title: Polyphenols as potential therapeutical agents against cardiovascular diseases.
abstract: Increasing evidence suggests that polyphenols from fruits, vegetables and beverages such as wine and tea may exert protective effects on the cardiovascular system. Indeed, research in the field of polyphenols points out their antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties, leading to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and platelet aggregation. These compounds are also able to modulate the generation of nitric oxide (NO) from vascular endothelium and to interfere with the mechanisms leading to inflammation and endothelial apoptosis, contributing to the prevention of the endothelial dysfunction, known to play a central role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. This article reviews the potential targets of polyphenols involved in the complex pathophysiological events occurring in cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, atherosclerosis and stroke.
authors.affiliation: Laboratoire de Pharmacochimie de la Communication Moléculaire, UMR 7081 CNRS, 74 route du Rhin, 67401 Illkirch, France.
authors.forename: Yann
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Curin
authors.forename: Ramaroson
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Andriantsitohaina
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005419:Flavonoids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation / Q000187:drug effects; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL / Q000378:metabolism; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism; D010636:Phenols / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010974:Platelet Aggregation / Q000187:drug effects; D059808:Polyphenols
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D005419:Flavonoids; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL; D010636:Phenols; D059808:Polyphenols; D009569:Nitric Oxide