What is it about?
This review examines how anthocyanins (ACNs)—dietary polyphenols with antioxidant, anti‑inflammatory, cardioprotective, and chemopreventive properties—modulate redox‑sensitive cellular pathways implicated in non‑communicable diseases (NCDs). Despite their low apparent bioavailability, ACN metabolites may contribute to biological actions observed in vivo. The paper summarizes scientific evidence showing that ACNs influence key transcription factors involved in inflammation and oxidative stress. They can downregulate NF‑κB and AP‑1 pathways, which mediate pro‑inflammatory responses, and activate Nrf2‑regulated protective enzymes such as GST, NQO, and HO‑1. Potential crosstalk between these pathways is also discussed as a unifying mechanism behind ACN‑mediated protection across various pathologies linked to redox imbalance.
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Why is it important?
Chronic NCDs—including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, inflammatory and metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, and cancer—are often driven by oxidative stress, dysregulated inflammation, and impaired redox signaling. The ability of ACNs to modulate multiple interconnected pathways positions them as promising nutritional tools in preventive strategies. This review highlights that ACNs may act not only through direct radical scavenging, but by influencing signaling mechanisms at concentrations lower than those required for classical antioxidant effects—an important consideration given their rapid metabolism.
Perspectives
Although evidence supports the involvement of ACN metabolites in modulating NF‑κB, AP‑1, and Nrf2 pathways, most data derive from in vitro models or early‑stage studies. Further in vivo work is needed to define tissue‑specific concentrations, metabolite profiles, and interactions between pathways under physiological and pathological conditions. Future research should explore: the relevance of pathway crosstalk in different NCDs; dose–response relationships under realistic dietary exposures; long‑term safety and efficacy of ACN‑based supplements; the impact of ACNs on additional processes such as autophagy, cell cycle regulation, and metabolic reprogramming. Despite these uncertainties, ACN‑rich foods and supplements remain promising candidates for preventing redox‑driven chronic conditions.
Prof. Antonio Speciale
University of Messina
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Anthocyanins As Modulators of Cell Redox-Dependent Pathways in Non-Communicable Diseases, Current Medicinal Chemistry, April 2020, Bentham Science Publishers,
DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666181112093336.
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