title: Flavonoids in atherosclerosis: an overview of their mechanisms of action.
abstract: Polyphenols are composed of a wide variety of molecules that are classified into several categories, according to their chemical type such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, stilbenes, and lignans. Many studies have proven the beneficial effects of flavonoids in atherosclerosis progression and cardiovascular disease. Dietary flavonoids reduce oxidative stress and exert anti-inflammatory actions. Moreover, flavonoids have the ability to avoid the thrombus formation, improve endothelial function, modify lipid levels and regulate glucose metabolism. In the context of this evidence in this review article we summarize the so far acquired knowledge of the most important mechanisms of action of flavonoids in atherosclerosis progression.
authors.affiliation: 1st Cardiology Department, University of Athens Medical School, Hippokration Hospital, Athens, Greece. ger_sias@hotmail.com
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Siasos
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Tousoulis
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Tsigkou
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kokkou
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Oikonomou
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vavuranakis
authors.forename: E K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Basdra
authors.forename: A G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Papavassiliou
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Stefanadis
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D018450:Disease Progression; D005419:Flavonoids / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D005419:Flavonoids