Tart cherry supplementation causes differential regulation of skeletal muscle proteome after eccentric exercise

Polyphenol-rich tart cherry (TC) supplementation has previously been shown to enhance recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). However, no studies have investigated the effects of different doses of TC supplementation on such recovery. The molecular mechanism(s) of action through which TC elicits these effects is unknown. Here we show that 7 days TC supplementation prior to EIMD increases TC-derived plasma phenolic acid concentrations and profoundly alters the balance of structural and contractile muscle proteins, and macrophage cell infiltration within the exercised muscle. We demonstrate that plasma hippuric acid concentrations are positively correlated with muscle function in young active males. These molecular changes occurred in the absence of TC-accelerated recovery of muscle function. These findings suggest that TC warrants exploration as an intervention that may enhance musculoskeletal adaptations to training stimuli. Clinical Trial Registration https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04725149 , identifier: NCT04725149.