Resveratrol and beyond: The Effect of Natural Polyphenols on the Cardiovascular System: A Narrative Review

Resveratrol attenuates pressure overload-induced myocardial remodeling in ovariectomized rats by rescuing the adaptive angiogenic response

BACKGROUND

Resveratrol (RES), a polyphenol with putative estrogen (E2) -like effects, is believed to counteract left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). However, how RES exerts its protection is not well understood, particularly when prominent risk factors, such as E2 depletion and pressure overload (PO), coexist. Here, we evaluated the impact of RES and E2 on angiogenesis and LVH in rats subjected to ovariectomy (OVX) and PO.

METHODS

Three weeks after bilateral OVX induction, abdominal aortic banding was performed on Wistar female rats to trigger PO. The animals were treated with either RES or E2 for six weeks. Finally, the heart-to-body weight ratio (HW/BW), cell size, fibrosis, and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) mRNA expression were assessed. Angiogenesis was determined by evaluating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA and protein expression and by CD31 immunostaining. Serum E2 levels were also measured.

RESULTS

OVX + PO caused more severe myocardial hypertrophy (HW/BW) and fibrosis compared with PO alone, but did not aggravate cell size and ANP mRNA expression. OVX blunted the angiogenic response to PO, with reduced VEGF expression. RES increased VEGF expression and CD31, and abrogated LVH and fibrosis. E2 treatment improved VEGF expression and fibrosis, but not to the same extent as RES. RES improved serum levels of E2 in OVX + PO rats.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that RES limits OVX-induced exacerbation of LVH and fibrosis in a PO model, and targets systemic E2 levels and myocardial angiogenesis as underpinning protective mechanisms. Thus, RES may provide cardioprotection for post-menopausal women.

The Role of Xenobiotic Caffeine on Cardiovascular Health: Promises and Challenges

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent a leading cause of premature mortality and disability worldwide, with their incidence expected to rise, potentially reaching 24 million deaths per year by 2030. These multifactorial diseases, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, and heart failure, are often linked to metabolic disturbances such as diabetes, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and inflammation. Natural compounds, such as caffeine, have been explored for their potential therapeutic effects on CVDs. Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, cocoa, and various energy drinks, is a widely consumed psychoactive compound with noted analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Despite its long history of use, caffeine's impact on cardiovascular health remains controversial, with both beneficial and harmful effects reported. This review examines the current literature on the effects of caffeine on cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), with an emphasis on preclinical and clinical studies, its pharmacokinetic properties, and the molecular mechanisms it modulates. There is evidence that moderate caffeine intake can be beneficial for some CVDs, such as hypertension, while for other CVDs, such as dyslipidemia, the evidence collected so far suggests that caffeine intake could be detrimental since it increases total cholesterol levels. But variability in dosage, intake patterns, and individual factors (such as genetics and diet) complicates the reliability of results. Additionally, challenges related to dose standardization and the absence of consistent clinical trial designs hinder the full utilization of caffeine in CVD treatment. Nonetheless, caffeine appears to be safe for individuals without significant cardiovascular conditions. Future research should aim for well-designed studies with precise patient cohorts and standardized methodologies to better assess caffeine's role in CVD management.

Methods for Synthesis and Extraction of Resveratrol from Grapevine: Challenges and Advances in Compound Identification and Analysis

Resveratrol is the most important biopotential phytoalexin of the stilbene group (natural polyphenolic secondary metabolites), synthesized naturally by the action of biotic and abiotic factors on the plant. The yield of individual bioactive compounds isolated from grapevine components, products and by-products is directly dependent on the conditions of the synthesis, extraction and identification techniques used. Modern methods of synthesis and extraction, as well as identification techniques, are centred on the use of non-toxic solvents that have the advantages of the realisation of rapid extractions, maintenance of optimal parameters, and low energy consumption; this is a challenge with promising results for various industrial applications. Actionable advances in identifying and analysing stilbenes consist of techniques for coupling synthesis/extraction/identification methods that have proven accurate, reproducible and efficient. The main challenge remains to keep resveratrol compositionally unaltered while increasing its microbiome solubility and stability as a nutraceutical in the food industry.

