Beer elicits vasculoprotective effects through Akt/eNOS activation

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Nutritional Science
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Controversy exists regarding alcohol's effect on peripheral vascular vasodilatory function.
• The impact of beer consumption on coronary vasodilation is not well understood.
• Hypercholesterolaemia can induce coronary endothelial dysfunction, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if regular beer intake (alcoholic and alcohol-free) protects against hypercholesterolaemia-induced coronary endothelial dysfunction.
• To elucidate the mechanisms by which beer may exert protective effects on coronary arteries.
• To assess the role of non-alcoholic beer components in vascular health.

Main Methods:

• Pigs were fed a hypercholesterolaemic diet with varying doses of alcoholic or alcohol-free beer for 10 days.
• Coronary artery vasodilation was assessed using endothelium-dependent and independent vasoactive drugs.
• Mechanisms evaluated included Akt/eNOS activation, oxidative stress markers, lipid profiles, and antioxidant capacity.

Main Results:

• Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beer prevented diet-induced impairment of coronary vasodilation.
• Beer intake reduced oxidative DNA damage and enhanced Akt/eNOS pathway activation in coronary arteries.
• Beer consumption improved HDL antioxidant capacity and LDL resistance to oxidation, with increased isoxanthohumol levels.

Conclusions:

• Non-alcoholic beer components protect against hyperlipemia-induced coronary endothelial dysfunction by mitigating oxidative stress and preserving the Akt/eNOS pathway.
• Light-to-moderate beer consumption may prevent or reduce endothelial dysfunction linked to cardiovascular risk factors.
• Beer's protective effects are attributed to its components, independent of alcohol content in some aspects.