Cellular and Molecular Bases for the Application of Polyphenols in the Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease

TL;DR

This review explores how polyphenols, found in plant-based foods, may help prevent and treat cardiovascular disease through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Contribution

The paper systematically reviews the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which polyphenols may benefit cardiovascular health.

Findings

Higher dietary intake of polyphenols is linked to lower incidence of chronic diseases like CVD.

Polyphenols show antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that may protect against endothelial damage and atherosclerosis.

More clinical trials are needed to confirm the therapeutic potential of polyphenols in CVD treatment.

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is very widespread in countries with a Western-style diet, representing one of the major causes of morbidity. Genetic factors, obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, and ageing are risk factors for CVD outcomes. From a pathogenic point of view, the condition of low-grade inflammation of the arteries leads to endothelial damage and atherosclerosis development. Nowadays, a broad range of drugs is available to treat CVD, but many of them are associated with side effects. Therefore, alternative therapeutic remedies need to be discovered in combination with conventional drugs. A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, e.g., the Mediterranean diet, has been shown to lower the incidence of CVD. Plant-derived polyphenols are ingested in food, and these compounds can exert beneficial effects on human health, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Objective: In the present review, the cellular and molecular bases of the beneficial effects of polyphenols in the prevention and treatment of CVD will be pointed out. Methods: This review has been conducted on the basis of a literature review spanning mainly the last two decades. Results: We found that an increased dietary intake of polyphenols is associated with a parallel decrease in chronic disease incidence, including CVD. Conclusion: Despite a plethora of preclinical studies, more clinical trials are needed for a more appropriate treatment of CVD with polyphenols.

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