The Chronobiological and Neuroprotective Mechanisms of Resveratrol in Improving Sleep

According to statistics, more than one-third of the global population currently experiences sleep problems, and about 10% of adults have been diagnosed with insomnia, a proportion that is increasing annually. Most currently used insomnia medications are not specifically developed but are discovered by chance, often resulting in unavoidable side effects like addiction. Thus, there is an urgent need to find safer and more effective therapeutic options. Resveratrol, a natural polyphenolic compound, shows significant potential in improving insomnia. Research shows that its effects may be achieved through multiple biological processes, including antiapoptosis, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammation, circadian rhythm regulation, modulation of neurotransmitters (gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), DA, 5-HT, cortisol), and increased levels of neurotrophic factor BDNF. Additionally, resveratrol's treatment of insomnia is closely linked to the SIRT1, AMPK, NF-κB, mTOR, PI3K/Akt, and MAPK pathways. This review summarizes the mechanisms of resveratrol in treating insomnia to provide researchers with a deeper understanding of its action, which can aid in the development of novel targeted drugs and offer innovative ideas and methods for clinical insomnia treatment.

Plant Polyphenols as Heart's Best Friends: From Health Properties, to Cellular Effects, to Molecular Mechanisms of Action

Polyphenols are micronutrients found in fruits, vegetables, tea, coffee, cocoa, medicinal herbs, fish, crustaceans, and algae. They can also be synthesized using recombinant microorganisms. Interest in plant-derived natural compounds has grown due to their potential therapeutic effects with minimal side effects. This is particularly important as the aging population faces increasing rates of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, arthritis, cardiovascular, and neurological disorders. Studies have highlighted polyphenols' capacity to reduce risk factors linked to the onset of chronic illnesses. This narrative review discusses polyphenol families and their metabolism, and the cardioprotective effects of polyphenols evidenced from in vitro studies, as well as from in vivo studies, on different animal models of cardiac disease. This study also explores the molecular mechanisms underlying these benefits. Current research suggests that polyphenols may protect against ischemia, hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, and myocardial injury through complex mechanisms, including epigenetic and genomic modulation. However, further studies under nutritionally and physiologically relevant conditions, using untargeted multigenomic approaches, are needed to more comprehensively elucidate these mechanisms and firmly prove the cardioprotective effects of polyphenols.

Natural Compounds in Kidney Disease: Therapeutic Potential and Drug Development

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) poses a major global health challenge, affecting millions of individuals and contributing to substantial morbidity and mortality. Traditional treatments have focused primarily on managing symptoms and slowing disease progression rather than reversing or halting kidney damage. However, recent advancements in natural compound research have unveiled promising new avenues for therapeutic development. Extensive research has been conducted to showcase the antioxidant advantages for kidney health, supporting the potential effectiveness of natural and synthetic products in clinical and experimental research. Bioactive substances found in large quantities in food, such as polyphenols, have emerged as adjuvants. This review manuscript aims to provide a comprehensive overview of natural compounds and their potential efficacy, mechanisms of action, and clinical applications in the prevention and treatment of various kidney diseases. This review emphasizes the connection between oxidative stress and inflammation in diabetic nephropathy (DN), which leads to harmful effects on kidney cells due to pathological damage. A lower incidence of DM2-related problems and a slower progression of end-stage renal disease have been associated with the consumption of these compounds.

Wine, Polyphenols, and the Matrix Effect: Is Alcohol Always the Same?

While the number of publications on wine and health is steadily increasing, ranging from a molecular level to epidemiological studies, often with contradictory results, little attention has been given to a holistic approach to research, starting from the molecular level to arrive at pharmacological and medical conclusions. In this review, some unusual concepts are considered, such as the phytocomplex, the vehicle, and the Matrix effect. The concept of the phytocomplex is discussed, specifically the biological activities of Tyrosol, Hydroxytyrosol, and Resveratrol; indeed, the interactions among different molecules in herbal matrices provide a specific response. This is often markedly different from the response evoked by single constituents in the modulation of microbial populations in the gut, in intestinal stability and bioaccessibility, and, obviously, in inducing biological responses. Among the many alcoholic beverages which contain these molecules, wine has the most peculiar Matrix effect, which can heavily influence the bioavailability of the phytocomplex obtained by the fermentation processes that produce this beverage. Wine's Matrix effect plays an instrumental role in improving the beneficial compounds' bioavailability and/or in inhibiting alcohol metabolites' carcinogenicity. Underestimation of the wine Matrix effect could lead to deceiving results, as in the case of dealcoholized wine or wine-compound-based nutritional supplements; alternatively, this can occur in the emphasis of a single component's toxic activity, in this case, alcohol, ignoring the specific molecular-level protective action of other compounds (polyphenols) that are present in the same matrix. The dark side of the Matrix effect is also discussed. This review confirms the research recommendations made by the WHO Scientific Group, which suggests it is important "to investigate the possible protective effects of ingredients other than alcohol in alcoholic beverages", considering that most recent studies seem not only relevant but also capable of directing future research towards innovative points of view that have so far been too neglected.

