Berries and Ellagic Acid Reduce DNA Damage
Author Information
Author(s): Aiyer Harini S., Vadhanam Manicka V., Stoyanova Radka, Caprio Gerard D., Clapper Margie L., Gupta Ramesh C.
Primary Institution: James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville
Hypothesis
Can dietary berries and ellagic acid reduce oxidative DNA damage and enhance DNA repair gene expression?
Conclusion
The study found that red raspberry and ellagic acid significantly reduce oxidative DNA damage and enhance the expression of DNA repair genes.
Supporting Evidence
- Ellagic acid showed over 95% inhibition of oxidative DNA damage in vitro.
- Red raspberry diet resulted in a significant 59% reduction in DNA adducts.
- Both diets led to a 3–8 fold increase in the expression of DNA repair genes.
Takeaway
Eating berries and a compound called ellagic acid can help protect our DNA from damage, which is important for preventing cancer.
Methodology
The study involved feeding female CD-1 mice diets supplemented with ellagic acid and different berries, then measuring DNA damage and gene expression.
Limitations
The study was conducted on a small sample size of mice and may not directly translate to humans.
Participant Demographics
Female CD-1 mice
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
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