Scientists studying whole grape consumption reported measurable changes in skin gene expression and reduced oxidative stress markers following ultraviolet exposure.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
A newly published study has found that consuming whole grapes daily may influence skin-related gene activity and reduce biological markers associated with oxidative stress after ultraviolet exposure, adding to growing research examining how food compounds affect human health at the molecular level.
The study, published in ACS Nutrition Science, was conducted by researchers from Western New England University and Oregon State University. Scientists evaluated how a two-week period of daily grape consumption affected skin tissue responses in human volunteers exposed to low-dose ultraviolet radiation.
Participants in the clinical trial consumed the equivalent of three servings of whole grapes each day for 14 days. Researchers then analyzed skin samples collected before and after the dietary intervention, both prior to and following controlled UV exposure.
According to the findings, grape consumption consistently altered skin gene expression patterns in every participant despite significant variability between individuals and across different time points. Researchers observed changes linked to keratinization and cornification, biological processes involved in forming and strengthening the skin’s outer protective barrier.
Scientists also reported reduced levels of malondialdehyde in skin tissue following UV exposure among participants who consumed grapes. Malondialdehyde is commonly used as a biomarker for oxidative stress and cellular damage.
The researchers said the gene activity changes indicated enhanced skin barrier function and suggested grapes may influence how the body responds to environmental stressors such as ultraviolet radiation.
Earlier scientific investigations have also associated grape-derived compounds with skin and cellular health. Prior studies referenced in the report found that regular grape juice consumption reduced oxidative DNA damage and lowered plasma free radical levels in healthy adults. Additional research involving resveratrol, a polyphenol concentrated in grape skins, documented protective effects against skin damage in animal models.
John Pezzuto, professor and dean of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Western New England University, said the findings highlight grapes’ potential role in nutrigenomics, the study of how foods influence gene activity.
“We observed this with the largest organ of the body, the skin,” Pezzuto said.
“The changes in gene expression indicated improvements in skin health,” he added. “But beyond skin, it is nearly certain that grape consumption affects gene expression in other somatic tissues of the body, such as liver, muscle, kidney and even brain.”
Researchers noted that grapes contain multiple bioactive compounds, including anthocyanins, flavonols, and resveratrol, all of which have been studied for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Resveratrol in particular has attracted scientific attention for its role in combating oxidative stress and supporting cellular function.
The study was funded by the California Table Grape Commission.
Scientists involved in the research said additional investigation is needed to determine whether similar gene expression changes occur in other organs and to better understand the mechanisms behind the observed biological responses.
The authors concluded that the findings provide evidence that whole-food dietary interventions may influence molecular pathways connected to skin health and oxidative stress protection. Researchers said future studies may further clarify how plant-based foods interact with human gene expression and long-term health outcomes.
Comments