Resveratrol ameliorates pathological fibrosis of the myodural bridge by regulating the SIRT3/TGF-β1/Smad pathway

Purpose

Pathological fibrosis of the myodural bridge (MDB) affects cerebrospinal fluid circulation. However, no optimal drug treatments are available. We aimed to explore the antifibrotic effect of resveratrol on bleomycin-induced pathological fibrosis of the MDB and its underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Genes common to the potential targets of resveratrol were determined using network pharmacology, genes related to muscle and tendon fibrosis were acquired from the GeneCards database, and genes related to MDB development were determined using Venny. These genes were considered potential resveratrol treatment targets in bleomycin-induced pathological fibrosis of the MDB and were annotated using bioinformatics methods. We validated the intersected genes using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and performed molecular docking analysis to calculate the binding activity between the target gene and resveratrol. Hematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining were used to detect the morphological changes in bleomycin-induced fibrosis of the MDB following resveratrol treatment. We used qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry to evaluate the expression of the sirtuin 3 (SIRT3)/transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad pathway and the profibrotic markers α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and Collagen Ⅰ.

Results

Through network pharmacology and bioinformatics analyses, we identified four core intersected genes, and SIRT3 expression was validated using qRT-PCR. Molecular docking analysis revealed that resveratrol had good binding affinity for SIRT3. Resveratrol ameliorated morphological abnormalities in bleomycin-induced pathological fibrosis of the MDB by inhibiting fibroblast activation and excessive collagen fiber deposition. Resveratrol exerted its antifibrotic effect by regulating the SIRT3/TGF-β1/Smad pathway.

Conclusion

Resveratrol has an antifibrotic effect in bleomycin-induced pathological fibrosis of the MDB in vivo and may be considered a novel therapeutic strategy.

Children of Nature: Thoughts on Targeted and Untargeted Analytical Approaches to Decipher Polyphenol Reactivity in Food Processing and Metabolism

Following 25 years of polyphenol research in our laboratory, the astonishing chemical and metabolic reactivity of polyphenols resulting in considerable chemical diversity has emerged as the most remarkable attribute of this class of natural products. To illustrate this concept, we will present selected data from black tea and coffee chemistry. In black tea chemistry, enzymatic fermentation converts six catechin derivatives into an estimated 30 000 different polyphenolic compounds via a process we have termed the oxidative cascade process. In coffee roasting, around 45 chlorogenic acids are converted into an estimated 250 novel derivatives following a series of diverse chemical transformations. Following ingestion by humans, these dietary polyphenols, whether genuine secondary metabolites or food processing products, encounter the microorganisms of the gut microbiota, converting them into a myriad of novel structures. In the case of coffee, only two out of 250 chlorogenic acids are absorbed intact, with most others being subject to gut microbial metabolism. Modern mass spectrometry (MS) has been key in unravelling the true complexity of polyphenols subjected to food processing and metabolism. We will accompany this assay with a short overview on analytical strategies developed, including ultrahigh-resolution MS, tandem MS, multivariate statistics, and molecular networking that allow an insight into the fascinating chemical processes surrounding dietary polyphenols. Finally, experimental results studying biological activity of polyphenols will be presented and discussed, highlighting a general promiscuity of this class of compounds associated with nonselective protein binding leading to loss of enzymatic function, another noteworthy general property of many dietary polyphenols frequently overlooked.

Resveratrol attenuates non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced intestinal injury in rats in a high-altitude hypoxic environment by modulating the TLR4/NFκB/IκB pathway and gut microbiota composition

INTRODUCTION

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are currently the most widely used anti-inflammatory medications, but their long-term use can cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract(GIT). One of the risk factors for GIT injury is exposure to a high-altitude hypoxic environment, which can lead to damage to the intestinal mucosal barrier. Taking NSAIDs in a high-altitude hypoxic environment can exacerbate GIT injury and impact gut microbiota. The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanisms by which resveratrol (RSV) intervention alleviates NSAID-induced intestinal injury in a high-altitude hypoxic environment, as well as its role in regulating gut microbiota.

