Molecular mechanisms of the cardiovascular protective effects of polyphenols

• Published in: British journal of nutrition 2012-11, Vol.108 (9), p.1532-1549
• Main Authors: Andriantsitohaina, Ramaroson, Auger, Cyril, Chataigneau, Thierry, Étienne-Selloum, Nelly, Li, Huige, Martínez, M. Carmen, Schini-Kerth, Valérie B., Laher, Ismail
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Antioxidants; Antioxidants - metabolism; Antioxidants - therapeutic use; Biochemistry, Molecular Biology; Biological and medical sciences; Cardiovascular Diseases - metabolism; Cardiovascular Diseases - prevention & control; Cellular Biology; Diet; Endothelium, Vascular - metabolism; Epidemiology; Feeding. Feeding behavior; Flavonoids - metabolism; Flavonoids - therapeutic use; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Health risks; Humans; Hypertension; Life Sciences; Metabolic disorders; Nutrition research; Oxidative Stress; Phenols - metabolism; Phenols - therapeutic use; Polyphenols; Polyphenols - metabolism; Polyphenols - therapeutic use; Vertebrates: anatomy and physiology, studies on body, several organs or systems
• ISSN: 0007-1145; 1475-2662
• DOI: 10.1017/S0007114512003406

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.