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Effects of phenolics on vascular endothelial function
Stephen J Duffy1, Joseph A Vita
1Heart Centre, The Alfred Hospital and Baker Heart Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. s.duffy@alfred.org.au
Purpose Of Review:
There continues to be considerable interest in the concept that antioxidant therapy may reduce cardiovascular risk. Phenols have antioxidant properties and may be important micronutrients. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated a strong link between phenolic intake and reduced cardiovascular risk, but the mechanism of benefit has not been determined.
Recent Findings:
Recent evidence has emerged that a number of phenolic compounds, particularly flavonoids, reverse vascular endothelial dysfunction. The normal endothelium plays a critical role in regulating vascular function, and endothelial dysfunction is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. The present article reviews the links between phenolic intake, endothelial function and cardiovascular risk.
Summary:
Endothelium-derived nitric oxide bioactivity appears to be increased by supplementation with a number of phenols, and this may explain some of the favourable effects of high phenolic intake seen in epidemiological studies.