Inflammatory mediators have a significant role in the initiation, progression, and eventual rupture of atherosclerotic plaques.
The endothelium is a thin protective layer of cells that regulate the structure and function of the arterial wall. The adherence of monocytes to vascular endothelial cells and their migration into the the subintimal space are essential to the initiation of coronary artery disease.
Cellular adhesion molecules orchestrate the process of leukocyte rolling, adhesion and transmigration into the intima layer of the artery. Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 directs monocytes into the arterial intima. Once within the intima layer of the artery monocytes differentiate into macrophages where they internalize/ingest modified lipoproteins such as oxidized LDL cholesterol. The oxidized LDL cholesterol generates a cascade of cellular events that eventually lead to plaque formation, hardening of the arteries and acute coronary events.
There are three major classes of cellular adhesion molecules: selectins, integrins and immunoglobins.
Inhibiting the direction, & adhesion of these cellular mechanism helps block the initiation of coronary artery disease.
A recent study conducted by The University of Barcelona, Spain concluded that medium level polyphenol rich red wine like Spanish sparkling wine decreased circulating biomarkers of coronary artery disease and cellular adhesion molecules such as vascular cell and intercellular adhesion molecules, E and P selectins, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and CD40L.
Previous studies have demonstrated red wines with higher levels of polyphenols such as Pinot Noir, Red Bordeaux provide cardiovascular protective effects by helping prevent the oxidation (decay) of LDL cholesterol, inhibition of platelet aggregation, and induction of nitric oxide release: vasorelaxation.
The Barcelona study concluded that even red wines with medium level polyphenol content have a significant role in preventing the initiation and progression of coronary artery disease.
As such, light textured thin Itallian reds wine such as Bardolino or Red Lambrusco and a charming Red Beaujolais from the French country side can also protect arterial integrity and lower the risk of coronary artery disease. Four ounces of red wine; four servings per week affords cardioprotective benefits.
Sources:
Inflammatory Markers of Atherosclerosis Are Decreased after Moderate Consumption of Cava (Sparkling Wine) in Men with Low Cardiovascular Risk
Mónica Vázquez-Agell and Emilio Sacanella MD’s,
J. Nutr. 137:2279-2284, October 2007
Activity in Vitro of Resveratrol on Granulocyte and Monocyte Adhesion to Endothelium.
Maria E Ferrero, Albert Bertelli MD's
Am J Clin Nutr 1998;68:1204-14.
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