engleski

Polyphenols and cardiovascular system: mechanisms of action

Introduction: Polyphenols mediate numerous biological effects with potential benefits to human health, especially towards cardiovascular system. Beneficial cardiovascular effects may be partially explained by the antioxidant activity of polyphenols, which physiochemical properties allow them modulation of activity of various enzymes and interference with cellular oxidation-reduction reactions. However, many other mechanisms have been proposed to explain the beneficial cardiovascular effects of these compounds. Materials and methods: The presented data are mainly results of the "in vitro" studies, in the isolated vessels, endothelial cells culture and nitric oxide (NO) production assays. Results: Polyphenols are strong, direct vasodilators, endothelium-dependent and through different mechanisms are associated with endothelial NO and vascular smooth muscle cyclic guanosine monophosphate synthesis. Short-term mechanisms include increased production and bioavailability of NO ; long-term mechanisms include increased endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) expression, phosphodiesterases inactivation and decreased endothelin-1 production. It is, also, well documented that polyphenols bind to estrogen receptors and rapidly activate the eNOS by phosphorilation at the serin 1177 residue. However, there is a gap of knowledge in explaining the early events in the interaction of polyphenols with endothelial cells. Recent studies suggest bilitranslocase, a bilirubine-specific membrane carrier as possible transporter of polyphenols into the endothelial cells. Conclusion: Additional studies are necessary to further characterize potential polyphenolic target receptors and membrane carriers on endothelial and/or vascular smooth muscle cells. Polyphenols mediate anti- inflammatory effects, as they are able to improve unfavorable lipid profiles and attenuate the oxidation of low density lipoproteins. Finally, polyphenols can modulate apoptotic processes in the vascular endothelium.

Polyphenols; Cardiovascular; Nitric oxide

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