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Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is a health issue that affects people worldwide. This condition is characterized by an abnormal increase in the size of the heart, which can have serious health consequences. An important factor in the development of pathological cardiac hypertrophy is the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body.
Recently, it has been discovered that delphinidin, a natural flavonoid found in berries—the pigment responsible for blue, violet, and reddish colors—has remarkable antioxidant effects. This means that delphinidin can help combat oxidative stress in the heart, which is one of the triggers for pathological cardiac hypertrophy.
To better understand this phenomenon, research was conducted that studied the effects of delphinidin on mice and heart cells in the laboratory. The results were astonishing: Delphinidin was found to protect against age-related cardiac hypertrophy and other triggers, such as transverse aortic constriction.
In simpler terms, delphinidin helped prevent abnormal growth of heart cells and the formation of scar tissue in the heart, two key factors in pathological cardiac hypertrophy. How did it achieve this? By reducing the accumulation of ROS in heart cells and by activating a protein called adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which plays a crucial role in protecting the heart against oxidative stress.
Furthermore, delphinidin also countered the excessive activation of certain proteins (ERK1/2, P38, and JNK1/2) induced by oxidative stress, contributing to its protective effect.
In summary, delphinidin, present in berries, has the potential to protect our hearts from pathological cardiac hypertrophy by combating oxidative stress through the AMPK/NADPH oxidase (NOX)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. This means that including berries in our diet could be beneficial for maintaining a healthy heart and preventing heart problems.
At Bayas del Sur, we produce a quality product, and we also ensure that your consumption is informed. Including our products in your daily diet as part of a healthy lifestyle not only adds delicious flavor to your preparations but also contributes to protecting your heart and keeping it in optimal condition.
Source: Chen, Youming & Ge, Zhuowang & Huang, Shixing & Zhou, Lei & Zhai, Changlin & Chen, Yuhan & Hu, Qiuyue & Cao, Wei & Weng, Yuteng & Li, Yanyan. (2020). Delphinidin attenuates pathological cardiac hypertrophy via the AMPK/NOX/MAPK signaling pathway. Aging. 12. 10.18632/aging.102956.
