Effects of cranberry extracts on gene expression in THP‐1 cells

Cranberry contains high levels of nutrients and bioactive molecules that have health‐promoting properties. The purpose of the present studies was to determine if cranberry extracts (CEs) contain phytochemicals that exert anti‐inflammatory effects. The human monocytic cell line THP‐1 was treated with two CEs (CE and 90MX) and subsequently challenged with Lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF α) expression was decreased in the CE‐treated cells, indicative of an anti‐inflammatory effect. Gene expression microarrays identified several immune‐related genes that were responsive to CEs including interferon‐induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 1 and 3 (IFIT 1 and 3), macrophage scavenger receptor 1 (MSR1) and colony‐stimulating factor 2 (CSF2). In addition, in the CE‐treated cells, metallothionein 1F and other metal‐responsive genes were induced. Taken together, this data indicates that CEs contain bioactive components that have anti‐inflammatory effects and may protect cells from oxidative damage.