Structure-function analysis of purified proanthocyanidins reveals a role for polymer size in suppressing inflammatory responses

Abstract

Andersen-Civil et al isolated a range of proanthocyanidin (PAC) polymer mixtures from plant material and demonstrated that polymer size was a key determinant of the ability of PACs to regulate inflammatory responses in murine macrophages, and intestinal tissues following oral intake. The PAC polymers modulated autophagic flux and inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced autophagy in macrophages, which could help to explain the health benefits of PAC-rich food.