Journal of Research in Medical Sciences1735-199516320110313Acute and long term effects of grape and pomegranate juice consumption on endothelial dysfunction in pediatric metabolic syndrome67266726ENRoyaKelishadiProfessor, Department of Pediatric Preventive Cardiology and Department of Pediatrics, Child Health Promotion Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. kelishadi@med.mui.ac.irSamuelSGiddingMohammadHashemiMahinHashemipourAfshinZakerameliParinazPoursafa201102022011022320110222BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the short- and long-term effects of consumption of grape and pomegranate juices on markers of endothelial function and inflammation in adolescents with metabolic syndrome (MetS).METHODS: In a non-pharmacologic randomized controlled trial, 30 individuals were randomly assigned to two groups of drinking natural grape or pomegranate juice for 1 month. Measurements of inflammatory factors [Hs-CRP, sE-selectin, sICAM-1, sVCAM, and interleukin 6 (IL-6)] and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) were made at baseline, 4 hours after first juice consumption and after one month of juice consumption.RESULTS: The percent changes of FMD were significant in both groups in the short- and long-term. Hs-CRP had a non-significant decrease. sE selectin had a significant decrease after 4 hours in total and in the pomegranate juice group, followed by a significant decrease after 1 month in both groups. After 4 hours, sICAM-1 significantly decreased in the pomegranate juice group, and after 1 month it decreased in total and pomegranate juice group. Interleulkin-6 (IL-6) had a significant constant decrease at 4-hour and 1-month measurements after drinking pomegranate juice, and in both groups after 1 month. Significant negative correlations of changes in sICAM-1 and sE-selectin with changes in FMD were found in both periods of follow-up; and at 1 month for IL-6.CONCLUSIONS: Decline in inflammation was associated with improvement in FMD without changes in conventional risk factors. Daily consumption of natural antioxidants may improve endothelial function in adolescents with MetS.KEYWORDS: Endothelium function, metabolic syndrome, antioxidants, inflammation, adolescents.