Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 16, 2026
Extraction and Purification of Polyphenols from Freeze-dried Berry Powder for the Treatment of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells In Vitro
Published on: July 5, 2017
Blackberry, raspberry and black raspberry polyphenol extracts attenuate angiotensin II-induced senescence in vascular
Rafaela G Feresin1, Jingwen Huang2, DawnKylee S Klarich2
1Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA. gsalazar@fsu.edu and Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
Abstract:
Activation of angiotensin II (Ang II) signaling during aging increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to vascular senescence, a process linked to the onset and progression of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Consumption of fruits and vegetables, particularly berries, is associated with decreased incidence of CVD, which has mainly been attributed to the polyphenol content of these foods. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the role of blackberry (BL), raspberry (RB), and black raspberry (BRB) polyphenol extracts in attenuating Ang II-induced senescence in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and to determine the molecular mechanisms involved. BL, RB and BRB polyphenol extracts (200 μg ml-1) attenuated Ang II-induced senescence, denoted by decreased number of cells positive for senescence associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) and down-regulation of p21 and p53 expression, which were associated with decreased ROS levels and Ang II signaling. BL polyphenol extract increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) 1 expression, attenuated the up-regulation of Nox1 expression and the phosphorylation of Akt, p38MAPK and ERK1/2 induced by Ang II, and reduced senescence in response to Nox1 overexpression. In contrast, RB and BRB polyphenol extracts up-regulated the expression of SOD1, SOD2, and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1), but exerted no effect on Nox1 expression nor on senescence induced by Nox1 overexpression. BRB reduced signaling similar to BL, while RB was unable to reduce Akt phosphorylation. Furthermore, we demonstrated that inhibition of Akt, p38MAPK and ERK1/2 as well as down-regulation of Nox1 by siRNA prevented senescence induced by Ang II. Our findings indicate that Ang II-induced senescence is attenuated by BL polyphenols through a Nox1-dependent mechanism and by RB and BRB polyphenols in a Nox1-independent manner, likely by increasing the cellular antioxidant capacity.
Insights
Berry polyphenols, including blackberry, raspberry, and black raspberry extracts, can reduce aging-related vascular senescence by decreasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and angiotensin II (Ang II) signaling, offering potential cardiovascular disease prevention.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Cellular Aging
- Nutritional Biochemistry
Background:
- Aging-associated angiotensin II (Ang II) signaling elevates reactive oxygen species (ROS), promoting vascular senescence and cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
- Dietary polyphenols from fruits, especially berries, are linked to reduced CVD incidence, suggesting a protective role against vascular aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of blackberry (BL), raspberry (RB), and black raspberry (BRB) polyphenol extracts on Ang II-induced senescence in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the potential anti-senescence properties of these berry extracts.
Main Methods:
- VSMCs were treated with Ang II and berry polyphenol extracts (200 μg ml⁻¹).
- Senescence markers (SA-β-gal, p21, p53), ROS levels, Ang II signaling pathways (Nox1, Akt, p38MAPK, ERK1/2), and antioxidant enzyme expression (SOD1, SOD2, GPx1) were analyzed.
- Gene silencing (siRNA) and overexpression techniques were employed to investigate specific molecular pathways.
Main Results:
- BL, RB, and BRB extracts attenuated Ang II-induced VSMC senescence, reducing SA-β-gal activity and p21/p53 expression, correlating with decreased ROS and Ang II signaling.
- BL extract inhibited Nox1 expression and phosphorylation of Akt, p38MAPK, and ERK1/2, while increasing SOD1; these effects were linked to reduced senescence.
- RB and BRB extracts increased antioxidant enzymes (SOD1, SOD2, GPx1) but did not affect Nox1 expression or Ang II-induced senescence.
- BRB extract showed signaling inhibition similar to BL, while RB did not significantly reduce Akt phosphorylation.
Conclusions:
- Blackberry polyphenols attenuate Ang II-induced vascular senescence via a Nox1-dependent pathway.
- Raspberry and black raspberry polyphenols mitigate senescence through a Nox1-independent mechanism, likely by enhancing cellular antioxidant capacity.
- These findings highlight the distinct molecular mechanisms by which different berry polyphenols protect against vascular aging and CVD.
More Related Videos
08:28Isolation of Primary Patient-specific Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells and Semiquantitative Real-time Contraction Measurements In Vitro
Published on: February 15, 2022
13:59A Quantitative Measurement of Reactive Oxygen Species and Senescence-associated Secretory Phenotype in Normal Human Fibroblasts During Oncogene-induced Senescence
Published on: August 12, 2018
Related Concept Videos
01:30Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
01:30Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
01:26Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System
01:25Antihypertensive Drugs: Direct Renin Inhibitors
01:23Antihypertensive Drugs: Vasodilators
01:17Antihypertensive Drugs: Action of β1 Blockers