The cardiovascular protective effect of red wine

How do in vitro digestion and cell metabolism affect the biological activity and phenolic profile of grape juice and wine

Cabernet Sauvignon grape juice and wine underwent in vitro digestion, resulting in a reduction of most phenolic compounds (10%-100% decline), notably impacting anthocyanins (82%-100% decline) due to pH variations. However, specific phenolics, including p-hydroxybenzoic, protocatechuic, vanillic, p-coumaric, gallic and syringic acids, and coumarin esculetin, increased in concentration (10%-120%). Grape juice and wine samples showed comparable polyphenolic profile during all phases of digestion. Antioxidant activity persisted, and inhibition of angiotensin-I converting enzyme was improved after the digestion process, likely because of increased concentrations of listed phenolic acids and esculetin. Digested grape juice displayed comparable or superior bioactivity to red wine, indicating it as a promising source of accessible grape polyphenols for a broader audience. Nevertheless, Caco-2 cell model metabolization experiments revealed that only 3 of 42 analyzed compounds passed to the basolateral compartment, emphasizing the significant impact of digestion on polyphenol bioactivity, suggesting potential yet unmeasurable and overlooked implications for human health.

Plant Polyphenols and Their Potential Benefits on Cardiovascular Health: A Review

Fruits, vegetables, and other food items contain phytochemicals or secondary metabolites which may be considered non-essential nutrients but have medicinal importance. These dietary phytochemicals exhibit chemopreventive and therapeutic effects against numerous diseases. Polyphenols are secondary metabolites found in vegetables, fruits, and grains. These compounds exhibit several health benefits such as immune modulators, vasodilators, and antioxidants. This review focuses on recent studies on using dietary polyphenols to treat cardiovascular disorders, atherosclerosis, and vascular endothelium deficits. We focus on exploring the safety of highly effective polyphenols to ensure their maximum impact on cardiac abnormalities and discuss recent epidemiological evidence and intervention trials related to these properties. Kaempferol, quercetin, and resveratrol prevent oxidative stress by regulating proteins that induce oxidation in heart tissues. In addition, polyphenols modulate the tone of the endothelium of vessels by releasing nitric oxide (NO) and reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation to prevent atherosclerosis. In cardiomyocytes, polyphenols suppress the expression of inflammatory markers and inhibit the production of inflammation markers to exert an anti-inflammatory response. Consequently, heart diseases such as strokes, hypertension, heart failure, and ischemic heart disease could be prevented by dietary polyphenols.

Benefits of the Light Consumption of Red Wine in Pain, Tender Points, and Anxiety in Women with Fibromyalgia: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by chronic widespread pain, as well as anxiety, sadness, and depression. These symptoms are present in most patients and have a negative impact on their daily, family, and social life. The role of neurotransmitters in the pathophysiology of FM has been extensively discussed. The scientific evidence shows that levels of serotonin are decreased in patients with FM. Numerous studies support the beneficial effects that moderate wine consumption has on the body, with cardiovascular, endocrine, bone, and muscle improvements.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this pilot study was to assess whether light consumption of red wine improves the main symptoms of FM.

METHODS

The study consisted of an experimental study with a control group with a total of 60 women diagnosed with FM following the American College of Rheumatology's criteria. The experimental group ingested 15 g of alcohol per day, in the form of red wine, over a period of four weeks. The outcome measures were: the level of pain in tender points, sadness, anxiety, depression, and quality of life. The assessments tools were: tender point graphics, the visual analogue scale (for the assessment of pain and sadness), the Hamilton Anxiety Scale, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire. The measurements were completed before and after the consumption of red wine. In addition, the differences between groups were evaluated in terms of drug consumption in the pre-intervention and follow-up phases.

RESULTS

Statistically significant improvements were obtained in the wine ingestion group for the variables of pain (p = 0.038), tender points (p < 0.001), and anxiety (p = 0.028). An improvement in the mean values was observed in favor of the experimental group for the variables of sadness, depression, and quality of life. The differences observed in the changes seen in the groups that were in favor of the wine ingestion group should not be attributed to the consumption of drugs but to the fact that the experimental group had a light intake of red wine.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this pilot study suggest a potential relationship between alcohol intake through the light consumption of red wine as part of the patients' diet and the improvement of the main symptoms of fibromyalgia. Future studies are necessary to confirm these preliminary data; a bigger sample and a controlled diet should be considered, and the mechanisms through which improvements are achieved should be analyzed.

Resveratrol, a Multitasking Molecule That Improves Skeletal Muscle Health

Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol utilized in Chinese traditional medicine and thought to be one of the determinants of the "French Paradox". More recently, some groups evidenced its properties as a calorie-restriction mimetic, suggesting that its action passes through the modulation of skeletal muscle metabolism. Accordingly, the number of studies reporting the beneficial effects of resveratrol on skeletal muscle form and function, in both experimental models and humans, is steadily increasing. Although studies on animal models confer to resveratrol a good potential to ameliorate skeletal muscle structure, function and performance, clinical trials still do not provide clear-cut information. Here, we first summarize the effects of resveratrol on the distinct components of the skeletal muscle, such as myofibers, the neuromuscular junction, tendons, connective sheaths and the capillary bed. Second, we review clinical trials focused on the analysis of skeletal muscle parameters. We suggest that the heterogeneity in the response to resveratrol in humans could depend on sample characteristics, treatment modalities and parameters analyzed; as well, this heterogeneity could possibly reside in the complexity of skeletal muscle physiology. A systematic programming of treatment protocols and analyses could be helpful to obtain consistent results in clinical trials involving resveratrol administration.

