Effect of Tart Cherry Juice on Inflammatory Markers in Normal Weight Obese (NWO) Women

Abstract Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether short term consumption (2 weeks) of tart cherry juice would positively impact inflammatory biomarkers in normal weight obese (NWO) and obese (OB) compared to normal weight (NW) premenopausal women. The NWO classification is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) within the normal range (18.5-24.9) with a body fat percentage above 30%.

Methods:

A total of 47 women between the ages of 18 to 40 years who meet the study criteria were recruited and consented to participate in this study. Participants were categorized into three groups, NW (n = 15), NWO (n = 20) or OB (n = 12) group based on BMI and body composition. All three groups consumed 16 ounces (2 servings) of tart cherry juice daily for a total of 14 days. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) was performed at baseline and final visit to evaluate body composition. Fasted blood were samples collected during baseline and final visits for later analyses of inflammatory markers.

Results:

After the two week intervention, mean fasting plasma concentration of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in all three treatment groups. The concentration of interleukin (IL)-6 decreased significantly in the NW group after treatment intervention; a decrease was also observed in the NWO and OB group but this was not significant. Plasma interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) concentration decreased in the NWO group after treatment intervention. Daily consumption of tart cherry juice significantly decreased the concentration of nerve growth factor (NGF) in the NWO group. The concentration of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1) decreased in the NWO and OB group from baseline to final visit. In addition, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) concentration decreased in all three treatment groups after treatment intervention.

Conclusions:

The short term consumption of tart cherry juice exhibited positive effects on inflammation by decreasing plasma pro-inflammatory cytokines. The findings suggest that regular consumption of tart cherry juice may be potentially beneficial in modulating inflammatory markers.

Funding Sources:

Cherry Marketing InstituteHuman Nutrition Research Fund at Texas Woman's University.