Red wine does not reduce mature atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Nutritional Science
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Red wine polyphenols and ethanol are known to reduce early atherosclerosis (fatty streaks) in animal models.
• This protective effect on early lesions supports epidemiological observations of reduced myocardial infarction in humans consuming alcoholic beverages.
• However, fatty streaks may not accurately represent advanced, clinically relevant atherosclerosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of red wine polyphenols and ethanol on mature atherosclerosis.
• To determine if these substances impact plaque stability in advanced atherosclerotic lesions.

Main Methods:

• Apolipoprotein E-deficient mice were used to model advanced atherosclerosis.
• Mice received water, red wine, ethanol, or red wine powder for 19 weeks.
• Atherosclerosis progression and plaque stability (collagen content) were assessed at study termination.

Main Results:

• HDL cholesterol levels were significantly increased by both red wine and ethanol consumption.
• No significant differences in the extent of mature atherosclerosis were observed in the aortic bulb or brachiocephalic trunk across all treatment groups.
• The collagen content within atherosclerotic plaques, an indicator of stability, did not differ among the groups.

Conclusions:

• Neither ethanol nor red wine polyphenols demonstrated a capacity to reduce mature atherosclerosis in this mouse model.
• These interventions did not alter the collagen content of atherosclerotic plaques, suggesting no effect on plaque stability.