Antioxidant Nutraceutical Strategies in the Prevention of Oxidative Stress Related Eye Diseases

This review aims to discuss the delicate balance between the physiological production of reactive oxygen species and the role of antioxidant nutraceutical molecules in managing radicals in the complex anatomical structure of the eye. Many molecules and enzymes with reducing and antioxidant potential are present in different parts of the eye. Some of these, such as glutathione, N-acetylcysteine, α-lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, and enzymatic antioxidants, are endogenously produced by the body. Others, such as plant-derived polyphenols and carotenoids, vitamins B2, C, and E, zinc and selenium, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, must be obtained through the diet and are considered essential nutrients. When the equilibrium between the production of reactive oxygen species and their scavenging is disrupted, radical generation overwhelms the endogenous antioxidant arsenal, leading to oxidative stress-related eye disorders and aging. Therefore, the roles of antioxidants contained in dietary supplements in preventing oxidative stress-based ocular dysfunctions are also discussed. However, the results of studies investigating the efficacy of antioxidant supplementation have been mixed or inconclusive, indicating a need for future research to highlight the potential of antioxidant molecules and to develop new preventive nutritional strategies.

Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Red and White Wines Produced from Autochthonous Croatian Varieties: Effect of Moderate Consumption on Human Health

Moderate wine consumption is often associated with healthy lifestyle habits. The role of wine as a healthy drink is mainly due to its bioactive compounds, which differ according to various viticultural and enological factors. The aim of the present study was to observe the differences in bioactive compounds of white and red autochthonous Croatian wines, differing in terms of the grape variety and production technology. Our further aim was to explore the effect of their moderate consumption (200 mL per day) over the course of six weeks on some aspects of health in sixty-six healthy individuals. Participants were divided into eight groups depending on the wines consumed, while one group formed a non-consuming control group. Medical examination and laboratory tests were performed before the start and at the end of the consumption period. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and LDL concentrations decreased. Additionally, an increase in HDL concentrations, and serotonin and dopamine levels, was observed. ALT, ALP, and GGT levels did not significantly increase in consumer groups, although alcohol concentration was relatively high in all the wines. Such results support the beneficial effects of wine-derived bioactive compounds on some health aspects resulting from moderate white and red wine consumption.

Chemical Composition and Polyphenolic Compounds of Red Wines: Their Antioxidant Activities and Effects on Human Health—A Review

Red wine, an alcoholic beverage is composed of a spectrum of complex compounds such as water, alcohol, glycerol, organic acid, carbohydrates, polyphenols, and minerals as well as volatile compounds. Major factors that affect the levels of phenolic compounds in red wines are the variety of grapes and the storage of the wines. Among the constituents of red wine, phenolic compounds play a crucial role in attributes including color and mouthfeel and confer beneficial properties on health. Most importantly, phenolic compounds such as flavanols, flavonols, flavanones, flavones, tannins, anthocyanins, hydroxycinnamic acids, hydroxybenzoic acids, and resveratrol can prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, inflammation, and some other chronic diseases.

Evaluation of anti-platelet activity of grape pomace extracts

Platelets aggregation plays a crucial role in atherothrombosis. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the anti-platelet activity of winery by-products extracts, to find the most potent one and to be further analyzed in order to be used for food fortification. For this purpose, grape pomace from four red varieties was extracted with four solvents of different polarity. The extracts' phenolic content, antioxidant capacity and their ability to inhibit human platelet aggregation against PAF, ADP, TRAP were determined by Light Transmission Aggregometry. The ethanolic extract was further analyzed concerning its anti-platelet effect and its chemical composition by LC-MS/MS and GC-MS. The ethanolic and Bligh-Dyer water phase extracts showed the highest phenolic compounds/anthocyanin content and the best antioxidant activity. However, the most potent inhibition of platelet aggregation was revealed by ethanol extracts, followed by the Bligh-Dyer lipoid phase extracts. Ethanolic extract, found to contain micro-constituents such as phospho-compounds, phenolic compounds and fatty acids. The most abundant phenolic compounds were catechin, epicatechin and quercetin and the most abundant fatty acids were linoleic acid (C18:2n6), linolenic acid (C18:3n3) and palmitic acid (C16:0). Ethanolic extract was capable of inhibiting platelets aggregation in a wide range of agonist concentrations and it also seems that its action is sustained when platelets from coronary heart disease patient were used. Ethanol extract of winery by-products exerts a potent anti-platelet effect and its valorization could lead to the production of functional foods with cardioprotective properties.

