title: Molecular mechanisms of the cardiovascular protective effects of polyphenols.
abstract: Epidemiological studies have reported a greater reduction in cardiovascular risk and metabolic disorders associated with diets rich in polyphenols. The antioxidant effects of polyphenols are attributed to the regulation of redox enzymes by reducing reactive oxygen species production from mitochondria, NADPH oxidases and uncoupled endothelial NO synthase in addition to also up-regulating multiple antioxidant enzymes. Although data supporting the effects of polyphenols in reducing oxidative stress are promising, several studies have suggested additional mechanisms in the health benefits of polyphenols. Polyphenols from red wine increase endothelial NO production leading to endothelium-dependent relaxation in conditions such as hypertension, stroke or the metabolic syndrome. Numerous molecules contained in fruits and vegetables can activate sirtuins to increase lifespan and silence metabolic and physiological disturbances associated with endothelial NO dysfunction. Although intracellular pathways involved in the endothelial effects of polyphenols are partially described, the molecular targets of these polyphenols are not completely elucidated. We review the novel aspects of polyphenols on several targets that could trigger the health benefits of polyphenols in conditions such as metabolic and cardiovascular disturbances.
authors.affiliation: LUNAM Université d'Angers, INSERM, U1063, Université d'Angers, Angers, France.
authors.forename: Ramaroson
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Andriantsitohaina
authors.forename: Cyril
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Auger
authors.forename: Thierry
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Chataigneau
authors.forename: Nelly
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Étienne-Selloum
authors.forename: Huige
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: M Carmen
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Martínez
authors.forename: Valérie B
authors.initials: VB
authors.lastname: Schini-Kerth
authors.forename: Ismail
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Laher
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism; D005419:Flavonoids / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D010636:Phenols / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D059808:Polyphenols / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D005419:Flavonoids; D010636:Phenols; D059808:Polyphenols