Exploring the anti-inflammatory potential of upland pigmented potatoes

Introduction: Upland potatoes represent a resilient and economical source of health-beneficial bioactives such as polyphenols and carotenoids1-3. In the framework of the JPI FACCE SYSTEMIC project, we aimed at studying the anti-inflammatory effect of three commercial potato varieties cultivated in Starleggia (Valle Spluga, 1560 masl). Material & Methods: Biochemical analyses allowed us to consider extracts from Kennebec, Desirée and Bleuet varieties as chlorogenic acid (CGA)-rich, carotenoid-rich and anthocyanin (ACN)-rich, respectively. The anti-inflammatory potential of these compounds was tested on PMA-induced THP-1 macrophages challenged with LPS via qPCR and ELISA. Results: The ACN-rich Bleuet raw extract showed a lower anti-inflammatory activity at plasmatic doses compared to the carotenoid-rich Desirée. We speculated that the high level of CGA in Bleuet extract could interfere with ACNs. Consistent with this, the Bleuet isolated ACN fraction showed a stronger anti-inflammatory activity than the raw extract and adding CGA to ACNs significantly reduced the ACN anti-inflammatory effect. We explored their possible interaction with membrane transporters via molecular docking. Conclusion: Overall, upland pigmented potatoes may represent a source of anti-inflammatory phytonutrients, but the possible interference between CGA and ACN anti-inflammatory activity indicates a new starting point to develop/select ACN-rich varieties with a lower content of CGA. Supported by: ERA HDHL KH FNS SYSTEMIC- EoI N.967 CLIMAQUALITEC (MASAF) References: 1. Pacifico, Sustainability, 10(11), 3939, 2018 2. Cappellini et al., Frontiers in Plant Science, 12:748049, 2021 3. Bohn et al., Nutrition Research Reviews, 34, 276-302, 2021