Vascular protection by natural product-derived polyphenols: in vitro and in vivo evidence.
Epidemiological studies have indicated that regular intake of fruit and vegetables and beverages such as red wine and tea, which contain high levels of polyphenols, is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases. The beneficial effect of polyphenol-rich natural products has been attributable, at least in part, to their direct effect on blood vessels, and in particular on endothelial cells. Indeed, polyphenols from tea, grapes, berries, and plants have been shown to activate endothelial cells to increase the formation of potent vasoprotective factors including nitric oxide (NO) and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor. Experimental and clinical studies have also indicated that chronic intake of several polyphenol-rich natural products is able to improve endothelial dysfunction and to decrease vascular oxidative stress associated with major cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension. Altogether, these observations suggest that polyphenol-rich sources of natural products have the potential to improve the function of blood vessels and, hence, to protect the vascular system.
Laboratoire de Biophotonique et Pharmacologie, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, Illkirch, France. valerie.schini-kerth@unistra.fr
Valérie B
VB
Schini-Kerth
Nelly
N
Etienne-Selloum
Thierry
T
Chataigneau
Cyril
C
Auger
D000818:Animals; D001685:Biological Factors / Q000378:metabolism; D001688:Biological Products / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D005419:Flavonoids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005638:Fruit / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D010636:Phenols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D059808:Polyphenols; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D027843:Vitis / Q000737:chemistry; D014920:Wine
D001685:Biological Factors; D001688:Biological Products; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents; D005419:Flavonoids; D010636:Phenols; D059808:Polyphenols; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; C067410:endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization factor; D009569:Nitric Oxide