Expression profiling of genes targeted by bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) in macrophages through DNA microarray

Nutr Cancer. 2008:60 Suppl 1:43-50. doi: 10.1080/01635580802381279.

Abstract

To evaluate the anti-inflammatory function and underlying genes targeted by bilberry, gene expression profiling through DNA microarray was performed on bilberry extract-treated macrophages. Among 22,050 oligonucleotides, the expression levels of 998 genes were increased by > or = twofold in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW264 cells, 358 gene signals of which were attenuated by bilberry extract (> or = 1.5-fold). Expression levels of 2,086 genes were decreased by > or = twofold in LPS-activated cells, of which 939 gene signals were enhanced by bilberry extract (> or = 1.5-fold). Utilizing Panther group analysis, 308 genes affected by bilberry extract were classified into 43 categories relating to biological processes (97), molecular functions (186), and signaling pathways (26) with > or = 1.5-fold change. The genes categorized as "defense, inflammatory response, cytokines activities, and receptor activities" were further identified, and some of them were confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The DNA microarray results provide a molecular basis for the anti-inflammatory effects of bilberry.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anthocyanins / pharmacology*
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cell Line
  • Gene Expression Profiling*
  • Lipopolysaccharides / pharmacology
  • Macrophages / drug effects*
  • Macrophages / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Microarray Analysis / methods*
  • Plant Extracts
  • Vaccinium myrtillus

Substances

  • Anthocyanins
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • Plant Extracts
  • Vaccinium myrtillus extract