Myocardial protection with red wine extract.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pharmacology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Cardioprotective effects of red wine components are of significant interest.
• Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in myocardial damage during ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the cardioprotective potential of ethanol-free red wine extract.
• To compare the effects of red wine extract with trans-resveratrol (RVT), a key antioxidant in red wine.
• To evaluate the role of ethanol in red wine's cardioprotective action.

Main Methods:

• Isolated rat hearts were preperfused with red wine extract or RVT before global ischemia and reperfusion.
• Control groups included untreated, ethanol-treated, and ethanol plus RVT groups.
• Cardiac function (developed pressure, aortic flow) and infarct size were assessed.
• Malonaldehyde formation was measured to indicate oxidative stress.
• In vitro antioxidant capacity was evaluated using peroxyl radical scavenging assays.

Main Results:

• Both red wine extract and RVT significantly improved postischemic ventricular functions and reduced myocardial infarct size compared to controls.
• Ethanol alone showed minimal benefit, with function deteriorating later in reperfusion.
• Ethanol combined with RVT demonstrated improved function and reduced infarct size.
• Red wine extract and RVT reduced malonaldehyde formation, indicating decreased oxidative stress.
• In vitro studies confirmed red wine extract as a potent antioxidant.

Conclusions:

• Ethanol-free red wine extract and trans-resveratrol exhibit significant cardioprotective effects.
• These cardioprotective actions are attributed to their potent in vivo and in vitro antioxidant properties.
• Red wine's cardioprotection is mediated by its antioxidant capacity, independent of ethanol content.