Bilberry-Derived Anthocyanins Modulate Cytokine Expression in the Intestine of Patients with Ulcerative Colitis.
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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND/AIMS:We previously demonstrated that anthocyanin-rich bilberry extract (ARBE) inhibits IFN-?-induced signalling and downstream effects in human monocytic cells and ameliorates disease activity in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. Here, we studied the molecular mechanisms of ARBE-mediated effects in vitro and by analysing colonic tissue and serum samples of UC patients treated with an oral anthocyanin-rich bilberry preparation during an open label clinical trial. METHODS:Colon specimens obtained during an open pilot study using ARBE for the treatment of mild-to-moderate UC were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Cytokine levels in patients' serum were quantified by ELISA. Cell culture experiments were performed using THP-1 monocytic cells. RESULTS:ARBE treatment inhibited the expression of IFN-?-receptor 2 in human THP-1 monocytic cells. Colon biopsies of UC patients who responded to the 6-week long ARBE treatment revealed reduced amounts of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-? and TNF-?. Levels of phosphorylated (activated) p65-NF-?B were reduced in these patients. Further, patients with successful ARBE treatment featured enhanced levels of Th17-cell specific cytokine IL-22 and immunoregulatory cytokine IL-10 as well as reduced serum levels of TNF-? and MCP-1, but enhanced levels of IL-17A, in contrast to patients that did not reach remission after ARBE treatment. CONCLUSIONS:Our data suggest a molecular mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of ARBE treatment in UC patients by modulating T-cell cytokine signalling and inhibiting IFN-? signal transduction. These data are of particular interest, since ARBE is a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of IBD.
SUBMITTER: Roth S
PROVIDER: S-EPMC4859486 | biostudies-literature | 2016
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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