Chrononutritional Effects of Cherry Consumption on Hepatic Lipid Profile

Background: Consumption of fruits of different origins with specific (poly)phenolic profiles can modulate the gene expression of enzymes and the levels of metabolites in a photoperiod-dependent manner. However, there is little information on how this affects the profile of hepatic and muscular fatty acids (FAs) and how it interferes with metabolic pathways. This study aimed to determine whether consuming local or non-local cherries alters liver and muscle FA profiles under different photoperiods, and to identify the associated changes in metabolic gene expression and serum metabolites. Methods: Seventy-two Fischer 344 rats, fed a standard diet and either vehicle (VH), Local Cherry (LC), or non-Local Cherry (nLC), were exposed to different hours of light to simulate photoperiods (winter, spring/autumn, or summer) for 7 weeks. The FA profiles of the liver and muscle were determined using GC-FID, and the gene expression of key enzymes involved in FA metabolism was evaluated. Moreover, the composition of hydrophilic and lipophilic metabolites in the serum and liver was analyzed using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and pathway analysis was performed. Results: Consumption of cherries in season (18 h of light) decreased saturated FAs levels in the liver, mainly palmitate, compared to their respective VH; interestingly, this effect was not observed in other photoperiods. Furthermore, muscle polyunsaturated FA (PUFAs) decreased, possibly due to increased oxidation. Conclusions: Seasonal cherry consumption improves the hepatic lipid profile and increases muscular oxidation. Future studies are needed to better define these effects and uncover the differences in lipid metabolism in response to cherry consumption.