Grape Pomace: Antioxidant Activity, Potential Effect Against Hypertension and Metabolites Characterization after Intake

Observational studies indicate that the intake of polyphenol-rich foods improves vascular health, thereby significantly reducing the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse the remained potential of grape by-products from important Rhône Valley red wine cultivars: Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Mourvèdre and Alicante. For that, six different extracts from grape pomaces, selected by their antioxidant activity, were studied in vivo during six weeks with spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Extracts used in SHR1, SHR2 and SHR6 groups presented a « rebound effect » on systolic blood pressure, whereas the other extracts do not change it significantly. The bioavailability of Grenache (GRE1) (EA70) seed pomace extract (SHR1 group), Mouvendre (MOU) (EA70) skin pomace extract (SHR5 group) and Alicante (ALI) (EA70) skin pomace extract (SHR6 group) was studied by High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Photodiode Array detector and Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometer (HPLC-PDA-ESI-MSⁿ) in urine, plasma and tissues to search differences on the metabolism of the different extracts intake.

Wine and its metabolic effects. A comprehensive review of clinical trials

The introduction of the term "French Paradox" motivated an extensive and in-depth research into health benefits of moderate wine consumption. The superiority of wine is thought to be attributed to its micro-constituents and consequent effort was made to isolate and identify these bioactive compounds as well as to elucidate the mechanisms of their action. Controlled trials offer more concrete answers to several raised questions than observational studies. Under this perspective, clinical trials have been implemented, mainly in healthy volunteers and rarely in patients, in order to investigate the acute or chronic effect of wine consumption on metabolism and physio-pathological systems, which are mainly associated with cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this review is to update the knowledge about the acute and long term effect of wine consumption on lipid and glucose/insulin metabolism as well as on the inflammatory and haemostatic systems, based on the reported data of controlled clinical trials. In conclusion, the most repeated result of wine consumption is on lipid metabolism, attributed mainly to ethanol, while wine micro-constituents seem to have an important role mainly in haemostatic and inflammatory/endothelial systems.

Effect of Sulfites on Antioxidant Activity, Total Polyphenols, and Flavonoid Measurements in White Wine

Polyphenols content and antioxidant activity are directly related to the quality of wine. Wine also contains sulfites, which are added during the winemaking process. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of sulfites on the assays commonly used to measure the antioxidant activity and polyphenols and flavonoids content of white wines. The effects of sulfites were explored both in the standard assays and in white wine. The addition of sulfites (at 1–10 μg) in the standard assays resulted in a significant, positive interference in the Folin–Ciocalteu’s assay used for polyphenols measurements and in both the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt radical cation decolorization assays, which were used for antioxidant activity evaluation. A negative interference of sulfites (at 1–20 μg) was observed for the colorimetric aluminium-chloride flavonoids assay. The addition of sulfites to organic white wines (at 25–200 mg/L wine) clearly resulted in a significant overestimation of antioxidant activity and polyphenols content, and in an underestimation of flavonoids concentration. To overcome sulfite interferences, white wines were treated with cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone. The total polyphenols content and antioxidant activity measurements obtained after polyvinylpyrrolidone treatment were significantly lower than those obtained in the untreated wines. Flavonoids were expected to be higher after polyvinylpyrrolidone treatment, but were instead found to be lower than for untreated wines, suggesting that in addition to sulfites, other non-phenolic reducing compounds were present in white wine and interfered with the flavonoid assay. In view of our results, we advise that a purification procedure should be applied in order to evaluate the quality of white wine.

Consumption of alcohol and cardiovascular disease mortality: a 16 year follow-up of 115,592 Norwegian men and women aged 40-44 years

We tested whether teetotalism explains the upturn in cardiovascular risk for non-drinkers and whether wine is a more favorable alcohol type. We studied 115,592 men and women aged 40-44 years who participated in the age 40 program in Norway in 1994-1999 and were followed for an average of 16 years with 550 cardiovascular deaths. Self-reported number of glasses of beer, wine and spirits during 14 days was transformed to alcohol units/day. One unit is approximately 8 grams of pure alcohol. The mean and median number of alcohol units/day were 0.70 and 0.46. Teetotallers had higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease than alcohol consumers, multivariate adjusted hazard ratio (95% CI) 1.97 (1.52-2.56). The use of alcohol-related deaths as endpoint substantiated a selection of previous alcohol users to the teetotal group. Without teetotallers there was no association between alcohol consumption and cardiovascular disease mortality. However, the multivariate adjusted hazard ratio per one unit/day of wine was 0.76 (0.58-0.99). The corresponding figures for beer and spirits were 1.04 (0.94-1.15) and 0.98 (0.75-1.29). The upturn in risk for non-drinkers could be explained by a higher risk for teetotallers who likely included previous alcohol users or teetotalers who started to drink during follow-up. Wine gave the most favorable risk estimates.

Mediterranean Diet and Prevention of Chronic Diseases

A large body of research data suggests that traditional dietary habits and lifestyle unique to the Mediterranean region (Mediterranean diet, MD) lower the incidence of chronic diseases and improve longevity. These data contrast with troubling statistics in the United States and other high income countries pointing to an increase in the incidence of chronic diseases and the projected explosion in cost of medical care associated with an aging population. In 2013, the MD was inscribed by UNESCO in the "Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity." The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans included the MD as a healthy dietary pattern. Therefore, specific objectives of this article are to provide an overview of the nutritional basis of this healthful diet, its metabolic benefits, and its role in multiple aspects of disease prevention and healthy aging. Whereas recommendations about the MD often focus on specific foods or bioactive compounds, we suggest that the eating pattern as a whole likely contributes to the health promoting effects of the MD.

