Obesity is characterized by an increase in the infiltration of monocytes into the adipose tissue, causing an inflammatory condition associated with, for example, the development of insulin resistance. Thus, anti-inflammatory-based treatments could emerge as a novel and interesting approach. It has been reported that Chilean native fruits maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) and calafate (Berberis microphylla) present high contents of polyphenols, which are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of extracts of these fruits to block the pathogenic interaction between adipocytes and macrophages in vitro and to compare its effect with blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) extract treatment, which has been already described to possess several biomedical benefits. RAW264.7 macrophages were treated with 5 μg/mL lipopolysaccharides (LPS), with conditioned media (CM) from fully differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes, or in a coculture (CC) with 3T3-L1 adipocytes, in the presence or absence of 100 μM [total polyphenolic content] of each extract for 24 h. The gene expression and secretion profile of several inflammatory markers were evaluated. Nitric oxide secretion induced by LPS, CM, and CC was reduced by the presence of maqui (-12.2%, -45.6%, and -14.7%, respectively) and calafate (-27.6%, -43.9%, and -11.8%, respectively) extracts. Gene expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and TNF-α was inhibited and of IL-10 was induced by maqui and calafate extract incubation. In conclusion, the extracts of these fruits present important inhibitory-like features over the inflammatory response of the interaction between adipocytes and macrophages, comprising a potential therapeutic tool against comorbidities associated with obesity development.

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BACKGROUND: Obesity occurs due to a positive energy imbalance, leading to the expansion of adipose tissue. This phenomenon triggers a chronic low-grade inflammatory state, which is associated with comorbidities development. It is, therefore, of great interest to investigate new counteracting nutritional strategies. In this regard, polyphenol-rich Chilean native fruits, Aristotelia chilensis (Maqui) and Berberis microphylla (Calafate), and also the non-Chilean Vaccinium corymbosum (Blueberry), have been associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory features. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate Maqui, Calafate, and Blueberry aqueous extracts treatments on the pathogenic response of human activated macrophages and visceral adipocytes. METHODS: THP-1 monocyte human cell line and differentiated human visceral preadipocytes were activated (with lipopolysaccharide and TNF-α, for 48 and 24 h, respectively), and treated with the aqueous extracts. Inflammation and oxidative stress markers were assessed. RESULTS: Lower NO and IL-6 secretion, and inhibited apoptosis in activated macrophages, were observed. Also, decreased gene expression of MCP-1 and secretion of IL-6, inhibited apoptosis, and increased levels of GSH in activated adipocytes were detected. CONCLUSIONS: Maqui, Calafate, and Blueberry extracts showed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant responses in human macrophages and adipocytes.

Characterization of Persea americana Mill. peels and leaves extracts and analysis of its potential in vitro anti-inflammatory properties [Caracterización de extractos de piel y hojas de Persea americana Mill. y analisis in vitro de sus potenciales propiedades anti-inflamatorias]