(27-10-11) Polyphenols and cardiovascular disease: effects on endothelial and platelet function

Joseph A Vita



ABSTRACT
Epidemiologic studies suggest that higher polyphenol intake from fruits and vegetables is associated with decreased risk for cardio- vascular disease. The mechanisms explaining this observation re- main unclear. This review summarizes data suggesting that fla- vonoids improve endothelial function and inhibit platelet aggregation in humans. The vascular endothelium is a critical reg- ulator of vascular homeostasis, and endothelial dysfunction contrib- utes to the pathogenesis and clinical expression of coronary artery disease. Platelet aggregation is a central mechanism in the patho- genesis of acute coronary syndromes, including myocardial infarc- tion and unstable angina. For these reasons, the observed effects of flavonoids on endothelial and platelet function might explain, in part, the observed beneficial effects of flavonoids on cardiovascular disease risk.

Source: Am J Clin Nutr 2005;81(suppl):292S?7S.

KEY WORDS Polyphenols, cardiovascular disease, endothe- lium, platelets, flavonoids, tea

News

---

In evidenza

"L'informazione presente nel sito serve a migliorare, e non a sostituire, il rapporto medico-paziente."

Per coloro che hanno problemi di salute si consiglia di consultare sempre il proprio medico curante.