Tissue Distribution of trans-Resveratrol and Its Metabolites after Oral Administration in Human Eyes

Purpose. This study was performed to measure the concentration of trans-resveratrol and its three metabolites in human eyes. Methods. The patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment were included. The participants were orally given trans-resveratrol-based supplement (Longevinex®). A suitable amount of conjunctiva, aqueous humor, and vitreous humor were obtained during the operation. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) was used to detect the concentration of trans-resveratrol and its three metabolites in the various samples. Results. The average concentration of resveratrol in the conjunctiva was 17.19 ± 15.32 nmol/g (mean ± SD). The concentration of resveratrol in the aqueous humor was close to the limit of detection, but its metabolites could be quantified. The concentrations of resveratrol metabolites in the aqueous humor can be detected. In the vitreous humor, the average concentration of resveratrol-3-O-sulfate was 62.95 ± 41.97 nmol/L. The sulfate conjugations of resveratrol were recovered in the conjunctiva, aqueous humor, and vitreous humor. Conclusions. Resveratrol and its three metabolites can be detected in the ocular tissues after oral administration. Although the concentration of parent resveratrol was low in the eyes, its metabolites could be detected and may have a role in the treatment of ocular diseases.

Postprandial effects of wine consumption on Platelet Activating Factor metabolic enzymes

Platelet Activating factor (PAF) is a potent inflammatory mediator that is involved in the initiation and the prolongation of atherosclerosis. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of wine consumption on the activity of PAF metabolic enzymes and on IL-6 levels as a cytokine inflammatory marker. Healthy men participated in 4 daily trials and consumed a standardized meal along with Robola wine (trial R), or Cabernet Sauvignon (trial CS), or ethanol solution (trial E), or water (trial W). A significant trial effect was found in the activity of lyso-PAF acetyltransferase (Lyso-PAF AT) (p_trial=0.01). In specific, R trial decreased enzyme activity compared to E trial (p=0.03) while a trend for differentiation was observed between CS trial and E one (p=0.06) as well as between R trial and W one (p=0.07). Concerning PAF-cholinephosphotransferase (PAF-CPT) activity, a significant trial effect was found (p_trial<0.00). Specifically, both R (p=0.002) and CS (p=0.001) trials decreased enzyme activity compared to E trial. Concerning lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (LpPLA2) no time either trial effect was observed. Concerning IL-6 levels a significant time effect was found (p_time<0.00) while no trial effect was revealed. In conclusion, the protective effect of wine consumption could partly be explained through the modulation of PAF metabolism by wine micro-constituents that lead to lower PAF levels.

Effects of ethanol on red blood cell rheological behavior

Consumption of red wine is associated with a decreased risk of several cardiovascular diseases (e.g., coronary artery disease, stroke), but unfortunately literature reports regarding ethanol's effects on hemorheological parameters are not concordant. In the present study, red blood cell (RBC) deformability was tested via laser ektacytometry (LORCA, 0.3-30 Pa) using two approaches: 1) addition of ethanol to whole blood at 0.25%-2% followed by incubation and testing in ethanol-free LORCA medium; 2) addition of ethanol to the LORCA medium at 0.25%-6% then testing untreated native RBC in these media. The effects of ethanol on deformability for oxidatively stressed RBC were investigated as were changes of RBC aggregation (Myrenne Aggregometer) for cells in autologous plasma or 3% 70 kDa dextran. Significant dose-related increases of RBC deformability were observed at 0.25% (p < 0.05) and higher concentrations only if ethanol was in the LORCA medium; no changes occurred for cells previously incubated with ethanol then tested in ethanol-free medium. The impaired deformability of cells pre-exposed to oxidative stress was improved only if ethanol was in the LORCA medium. RBC aggregation decreased with concentration at 0.25% and higher for cells in both autologous plasma and dextran 70. Our results indicate that ethanol reversibly improves erythrocyte deformability and irreversibly decreases erythrocyte aggregation; the relevance of these results to the health benefits of moderate wine consumption require further investigation.

Antioxidant effects of 14 Chinese traditional medicinal herbs against human low-density lipoprotein oxidation

The relationship between the antioxidant activities and inhibitory effect of 14 Chinese medicinal herbs against oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) formation was evaluated. Prolongation of the lag phase of LDL oxidation depended on the concentration of the herbs. The concentration of each herb that was able to prolong the lag time by about two-fold was calculated and expressed as doubling-time concentration. The lower the doubling-time concentration, the stronger the inhibitory effect exhibited toward LDL oxidation. Among them, Chrysanthemi Flos (Chrysanthemum morifolium ramat; 甘菊花 gān jú huā), Crataegi Fructus (Crataegus pinnatifida Bge. var. major N.E.Br.; 山楂 shān zhā), and Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn.; 洛神 luò shén) showed significant inhibitory effects. Correlation coefficients between doubling-time concentration and radical-scavenging activities were high; the total phenolic content was also high. In conclusion, phenolic compounds contributed not only to antioxidant activities, but also to the inhibitory effect against LDL oxidation. Chrysanthemi Flos, Crataegi Fructus, and H. sabdariffa, with lower doubling-time concentrations, could be potent phytochemical agents to reduce LDL oxidation and prevent the progression of atherosclerosis.

