The journal MNFR reportedthat the study involved 20 healthy adult volunteers, aged 21 to 36, with no chronic illnesses. For 60 days, the researchers provided the participants with 500 ml of pasteurized orange juice daily, while prohibiting them from consuming any other citrus fruits for three days prior to the start of the experiment and throughout its duration.
Scientists analyzed the blood of volunteers before and after the experiment, studying changes in gene activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, a crucial part of the immune system. The results showed that regular consumption of orange juice led to gene transcription reorganization, affecting more than 3,700 regions of DNA, including 1,700 protein-coding genes. The most striking changes were associated with genes that control blood pressure (NAMPT and NLRP3), lipid metabolism, and inflammation. The findings also revealed a decrease in the activity of genes associated with inflammation and an increase in the expression of genes related to metabolic control and vascular health.
According to the researchers, citrus flavanones, such as hesperidin and naringenin, are the likely cause of these effects, as these plant compounds affect signaling pathways controlled by the transcription factors NFKB1, AHR, and PPARα.
Scientists point out that the results do not yet prove a direct causal relationship, but they do illustrate how orange juice can affect molecular processes related to cardiovascular function. Researchers plan to investigate in the future whether this effect is dependent on body weight and whether this data can be used to provide personalized dietary recommendations.
