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Resveratrol promotes atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic rabbits
T Wilson1, T J Knight, D C Beitz
1Department of Veterinary Physiology, Iowa State University, Ames 50011, USA.
Life Sciences
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Resveratrol, found in red wine, unexpectedly promoted atherosclerosis in rabbits. This study found it increased aortic lesions, contrary to expectations of cardiovascular benefits.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Resveratrol, a polyphenol in red wine, is often associated with potential health benefits.
- Its role in preventing atherosclerosis, a major cardiovascular disease, remains under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of resveratrol supplementation on the development of atherosclerosis in a rabbit model.
- To determine if resveratrol inhibits or promotes atherosclerotic lesion progression.
Main Methods:
- Rabbits were fed a 0.5% cholesterol diet for 60 days.
- Oral resveratrol supplementation was administered to one group, while another served as a control.
- Body weight, food consumption, liver function, serum parameters, and atherosclerotic lesion development were monitored.
Main Results:
- Resveratrol supplementation did not significantly alter body weight, food intake, liver function, or serum lipid profiles.
- Despite similar hypercholesterolemia, resveratrol-treated rabbits showed a significant increase in aortic atherosclerotic lesion area (P < 0.02).
- No differences were observed in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidative status between groups.
Conclusions:
- Contrary to hypothesis, resveratrol promoted atherosclerotic development in this rabbit model.
- The pro-atherosclerotic effect was independent of changes in animal health, liver function, plasma cholesterol, or LDL oxidative status.
- These findings challenge the cardioprotective role of resveratrol in the context of diet-induced atherosclerosis.