Effects of red wine on established markers of arterial structure and function in human studies: current knowledge and future research directions

Evidence from observational studies suggests that mild-to-moderate consumption of red wine is associated with reduced cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Various individual chemical components of red wine also show salutary effects on vascular homeostasis, that is, enhanced endothelial function and arterial distensibility, both in vitro and in animal studies. However, testing the beneficial potential of red wine in primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention on established surrogate cardiovascular markers requires further study with longer term intervention trials. This report reviews and critically appraises the published evidence for the effects of red wine on endothelium-dependent vasodilation, arterial stiffness and arterial wave reflections in healthy subjects and in patients with cardiovascular disease. Suggestions for future research directions are also provided.

Olive Oil Polyphenols Differentially Inhibit Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation through a G1/S Cell Cycle Block Regulated by ERK1/2

We hypothesized that polyphenols contained in olive oil play a role in reducing the risk of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to determine if the polyphenols in olive oil, oleuropein (Ole), hydroxytyrosol (HT), and tyrosol (Tyr) could inhibit smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation through its influence on cell cycle regulation. Bovine vascular SMC were cultured in the presence of Ole, HT, or Tyr at concentration of 1, 10, or 100 μmol/L. On days 1, 3, and 5, numbers of cells were counted. Cell cycle analysis was performed by flow cytometry on day 1 after SMC were stained with propidium iodide. Cell populations grown in the presence of Ole or HT at 100 μmol/L concentration were significantly inhibited after 5 days of exposure. Tyr had a similar tendency but it did not attain significance. Cell cycle analysis revealed that 66% of cells were in G1 phase in Ole group, compared with 48% in control group. To examine the cell cycle block between G1 and S phases, we performed Western blotting and found that ERK1/2 activation was inhibited by Ole or HT. We conclude that olive oil polyphenols could inhibit SMC proliferation through a cell cycle block between G1 and S phases which may be regulated by ERK1/2. These results demonstrate a mechanism by which olive oil consumption may be atheroprotective by inhibiting SMC proliferation.

Dietary (poly)phenolics in human health: structures, bioavailability, and evidence of protective effects against chronic diseases

Human intervention trials have provided evidence for protective effects of various (poly)phenol-rich foods against chronic disease, including cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, and cancer. While there are considerable data suggesting benefits of (poly)phenol intake, conclusions regarding their preventive potential remain unresolved due to several limitations in existing studies. Bioactivity investigations using cell lines have made an extensive use of both (poly)phenolic aglycones and sugar conjugates, these being the typical forms that exist in planta, at concentrations in the low-μM-to-mM range. However, after ingestion, dietary (poly)phenolics appear in the circulatory system not as the parent compounds, but as phase II metabolites, and their presence in plasma after dietary intake rarely exceeds nM concentrations. Substantial quantities of both the parent compounds and their metabolites pass to the colon where they are degraded by the action of the local microbiota, giving rise principally to small phenolic acid and aromatic catabolites that are absorbed into the circulatory system. This comprehensive review describes the different groups of compounds that have been reported to be involved in human nutrition, their fate in the body as they pass through the gastrointestinal tract and are absorbed into the circulatory system, the evidence of their impact on human chronic diseases, and the possible mechanisms of action through which (poly)phenol metabolites and catabolites may exert these protective actions. It is concluded that better performed in vivo intervention and in vitro mechanistic studies are needed to fully understand how these molecules interact with human physiological and pathological processes.

Resveratrol preserves myocardial function and perfusion in remote nonischemic myocardium in a swine model of metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND

Resveratrol has been shown to reverse some of the detrimental effects of metabolic syndrome (MetS). We sought to define the impact of supplemental resveratrol on normal myocardium remote from an ischemic territory in a swine model of MetS and chronic myocardial ischemia.

STUDY DESIGN

Yorkshire swine were fed a normal diet (control), a high cholesterol diet (HCD), or a high cholesterol diet with orally supplemented resveratrol (HCD-R; 100 mg/kg/day). Four weeks after diet modification, myocardial ischemia was induced by ameroid constrictor placement. Seven weeks later, myocardial tissue from a territory remote from the ischemia was harvested. Animals in the HCD and HCD-R groups underwent functional cardiac MRI before ischemia and before sacrifice. Tissue was harvested for protein expression analysis.

RESULTS

After 7 weeks of ischemia, regional left ventricular systolic function was significantly increased in HCD-R as compared with HCD animals. During ventricular pacing the HCD group had significantly decreased flow (p = 0.03); perfusion in the HCD-R was preserved as compared with the control. There was no difference in microvascular relaxation. Expression of metabolic proteins Sirt-1 (p = 0.002), AMPkinase (p = 0.02), and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-I (p = 0.002) were upregulated in the HCD-R group. Levels of protein oxidative stress were significantly increased in the HCD and HCD-R groups, as compared with the controls (p = 0.003). Activated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was increased in the HCD-R group (p = 0.01). There was no difference in myocardial endothelial cell density between the groups; however, dividing endothelial cells were decreased in the HCD and HCD-R groups (p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Resveratrol supplementation improves regional left ventricular function and preserves perfusion to myocardium remote from an area of ischemia in an animal model of metabolic syndrome and chronic myocardial ischemia.

