettunen, Anton Klavus, Ratika Sehgal, Dorota Kaminska, Jussi Pihlajamaki, Kati Hanhineva, Hani El-Nezami, Morten Otto Alexander Sommer, Marjukka Kolehmainen
Summary: This study found that Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 expressing aldafermin, combined with dietary changes, can alleviate symptoms of MASLD, including reducing body weight, liver steatosis, plasma aspartate aminotransferase, and plasma cholesterol levels. RNA sequencing and metabolomics analysis revealed the downregulation of amino acid metabolism and related receptor signaling pathways, which may be implicated in the reduction of hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance.
MOLECULAR METABOLISM
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maaria Kortesniemi, Stefania Noerman, Anna Karlund, Jasmin Raita, Topi Meuronen, Ville Koistinen, Rikard Landberg, Kati Hanhineva
Summary: Metabolomics has become a crucial method in nutrition research, allowing for the discovery and validation of dietary biomarkers and playing an important role in understanding the activity and functionality of gut microbiota. The field has also seen emerging developments in precision nutrition.
CURRENT OPINION IN CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
