Abstract
This review emphasizes the effects of resveratrol on factors involved in the mechanism
of atherosclerosis and risk factors for atherosclerosis. The effects of wine and resveratrol
on atherosclerosis are also discussed. Resveratrol is a potent antioxidant and an
anti-inflammatory agent. It reduces the expression of cell adhesion molecules, monocyte
colony stimulating factors, matrix metalloproteinases, and growth factors; and inhibits
platelet aggregation and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation. It reduces the
serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), and raises high-density lipoprotein
cholesterol, inhibits expression of C-reactive protein and lowers the levels of advanced
glycation end products and its receptor in the vascular tissue. It lowers the risk
factors for plaque rupture. Epidemiological data show that moderate consumption of
alcohol has an inverse association with carotid atherosclerosis while high consumption
has a positive association with carotid atherosclerosis. Wine reduces the extent of
atherosclerosis in animal model. The antiatherosclerotic effect of wine is mainly
due to it resveratrol content. Resveratrol reduces the extent of atherosclerosis in
animal model of atherosclerosis (apolipoprotein [Apo] E-deficient and Apo E−/−/low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient mice and macrophage). In rabbit model
of atherosclerosis, both reduction and acceleration of atherosclerosis have been reported
with resveratrol. There are no data for regression and slowing of progression of atherosclerosis.
Robust clinical trials for suppression of atherosclerosis are lacking. In conclusion,
resveratrol has potential but experimental studies in depth and robust clinical trials
are lacking for this agent to be of any value in the primary and secondary prevention
of coronary and peripheral artery disease.
Keywords
resveratrol - atherosclerosis - serum lipids - inflammatory mediators - C-reactive
protein - wine - growth factors - vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation - matrix
metalloproteinase
