Chitin-glucan and pomegranate polyphenols improve endothelial dysfunction.

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Microbiology
• Cardiovascular Research

Background:

• Vascular dysfunction is a primary driver of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, with limited treatment options.
• Apolipoprotein E knock-out (ApoE-/-) mice on a high-fat (HF) diet exhibit endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis.
• The gut microbiota's role in CVD pathogenesis is increasingly recognized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of chitin-glucan (CG) and polyphenol-rich pomegranate peel extract (PPE) in ameliorating endothelial and inflammatory disorders in a mouse model of CVD.
• To explore the potential of CG + PPE supplementation in modulating gut microbiota composition and function.
• To assess the impact of CG + PPE on atherosclerotic plaque development and associated inflammatory markers.

Main Methods:

• Male ApoE-/- mice were fed a high-fat (HF) diet, with one group supplemented with CG + PPE.
• Endothelial function was assessed by measuring atherosclerotic plaques and caveolin-1 levels in the aorta.
• Inflammatory markers, hepatic triglycerides, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activation, and blood heme-nitrosylated hemoglobin (Hb-NO) were quantified.
• Gut microbiota composition was analyzed to identify specific bacterial taxa.

Main Results:

• CG + PPE supplementation reduced inflammatory markers in the liver and visceral adipose tissue and decreased hepatic triglycerides.
• Supplementation increased the activating form of eNOS in mesenteric arteries and elevated blood Hb-NO levels, indicating enhanced nitric oxide production.
• A reduction in atherosclerotic plaques and caveolin-1 abundance was observed in the CG + PPE supplemented group.
• Specific gut bacteria, including Lactobacillus and Alistipes, were identified as potentially involved in the observed improvements.

Conclusions:

• CG + PPE supplementation demonstrates potential in improving endothelial and inflammatory disorders associated with CVD.
• Nutritional interventions targeting the gut microbiota may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for managing cardiovascular risk.
• Lactobacillus and Alistipes species may play a crucial role in the beneficial effects of CG + PPE on CVD parameters.