The efficacy of berries against lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation: A review

Background: an increasing number of epidemiological studies highlights a remarkable association between a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and a lower incidence of different inflammatory-related pathologies. Berries represent an interesting source of phytochemicals and nutrients, widely investigated for their role in health promotion and disease prevention. Scope and approach: the aim of this review was to summarize and update the effect of different berry extracts, their fractions and single bioactive compounds against the inflammatory status promoted by the Gram-negative bacteria endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The main molecular mechanisms involved have been elucidated, focusing particular attention on the biological response evoked in different in vitro and in vivo models. Key findings and cocnlusions: the inhibition of inflammatory response mediated by MAPK and NF-kB is the main molecular pathway involved in berries anti-inflammatory role, especially in grape and blueberry which represent the main investigated fruits, improving antioxidant defence and exerting beneficial effects in the maintenance of healthy conditions in LPS-treated models.