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Published on: June 7, 2012
Red wine interferes with oestrogen signalling in rat hippocampus
Rosário Monteiro1, Ana Faria, Nuno Mateus
1Department of Biochemistry (U38-FCT), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal. rosariom@med.up.pt
Summary
Red wine consumption increases aromatase expression in the rat hippocampus, potentially explaining its neuroprotective effects. It also alters estrogen receptor (ER) expression, suggesting a role in cognitive preservation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Estrogens are known for their neuroprotective properties, aiding memory and learning.
- Red wine (RW) is associated with neuroprotection, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of red wine and ethanol on aromatase and estrogen receptor (ER) expression in the rat hippocampus.
- To explore the role of specific red wine polyphenols in modulating these pathways.
Main Methods:
- Male Wistar rats were treated with red wine or ethanol for 8 weeks.
- Hippocampal tissue was analyzed for aromatase and ER expression using Western blotting and RT-PCR.
- Aromatase activity was measured, and the effects of polyphenols were tested in vitro.
Main Results:
- Red wine significantly increased aromatase transcription (180+/-9%) and decreased ERbeta expression (63+/-10%).
- Ethanol also increased aromatase transcription (158+/-7%), while ERalpha expression remained unchanged.
- Certain red wine polyphenols, like catechin and epicatechin, significantly decreased aromatase activity in vitro.
Conclusions:
- The increase in hippocampal aromatase expression induced by red wine may contribute to its neuroprotective effects.
- Changes in estrogen receptor expression patterns likely play a role in the observed neuroprotection.
- While some polyphenols affect aromatase activity in vitro, their contribution in vivo appears limited, suggesting other components of red wine are responsible for the observed effects.