Resveratrol and quercetin interact to inhibit neointimal hyperplasia in mice with a carotid injury

Restenosis is a critical complication of angioplasty and stenting. Restenosis is multifactorial, involving endothelial injury, inflammation, platelet activation, and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation. Thus, dietary strategies to prevent restenosis likely require the use of more than one agent. Resveratrol (R) and quercetin (Q) are polyphenols that are known to exhibit vascular protective effects. We tested whether R and Q administered in the diet interact to inhibit vessel stenosis in mice with a carotid injury. B6.129 mice were administered a high-fat diet containing 21% fat and 0.2% cholesterol along with R (25 mg/kg), Q (10 mg/kg), or R + Q for 2 wk. A carotid injury was induced and the mice were again administered the enriched diet for 2 wk. Compared with the controls, R significantly decreased stenosis, assessed as an intima:media ratio, by 76%. Although Q treatment alone exhibited no effect, it potentiated the effect of R in that treatment with R + Q significantly decreased the intima:media ratio by 94%. Moreover, this effect was greater than that of R treatment alone (P < 0.05). Although treatments with R, Q, and R + Q significantly affected platelet activation and endothelial function, the responses observed for R + Q were less than additive. Specifically, the effects of R + Q were less than the sum of effects for treatments with R and Q alone. In contrast, treatment with R + Q exhibited more-than-additive effects on inflammatory markers and significant interactions between R and Q were observed. The presence of synergy between R and Q was thus tested in cultures of VSMC and macrophages. Isobolographic analysis revealed that 2:1 molar ratios of R:Q exhibited synergistic inhibition of VSMC proliferation and macrophage chemotaxis. In conclusion, in combination, R and Q can interact to reduce the extent of restenosis, perhaps due to their synergistic inhibition of VSMC proliferation and inflammation.

Recent advances in the study on resveratrol

Appropriate long-term drinking of red wine is associated with a reduced risk for lifestyle-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer, making resveratrol, a constituent of grapes and various other plants, an attractive compound to be studied. Historically, resveratrol has been identified as a phytoalexin, antioxidant, cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) activator, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) inducer, silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1) activator, and more. Despite scepticism concerning the biological availability of resveratrol, a growing body of in vivo evidence indicates that resveratrol has protective effects in several stress and disease models. Here, we provide a review of the studies on resveratrol, especially with respect to COX, PPAR, and eNOS activities, and discuss its potential for promoting human health.

Antiradical properties of red wine portisins

The free radical chemistry of two polyphenolic pigments from red wine, belonging to the family of portisins, has been investigated after reaction with O(2)(•-) radicals using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Two portisins derived from malvidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-glucoside were used for this study. Stable free radicals were detected with both portisins and correspond to unpaired electrons localized on the B as well as F rings of the portisins. Interpretations were confirmed by comparison with the spectra of free radicals formed by oxidation of the model compounds cyanidin-3-glucoside, malvidin-3-glucoside, and catechin. These results concur with previous work reporting the higher antiradical properties of these pigments compared to their anthocyanin precursors.

Grape skin extract reduced pulmonary oxidative response in mice exposed to cigarette smoke

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cigarette smoke (CS) is known to be one of the major sources of oxidants in the lungs. We postulated that acute administration of GSE (grape skin extract) would either reduce or protect the ALI (acute lung inflammation) produced by CS via NO release.

MATERIAL/METHODS

We adopted a nutritional approach by investigating the inflammatory cells, metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) activity, and oxidative stress markers (superoxide dismutase - SOD; catalase - CAT; glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities and malondialdehyde - MDA - levels) that play a role in the development of acute lung inflammation (ALI). Therefore, we tested an orally active antioxidant produced from grape skin manipulation (grape skin extract - GSE), in mice exposed to CS from 6 cigarettes a day for 5 days. In addition, we used a separate group treated with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (an NO inhibitor) to confirm nitric oxide (NO) involvement in GSE effects.

RESULTS

We showed for the first time that administration of GSE inhibited ALI and oxidative damage induced by CS. This is associated with decreased MMP-9 activity, decreased number of inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and reduced levels of lipid peroxidation. Our results indicate that beneficial effects of GSE are NO-dependent.

CONCLUSIONS

The study indicates that alteration of the oxidant-antioxidant balance is important in the pathogenesis of CS-induced ALI and suggests lung protective effects of GSE treatment in the mouse.

Repeated and long-term treatment with physiological concentrations of resveratrol promotes NO production in vascular endothelial cells

In the present study, we examined the effect of repeated and long-term treatment with resveratrol on NO production in endothelial cells as a model of routine wine consumption. Repeated treatment with resveratrol for 5 d resulted in an increase in endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) protein content and NO production in human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) in a concentration-dependent manner. A significant increase in functional eNOS protein content was observed with resveratrol, even at 50 nm. In contrast, eNOS phosphorylation was not stimulated and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) was not detected after resveratrol treatment. Both eNOS protein and mRNA expression were promoted by 50 nm-resveratrol in a time-dependent manner. Increased eNOS mRNA expression in response to resveratrol was not decreased by an oestrogen receptor (ER) antagonist ICI182780, a PPARα inhibitor MK886 or a sirtuin inhibitor Salermide. However, a combination of ICI182780 and MK886 significantly inhibited resveratrol-induced eNOS mRNA expression. Salermide had no effect even in the presence of ICI182780 or MK886. These results demonstrate that resveratrol within the physiological range increases eNOS mRNA and protein expression through ER and PPARα activation, thereby promoting NO production in endothelial cells. eNOS induction might result from the accumulative effect of nanomolar concentrations of resveratrol. The present study results can account in part for the observation that cardiovascular benefits of red wine are experienced with routine consumption, but not with acute consumption.

