A high-fat diet induces and red wine counteracts endothelial dysfunction in human volunteers

Endothelial dysfunction is associated with atherogenesis and oxidative stre ss in humans. In rat and rabbit blood vessels, wine polyphenol antioxidants induce vascular relaxation in vitro through the NO-cCMP pathway. To assess the effect of a regular high-fat diet (HFD) and moderate red wine consumpt ion on endothelial function (EF), a study was performed in healthy male vol unteers. EF was measured as flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery , employing high-resolution ultrasound after an overnight fast. Other clini cal and biochemical parameters related to EF were also measured. Six volunt eers received a control diet, rich in fruits and vegetables (27% calories a s fat) and five volunteers received an HFD (39.5% calories as fat). Measure ments were done twice on each volunteer: after a period of 30 d with diet p lus 240 mt of red wine/d, and after a period of 30 d with diet, without win e. In the absence of wine, there is a reduction of EF with HFD when compare d to the control diet (P = 0.014). This loss of EF is not seen when both di ets are supplemented with wine for 30 d (P = 0.001). Plasma levels of n-3 f atty acids (R-2 = 0.232, P = 0.023) and lycopene (R-2 = 0.223, P = 0.020) s how a positive correlation with individual EF measurements, but they do not account for the significant differences observed among dietary groups or a fter wine supplementation. These results help elucidate the deleterious eff ect of a high-fat diet and the protective role of wine, n-3 fatty acids and dietary antioxidants in cardiovascular disease.