AUTHOR=Deng Bixin , Lei Yupeng , Zhou Ruixi , Ruan Tiechao , Lu Wenting , Ying Junjie , Yue Yan , Mu Dezhi 

TITLE=Effect of blueberry intervention on endothelial function: a systematic review and meta-analysis

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Physiology

VOLUME=15

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2024.1368892

DOI=10.3389/fphys.2024.1368892

ISSN=1664-042X

ABSTRACT=<p><bold>Introduction:</bold> Endothelial dysfunction indicates blood vessel injury and is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Blueberry has been approved for its benefits on human health, especially on cardiovascular function. However, its effect on endothelial function remains unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the impact of blueberries on endothelial function in adults.</p><p><bold>Methods:</bold> We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, 16 studies were included in the systematic review, and 11 were used for the meta-analysis. Data associated with endothelial function were extracted and pooled as mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).</p><p><bold>Results:</bold> Blueberry consumption significantly improved flow-mediated dilation (FMD) by 1.50% (95% CI: 0.81, 2.20; I<sup>2</sup> = 87%) and reactive hyperemia index (RHI) by 0.26 (95% CI: 0.09, 0.42; I<sup>2</sup> = 72%). A significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was also observed (MD: −2.20 mm Hg; 95% CI: −4.13, −0.27; I<sup>2</sup> = 11%). Subgroup analysis indicated a significant decrease in blood pressure (Systolic blood pressure [SBP]: −3.92 mmHg; 95% CI: −6.88, −0.97; I<sup>2</sup> = 20% and DBP: −2.20 mmHg; 95% CI: −4.13, −0.27; I<sup>2</sup> = 11%) in the smoking population. However, SBP levels (MD: −1.43 mm Hg; 95% CI: −3.11, 0.26; I<sup>2</sup> = 20%) and lipid status (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C]: 0.06; 95% CI: −0.04, 0.16; I<sup>2</sup> = 77%; low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C]: 0.05; 95% CI: −0.14, 0.24; I<sup>2</sup> = 0%) did not significantly improve.</p><p><bold>Conclusion:</bold> Blueberry intervention improved endothelial function and DBP. Subgroup analysis revealed a notable improvement in blood pressure among the smoking population. However, no significant effects were observed on SBP, HDL-C, and LDL-C levels. Future research should delve into the mechanisms of endothelial improvement and verify blood pressure reduction in specific subpopulations through large-scale trials.</p><p><bold>Clinical Trial Registration:</bold><ext-link ext-link-type="uri" xlink:href="https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/</ext-link>, Identifier CRD42023491277.</p>