Protective Role of Polyphenols against Vascular Inflammation, Aging and Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract

Aging is a major risk factor in the development of chronic diseases affecting various tissues including the cardiovascular system, muscle and bones. Age-related diseases are a consequence of the accumulation of cellular damage and reduced activity of protective stress response pathways leading to low-grade systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. Both inflammation and oxidative stress are major contributors to cellular senescence, a process in which cells stop proliferating and become dysfunctional by secreting inflammatory molecules, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and extracellular matrix components that cause inflammation and senescence in the surrounding tissue. This process is known as the senescence associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Thus, accumulation of senescent cells over time promotes the development of age-related diseases, in part through the SASP. Polyphenols, rich in fruits and vegetables, possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities associated with protective effects against major chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this review, we discuss molecular mechanisms by which polyphenols improve anti-oxidant capacity, mitochondrial function and autophagy, while reducing oxidative stress, inflammation and cellular senescence in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs). We also discuss the therapeutic potential of polyphenols in reducing the effects of the SASP and the incidence of CVD.

Mitochondrial ROS and Aging: Understanding Exercise as a Preventive Tool

“…Several other nutritional compounds possess some antioxidant activity or impact mitochondrial function and have therefore been applied to balance redox state in older people and slow the impact of oxidative stress. Among them, much attention has been given to the therapeutic effect of dietary polyphenols, which have been shown positive effects on agerelated oxidative stress, inflammation and toxin accumulation [61]. Resveratrol is a non-flavonoid belonging to the stilbene class of compounds found abundantly is peanuts, blueberries, pine nuts, and grapes.…”

Recent progress in the use of functional foods for older adults: A narrative review

“…The bioactive components are defined as substances of plant, animal, and microbiological origin present naturally in food or added to the food matrix in small quantities (Pérez‐Gregorio & Simal‐Gándara, ). Examples of bioactive components are dietary fiber; omega‐3 PUFAs; phytoestrogens; polyphenols; lycopene; carotenoids such as alpha‐ and beta‐carotene; lutein and zeaxanthin; pre‐, pro‐, and synbiotics; and plant sterols and stanols (Fiedor & Burda, ; Pérez‐Gregorio & Simal‐Gándara, ; Serino & Salazar, ; Weaver, ).…”

Naturally Derived Formulations and Prospects towards Cancer

“…One of the carbons of the short chain is always connected to a carbon of one of the benzene rings, either directly or through an oxygen bridge, thereby forming a third middle ring [62]. They can be classified into six major sub-groups: flavones, flavonols, flavanones, catechins, anthocyanidins and isoflavones [63]. Quercetin, is one of the best described of this group.…”

“…It is found in abundance in onions, apples, broccoli and berries. Flavonoid is involved in the scavenging of oxygen derived free radicals [63], and is also a potent hypolipidemic agent [64]. They possess a high antioxidant potential due to their hydroxyl groups and protect efficiently against diseases like arteriosclerosis [65] [66].…”