Resveratrol supplementation abrogates pro-arteriogenic effects of intramyocardial vascular endothelial growth factor in a hypercholesterolemic swine model of chronic ischemia

BACKGROUND

Clinical trials of therapeutic angiogenesis with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have been disappointing, owing likely to endothelial dysfunction. We used a swine model of chronic ischemia and endothelial dysfunction to determine whether resveratrol coadministration would improve the angiogenic response to VEGF therapy.

METHODS

Yorkshire swine fed a high-cholesterol diet underwent left circumflex ameroid constrictor placement, and were given either no drug (high cholesterol control [HCC], n = 8), perivascular VEGF (2 μg sustained release [high cholesterol VEGF-treated; HCV], n = 8), or VEGF plus oral resveratrol (10 mg/kg, [high cholesterol VEGF- and resveratrol-treated; HCVR], n = 8). After 7 weeks, myocardial contractility, perfusion, and microvessel reactivity in the ischemic territory were assessed. Tissue was analyzed for vessel density, oxidative stress, and protein expression.

RESULTS

Myocardial perfusion was significantly improved in the HCV group compared with the HCC group; resveratrol coadministration abrogated this improvement. There were no differences in regional myocardial contractility between groups. Endothelium-dependent microvessel relaxation was improved in the HCVR group, and endothelium-independent relaxation response was similar between groups. Arteriolar density was greatest in the HCV group, whereas capillary density was similar between groups. Expression of Akt and phospho-endothelial nitric oxide synthase were increased in the HCVR group. Total protein oxidative stress and myeloperoxidase expression were reduced in the HCVR group, but so was the oxidative-stress dependent phosphorylation of vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) and β-catenin.

CONCLUSION

Although resveratrol coadministration decreases oxidative stress and improves endothelial function, it abolishes improvements in myocardial perfusion and arteriolar density afforded by VEGF treatment alone. This effect is due likely to inhibition of the oxidative stress-dependent phosphorylation of VE-cadherin, an essential step in the initiation of arteriogenesis.

Should Red Wine Be Considered a Functional Food?

  Functional foods may be regarded as foods that have nutritional value, but in particular, they also have beneficial effects on one or more body functions. Thus, functional foods may improve health and/or reduce the risk of developing certain diseases when taken in amounts that can be consumed in a normal diet. Based on nearly 2 decades of research since the term "French paradox" was first coined in 1992, wine would appear to fit this definition. Yet there seems to be reluctance to consider wine as a functional food. In this review, we present an overview of the accumulated evidence for the health benefits of wine-and its key phenolic components such as resveratrol, quercetin, catechin-and show that these alone are not enough to firmly establish wine as a functional food. What is required is to create clearly defined products based on wine that are targeted to consumers' needs and expectations when it comes to purchasing functional foods. Moreover, the crucial question of alcohol and health also needs to be addressed by the functional food industry. Suggestions are presented for working through this issue, but in many regards, wine is like any other food-it should be consumed sensibly and in amounts that are beneficial to health. Overindulgence of any kind does not promote good health.

Dietary flavonoid quercetin stimulates vasorelaxation in aortic vessels

Considerable epidemiological evidence indicates that dietary consumption of moderate levels of polyphenols decreases both the incidence of cardiovascular disease and the mortality associated with myocardial infarction. Molecular mechanisms of this cardiovascular protection remain uncertain but can involve changes in rates of nitric oxide (NO) generation by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). We examined the vascular responses to quercetin using a combination of biochemical and vessel function criteria. Quercetin treatment for 30min enhanced relaxation of rat aortic ring segments. Moreover, the addition of L-NAME (100muM) or charybdotoxin (ChTx) blocked quercetin-mediated vasorelaxation thus demonstrating the effect was partially dependent on NOS and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF). Additionally, bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) treated with quercetin showed a rapid increase of intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations as well as a dose- and time-dependent stimulation of eNOS phosphorylation with a concomitant increase in NO production. These results demonstrate that quercetin-mediated stimulation of eNOS phosphorylation increases NO bioavailability in endothelial cells and can thus play a role in the vascular protective effects associated with improved endothelial cell function.

