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Blueberries may inhibit development of Fat
Cells
Newswise,
April 19, 2011--The benefits of blueberry
consumption have been demonstrated in
several nutrition studies, more specifically
the cardio-protective benefits derived from
their high polyphenol content.
Blueberries have shown potential to have a
positive effect on everything from aging to
metabolic syndrome.
Recently, a researcher from Texas Woman’s
University (TWU) in Denton, TX, examined
whether blueberries could play a role in
reducing one of the world’s greatest health
challenges: obesity.
Shiwani Moghe, MS, a graduate student at TWU,
decided to evaluate whether blueberry
polyphenols play a role in adipocyte
differentiation, the process in which a
relatively unspecialized cell acquires
specialized features of an adipocyte, an
animal connective tissue cell specialized
for the synthesis and storage of fat.
“I wanted to see if using blueberry
polyphenols could inhibit obesity at a
molecular stage,” said Moghe.
The study was performed in tissue cultures
taken from mice.
The polyphenols showed a dose-dependent
suppression of adipocyte differentiation.
The lipid content in the control group was
significantly higher than the content of the
tissue given three doses of blueberry
polyphenols. The highest dose of blueberry
polyphenols yielded a 73% decrease in
lipids; the lowest dose showed a 27%
decrease.
“We still need to test this dose in humans,
to make sure there are no adverse effects,
and to see if the doses are as effective.
This is a burgeoning area of research.
Determining the best dose for humans will be
important,” said Moghe.
“The promise is there for blueberries to
help reduce adipose tissue from forming in
the body.”
These preliminary results contribute more
items to the laundry list of benefits
related to blueberries, which have already
been shown to mitigate health conditions
like cardiovascular disease and metabolic
syndrome.
About Experimental Biology 2011
Experimental Biology is an annual gathering
of six scientific societies that this year
is expected to draw 13,000-plus independent
scientists and exhibitors. The American
Society for Nutrition (ASN) is a co-sponsor
of the meeting along with the American
Association of Anatomists (AAA), American
Society for Biochemistry and Molecular
Biology (ASBMB), American Society for
Investigative Pathology (ASIP), American
Physiological Society (APS) and the American
Society for Pharmacology and Experimental
Therapeutics (ASPET).
About the American Society for Nutrition
The American Society for Nutrition (ASN) is
the preeminent professional organization for
nutrition research scientists and clinicians
around the world. ASN is dedicated to
bringing together the top nutrition
researchers, medical practitioners, policy
makers and industry leaders to advance our
knowledge and application of nutrition.
Founded in 1928, ASN publishes The American
Journal of Clinical Nutrition (AJCN), The
Journal of Nutrition (JN), and Advances in
Nutrition and provides a wide range of
education and professional development
opportunities to advance nutrition research,
practice, and education. Visit ASN online at www.nutrition.org.
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