Aronia melanocarpa fruit extract exhibits anti-inflammatory activity in human aortic endothelial cells

Altered expression of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) has been implicated in a variety of chronic inflammatory conditions, including atherosclerosis. Regulation of adhesion molecule expression by specific redox-sensitive mechanisms has been reported. Additionally, it has been observed that the extract of Aronia melanocarpa (A. Melanocarpa) fruits, rich in polyphenols, exhibits potent anti-oxidant properties and displays cardioprotective activity. Human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) were pretreated with various concentrations (primarily 50 mu g/mL) of Aronia Melanocarpa fruit extract prior to treatment with TNF alpha (10 ng/mL) for various periods of time. The surface protein and mRNA expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were determined using flow cytometry and real-time RT-PCR, respectively. Adhesion of peripheral blood mononuclear leucocytes (PBMLs) to TNF alpha-treated HAECs was evaluated by an adhesion assay. Activation of NF-kappa B was evaluated by measuring NF-kappa B p65 phosphorylation using flow cytometry. ROS production was determined by reduction in fluorescent 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA). Tested A. Melanocarpa extract significantly inhibited the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, attenuated the phosphorylation of NF-kappa B p65 and decreased intracellular ROS production in TNF alpha-treated HAECs. We conclude that A. Melanocarpa fruit extract exhibits anti-inflammatory effects in HAECs by inhibiting the expression of endothelial CAMs, activation of NF-kappa B and production of ROS.