Inhibition of Ca2+-activated Cl- channels by gallotannins as a possible molecular basis for health benefits of red wine and green tea

TMEM16A was found recently to be a calcium-activated Cl(-) channel (CaCC). CaCCs perform important functions in cell physiology, including regulation of epithelial secretion, cardiac and neuronal excitability, and smooth muscle contraction. CaCC modulators are of potential utility for treatment of hypertension, diarrhea, and cystic fibrosis. Screening of drug and natural product collections identified tannic acid as an inhibitor of TMEM16A, with IC(50) ∼ 6 μM and ∼100% inhibition at higher concentrations. Tannic acid inhibited CaCCs in multiple cell types but did not affect CFTR Cl(-) channels. Structure-activity analysis indicated the requirement of gallic or digallic acid substituents on a macromolecular scaffold (gallotannins), as are present in green tea and red wine. Other polyphenolic components of teas and wines, including epicatechin, catechin, and malvidin-3-glucoside, poorly inhibited CaCCs. Remarkably, a 1000-fold dilution of red wine and 100-fold dilution of green tea inhibited CaCCs by >50%. Tannic acid, red wine, and green tea inhibited arterial smooth muscle contraction and intestinal Cl(-) secretion. Gallotannins are thus potent CaCC inhibitors whose biological activity provides a potential molecular basis for the cardioprotective and antisecretory benefits of red wine and green tea.

Grapes, wines, resveratrol, and heart health

Epidemiological and experimental studies have revealed that a mild to moderate drinking of wine, particularly red wine, attenuates the cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and peripheral vascular risk. However, the experimental basis for such health benefits is not fully understood. The cardioprotective effect of wine has been attributed to both components of wine: the alcoholic portion and, more importantly, the alcohol-free portion containing antioxidants. Wines are manufactured from grapes, which also contain a large variety of antioxidants, including resveratrol, catechin, epicatechin, and proanthocyanidins. Resveratrol is mainly found in the grape skin, whereas proanthocyanidins are found only in the seeds. Recent studies have demonstrated that resveratrol and proanthocyanidin are the major compounds present in grapes and wines responsible for cardioprotection. The purpose of this review is to provide evidence that grapes, wines, and resveratrol are equally important in reducing the risk of morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular complications. Both wines and grapes can attenuate cardiac diseases such as atherosclerosis and ischemic heart disease. Recently, wine was also found to increase life span by inducing longevity genes. It appears that resveratrol and proanthocyanidins, especially resveratrol, present in grapes and wines play a crucial role in cardioprotective abilities of grapes and wines.

The total antioxidant content of more than 3100 foods, beverages, spices, herbs and supplements used worldwide

BACKGROUND

A plant-based diet protects against chronic oxidative stress-related diseases. Dietary plants contain variable chemical families and amounts of antioxidants. It has been hypothesized that plant antioxidants may contribute to the beneficial health effects of dietary plants. Our objective was to develop a comprehensive food database consisting of the total antioxidant content of typical foods as well as other dietary items such as traditional medicine plants, herbs and spices and dietary supplements. This database is intended for use in a wide range of nutritional research, from in vitro and cell and animal studies, to clinical trials and nutritional epidemiological studies.

METHODS

We procured samples from countries worldwide and assayed the samples for their total antioxidant content using a modified version of the FRAP assay. Results and sample information (such as country of origin, product and/or brand name) were registered for each individual food sample and constitute the Antioxidant Food Table.

RESULTS

The results demonstrate that there are several thousand-fold differences in antioxidant content of foods. Spices, herbs and supplements include the most antioxidant rich products in our study, some exceptionally high. Berries, fruits, nuts, chocolate, vegetables and products thereof constitute common foods and beverages with high antioxidant values.

CONCLUSIONS

This database is to our best knowledge the most comprehensive Antioxidant Food Database published and it shows that plant-based foods introduce significantly more antioxidants into human diet than non-plant foods. Because of the large variations observed between otherwise comparable food samples the study emphasizes the importance of using a comprehensive database combined with a detailed system for food registration in clinical and epidemiological studies. The present antioxidant database is therefore an essential research tool to further elucidate the potential health effects of phytochemical antioxidants in diet.

Cellular effects of resveratrol in skeletal muscle

Resveratrol is a stilbene found naturally in various plants with the highest concentration in the skin of grapes and peanuts. The function of this compound in plants is to confer resistance against bacterial and fungal infection. The effects of resveratrol in animals and humans are currently an area of intense investigation. Resveratrol has been shown to have a plethora of health benefits including protection against cardiovascular disease, various cancers, type II diabetes, and also has life extending properties. The beneficial effects of resveratrol in skeletal muscle have been given less attention in the literature compared to other tissues. Therefore, the focus of this review is to highlight the cellular effects of resveratrol in skeletal muscle. Resveratrol has been shown to alter protein catabolism and muscle function, and confer resistance against oxidative stress, injury, and cell death of skeletal muscle cells. The mechanisms underlying these resveratrol-induced adaptations in skeletal muscle are discussed.

Polyphenols are medicine: Is it time to prescribe red wine for our patients?

Alcohol, specifically red wine, has been suggested to play a key role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and other chronic pathologies, including cancer. Its regular and moderate consumption has been found in numerous epidemiological studies to correlate inversely with vascular disease and mortality, despite the presence of risk factors such as high consumption of saturated fats, elevated smoking and low physical activity. This phenomenon, known as the 'French Paradox', would be explained mainly by the high levels of polyphenols present in red wine, making it more advantageous than beer, spirits and even white wine. The habit of having one or two drinks of red wine every day with meals may translate to a longer, healthier and better quality of life.