Obesity is associated with modern diets that are rich in saturated fatty acids. These dietary patterns are linked to low-grade proinflammatory mechanisms, such as the toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway rapidly activated through high-fat diets. Juçara is a berry rich in anthocyanins and unsaturated fatty acids, which prevents obesity and associated comorbidities. We evaluated the effect of different doses of freeze-dried juçara pulp on NF-κB pathway after the consumption of short-term high-fat diet. Male Wistar rats with ad libitum access to food and water were divided into four groups: Control diet (C), high-fat diet (HFC), high-fat diet with 0.25% juçara (HFJ 0.25%), and high-fat diet with 0.5% juçara (HFJ 0.5%). Energy intake and body weight gain were increased in HFC and HFJ 0.5% groups compared to C group. The hypothalamus weight reduced in the HFC group compared to C and HFJ 0.25% groups. Cytokines, MYD88, TRAF6, and pNF-κBp50 levels in the hypothalamus, serum triacylglycerol, LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), and free fatty acid levels were improved in the HFJ 0.25% group. In summary, the HFJ 0.25% group had better protective effects than those in the HFJ 0.5%. Therefore, 0.25% juçara can be used to protect against central inflammation through the high-fat diet-induced NF-κB pathway.

Nutrigenomics is an emerging field in obesity since epigenetic markers can be modified by environmental factors including diet. Considering juçara composition—rich in anthocyanins, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and fibers—it has the potential for epigenetic modulation. We evaluated the juçara supplementation modulating the serum fatty acids profile and epigenetic markers in monocytes of adult obese humans. It was a randomized double-blind, controlled trial with 27 obese (Body mass index between 30.0 and 39.9 kg/m²) participants of both genders aged from 31 to 59 years, divided into juçara group (5 g juçara freeze-dried pulp) or placebo group (5 g of maltodextrin) for 6 weeks. Before and after supplementation, blood samples were collected. The serum and monocytes cells obtained were cultured and stimulated with lipopolysaccharides as proinflammatory stimulus. After 24 h of incubation, the cells and supernatants were collected and analyzed. Juçara improved the serum fatty acids profile on unsaturated fatty acids levels. The epigenetic markers evaluated were improved post-treatment. Also, the methylated DNA level was increased after treatment. We find that juçara supplementation is a predictor of methyl CpG binding proteins 2 (MeCP2) in monocytes. Concluding, juçara supplementation improved the serum fatty acids profile, modulating the epigenetic markers in monocytes from obese individuals.

Juçara berry is a potential inflammatory modulator, rich in dietary fiber, fatty acids, and anthocyanins. Considering this, we evaluated the high-fat diet (HFD) intake supplemented with different doses of freeze-dried juçara pulp on the TLR4 pathway. Twenty-seven male Wistar rats with ad libitum access to food and water were divided into four experimental groups: control standard chow group (C); high-fat diet control group (HFC); high-fat diet juçara 0.25% group (HFJ0.25%); and high-fat diet juçara 0.5% group (HFJ0.5%). The inflammatory parameters were analyzed by ELISA and Western blotting in liver and retroperitoneal adipose tissue (RET). The HFJ0.25% group had the energy intake, aspartate transaminase (AST) levels, and liver triacylglycerol accumulation reduced; also, the tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) expression in RET were reduced. However, there were no changes in other protein expressions in liver and adipose tissue. Adiposity and pNFκBp50 had a positive correlation in HFC and HFJ0.5%, but not in the C group and HFJ0.25%. The necrosis hepatic score did not change with treatment; however, the serum (AST) levels and the hepatic triacylglycerol were increased in HFC and HFJ0.5%. These results demonstrated that one week of HFD intake triggered pro-inflammatory mechanisms and liver injury. Additionally, 0.25% juçara prevented inflammatory pathway activation, body weight gain, and liver damage

Carotenoids are lipophilic pigments with anti-inflammatory properties and effects on cell differentiation. Carotenoids could ameliorate complications induced by a high-fat diet affecting energy metabolism and adipogenesis via AMPK pathway.