Blueberry Compound May Protect Against Asthma

Pterostilbene, a compound found in blueberries, is chemically related to resveratrol, and  is metabolized at a slower rate than the grape counterpart. Previous studies of pterostilbene have suggested potential clinical utility for improving cardiovascular health, glucose levels, and cognitive function. Po-Lin Kuo, from Kaohsiung Medical University (Taiwan), and colleagues exposed cells from the lining of the airways (the bronchial epithelium) to benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) – a type of pollutant and probable cancer-causing agent, with or without pterostilbene or resveratrol. The team observed that while BaP induced the production of inflammatory compounds called cytokines – which subsequently produced a remodeling in bronchial smooth muscle, concomitant exposure to resveratrol partially reversed  the inflammatory response and remodeling, and pterostilbene completely reversed the remodeling of the airways.  The researchers conclude that: “This study suggests that pterostilbene is capable of preventing BaP-associated asthma.”