Black Chokeberry (<i>Aronia melanocarpa</i>) Juice Supplementation Affects Age-Related Myocardial Remodeling in Rats
Background: Cardiac aging is associated with myocardial remodeling and reduced angiogenesis. Counteracting these changes with natural products is a preventive strategy with great potential. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of <i>Aronia melanocarpa</i> fruit juice (AMJ) su...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Life |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/1/23 |
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| Summary: | Background: Cardiac aging is associated with myocardial remodeling and reduced angiogenesis. Counteracting these changes with natural products is a preventive strategy with great potential. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of <i>Aronia melanocarpa</i> fruit juice (AMJ) supplementation on age-related myocardial remodeling in aged rat hearts. Methods: Healthy male Wistar rats (n = 24) were divided into three groups: (1) young controls (CY)—age 2 months; (2) old controls (CO)—age 27 months; (3) AMJ group—27-month-old animals, supplemented with <i>Aronia melanocarpa</i> juice (AMJ) at a dose of 10 mL∙kg<sup>−1</sup> for 105 days. After this period, the hearts of the animals were fixed, embedded in paraffin, and immunohistochemical and morphometric analyses were performed. Results: A higher vascular and capillary density was found in the hearts of the AMJ group, as compared to CO. The mean number of CD34+ cells in the myocardium increased by 18.6% in the AMJ group, as compared to CO (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Furthermore, the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) immunoexpression in the myocardium increased by 37% (<i>p</i> < 0.05) and the Proto-oncogene Mas receptor (MAS1) immunoexpression increased by 6% (<i>p</i> < 0.05) in the AMJ group, as compared to CO. Conclusions: As a result of the application of AMJ, noticeable neovascularization was found, which indicates improved myocardial nourishment. The present study demonstrates for the first time that polyphenol-rich AMJ can positively influence age-related microvascular myocardial remodeling in rats, thus outlining its potential as a preventive agent for healthy cardiac aging. |
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| ISSN: | 2075-1729 |