METHODS

Aspirin was administered orally to rats to construct a rat model of intestinal injury induced by NSAIDs. Following the induction of intestinal injury, rats were administered RSV by gavage, and the expression levels of TLR4, NF-κB,IκB as well as Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin proteins in the different treatment groups were assessed via Western blot. Furthermore, the expression of the inflammatory factors IL-10, IL-1β, and TNF-α was evaluated using Elisa.16sRNA sequencing was employed to investigate alterations in the gut microbiota.

RESULTS

The HCk group showed elevated expression of TLR4/NF-κB/IκB pathway proteins, increased expression of pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β and TNF-α, decreased expression of the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10, and expression of intestinal mucosal barrier proteins ZO-1 and Occludin. The administration of NSAIDs drugs in the plateau hypoxic environment exacerbates intestinal inflammation and damage to the intestinal mucosal barrier. After treatment with RSV intervention, the expression of TLR4/NF-κB/IκB signaling pathway proteins would be reduced, thereby lowering the expression of inflammatory factors in the HAsp group. The results of HE staining directly show the damage to the intestines and the repair of intestinal mucosa after RSV intervention. 16sRNA sequencing results show significant differences (P<0.05) in Ruminococcus, Facklamia, Parasutterella, Jeotgalicoccus, Coprococcus, and Psychrobacter between the HCk group and the Ck group. Compared to the HCk group, the HAsp group shows significant differences (P<0.05) in Facklamia, Jeotgalicoccus, Roseburia, Psychrobacter, and Alloprevotella. After RSV intervention, Clostridium_sensu_stricto bacteria significantly increase compared to the HAsp group.

CONCLUSION

Resveratrol can attenuate intestinal damage caused by the administration of NSAIDs at high altitude in hypoxic environments by modulating the TLR4/NF-κB/IκB signaling pathway and gut microbiota composition.

The relationship of redox signaling with the risk for atherosclerosis

Oxidative balance plays a pivotal role in physiological homeostasis, and many diseases, particularly age-related conditions, are closely associated with oxidative imbalance. While the strategic role of oxidative regulation in various diseases is well-established, the specific involvement of oxidative stress in atherosclerosis remains elusive. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by plaque formation within the arteries. Alterations in the oxidative status of vascular tissues are linked to the onset, progression, and outcome of atherosclerosis. This review examines the role of redox signaling in atherosclerosis, including its impact on risk factors such as dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, inflammation, and unhealthy lifestyle, along with dysregulation, vascular homeostasis, immune system interaction, and therapeutic considerations. Understanding redox signal transduction and the regulation of redox signaling will offer valuable insights into the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and guide the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Modulating oxidative stress, apoptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunctions on cardiotoxicity induced by aluminum phosphide pesticide using resveratrol

The agricultural fumigant pesticide aluminum phosphide (AlP) is cardiotoxic. Water causes AlP to emit phosphine gas, a cardiac toxin that affects heart function and causes cardiogenic shock. AlP poisoning's high fatality rate is due to cardiotoxicity. This study examines how resveratrol reduces oxidative stress, mitochondrial activity, and apoptosis in human cardiac myocyte (HCM) cells. After determining the optimal doses of resveratrol using the MTT test, HCM cells were subjected to a 24-h treatment of resveratrol following exposure to AlP (2.36 μM). The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, mitochondrial swelling, mitochondrial cytochrome c release, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in HCM cells were investigated. Also, the expression of Bax and Bcl-2, caspace-3 activity, and apoptosis were assessed. The present investigation revealed that AlP substantially increased the level of ROS and decreased SOD activation, which were significantly modulated by resveratrol in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, AlP induced an elevation of mitochondrial swelling, cytochrome c release, and MMP collapse. Co-administration of resveratrol significantly reduced above mitochondrial markers. AlP also significantly upregulated BAX and downregulated Bcl-2 expression, elevated caspace-3 activity, and apoptosis. Resveratrol co-administration was able to meaningfully modulate the mentioned parameters and finally reduce apoptosis. In conclusion, resveratrol, via its pleotropic properties, significantly demonstrated cytoprotective effects on HCM cytotoxicity induced by AlP.

