Beneficial effects of apple peel polyphenols on vascular endothelial dysfunction and liver injury in high choline-fed...

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Toxicology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• High choline (HC) diets can induce vascular endothelial dysfunction and liver injury.
• Understanding protective agents against diet-induced organ damage is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the preventive effects of Red Fuji apple peel polyphenolic extract (APP) on vascular and hepatic damage in mice fed a high choline diet.
• To evaluate the impact of APP on specific biomarkers of vascular function and liver health.

Main Methods:

• Mice were fed a high choline diet for 8 weeks to induce vascular dysfunction and liver damage.
• Administration of Red Fuji apple peel polyphenolic extract (APP) at different dosages (600 and 900 mg/kg bw).
• Biochemical analysis of serum markers (NO, HDL, TC, TG, LDL, ET-1, 6-Keto-PGF1a), liver enzymes (AST, ALT), oxidative stress markers (MDA, GSH-Px, SOD), and inflammatory markers (CRP, TNF-α).
• Histopathological examination of liver tissue using H&E and oil red O staining.

Main Results:

• High choline diet significantly induced vascular dysfunction and liver damage (p < 0.01).
• APP administration notably improved vascular endothelial function by altering NO, HDL, 6-Keto-PGF1a, TC, TG, LDL, ET-1, and TXB2 levels.
• APP treatment reduced liver enzyme activities (AST, ALT), oxidative stress (MDA), and inflammation (CRP, TNF-α), while enhancing antioxidant capacity (GSH-Px, SOD).
• Histopathology confirmed reduced liver steatosis and demonstrated the hepatoprotective effects of APP.

Conclusions:

• Polyphenolic extract from Red Fuji apple peel exhibits significant preventive and therapeutic effects against high choline diet-induced vascular dysfunction and hepatic injury.
• APP demonstrates potential as a functional food ingredient or therapeutic agent for ameliorating diet-related vascular and liver diseases.