Resveratrol attenuates cyclosporin A-induced upregulation of the thromboxane A2 receptor and hypertension via the AMPK/SIRT1 and MAPK/NF-κB pathways in the rat mesenteric artery

Cyclosporin A, an immunosuppressive agent, is extensively utilized for the prevention of transplant rejection and treat autoimmune disease in the clinic, despite its association with a high risk of hypertension development among patients. Resveratrol is a kind of non-flavonoid phenolic compound that widely exists in many plants. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanism by which resveratrol ameliorates cyclosporin A-induced hypertension. The arterial rings of the mesentery were incubated with cyclosporin A and resveratrol in vitro. Rats were administered cyclosporin A and/or resveratrol for 3 weeks in vivo. Blood pressure was measured via the tail arteries. Vasoconstriction curves were recorded using a sensitive myograph. The protein expression was evaluated through Western blotting. This study demonstrated that resveratrol mitigated the cyclosporin A-induced increase in blood pressure in rats. Furthermore, resveratrol markedly inhibited the cyclosporin A-induced upregulation of thromboxane A2 receptor-mediated vasoconstriction in the rat mesenteric artery both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, resveratrol activated AMPK/SIRT1 and inhibited the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway. In conclusion, resveratrol restored the cyclosporin A-induced upregulation of the thromboxane A2 receptor and hypertension via the AMPK/SIRT1 and MAPK/NF-κB pathways in rats.

Resveratrol Effects on Metabolic Syndrome Features: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol with important anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties for treating cardiometabolic disorders. Therefore, the present meta-analysis aimed to review and investigate the oral resveratrol supplementation effects on metabolic syndrome (MetS) components. The bibliographic search was carried out in 2023 in the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Studies that investigated the oral resveratrol effects on the MetS parameters were included. Statistical analyses were performed using RevMan Software V.5.3. The main findings showed that resveratrol significantly decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure while having no significant effects on waist circumference and high-density lipoprotein levels. In addition, glucose level was significantly decreased in the subgroup of studies reporting change from baseline means, although the overall effect was not statistically significant (p = 0.81), while triglyceride levels were increased after the treatment period. In conclusion, the present meta-analysis evidenced the potential therapeutic effect of resveratrol on improving some MetS features, especially regarding systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and glucose reduction; however, the results are still borderline and sometimes controversial, which might be justified by the methodological and statistical heterogeneity of the studies, with the latter varying from 17 to 57%.

Effects of Smallanthus sonchifolius Flour on Metabolic Parameters: A Systematic Review

Smallanthus sonchifolius, popularly known as yacon, is a member of the Asteraceae family. Due to its medicinal and edible value, yacon is consumed by different populations. Yacon is unique due to its high fructo-oligosaccharide and inulin content, as well as flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactones, and phenolic acids. Roots can be used to produce flour, which is less perishable and can be applied in various industrial products. This systematic review focuses on the effects of yacon flour on metabolic parameters. PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were consulted, and PRISMA guidelines were followed in the selection of the studies. In total, 526 articles were found in the databases, and of these, only 28 full texts were eligible for inclusion. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, seven studies were finally included. The results showed that the use of yacon flour can reduce glycemia, HbA1c, advanced glycation ends, plasma lipids, body fat mass, body weight, and waist circumference and improve intestinal microbiota and the antioxidant status. Further exploration of the effects of yacon flour is warranted, and additional clinical trials are necessary to determine the optimal daily consumption levels required to assist in improving metabolic parameters.

Certainty and uncertainty in the biological activities of resveratrol

Resveratrol is a nonflavonoid polyphenolic compound with a chemical structure consisting of two aromatic rings linked by a methylene bridge. It exists in two primary isomers and has a broad range of desirable biological activities, including antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, and antitumor activities. Some antioxidant properties of resveratrol are known with certainty, such as its potential to positively impact cardiovascular health, inflammation, and the metabolism. On the other hand, many uncertainties and controversies plague its efficacy, including issues related to its bioavailability, dosing, human clinical trial results, interactions with other food components and drugs, and individual variability. In brief, although promising results have been observed in in vitro and in vivo studies, the translation of these findings to human health remains uncertain. Many human clinical trials on resveratrol are ongoing or have proven inconclusive, making it challenging to definitively determine its efficacy for specific health conditions and its dose and duration of treatment. Resveratrol may interact with medications and have varying effects on individuals. In conclusion, it is essential to approach resveratrol with a balanced perspective, consulting with healthcare professionals, and considering the evolving scientific evidence when making decisions regarding its clinical use.