Another piece in the puzzle – white wine polyphenolic substances may protect arteries

The current study examined the mechanism how moderate white wine consumption can protect the inner lining of the blood vessels.

Previous studies demonstrated that both red and white wine can exert cardioprotective effects. In wine, caffeic acid (CAF) is an active component with known antioxidant activities. A group of Italian researchers investigated in vitro whether a very low dose of CAF – similar to moderate WHITE wine consumption – could achieve significant effects. Their results indicated that CAF increased nitric oxide (NO) production which protects from endothelial injury induced by oxidative stress.

1. Migliori M, Cantaluppi V, Mannari C, et al. Caffeic acid, a phenol found in white wine, modulates endothelial nitric oxide production and protects from oxidative stress-associated endothelial cell injury. PLoS One 2015;10(4):e0117530.
   For more information about this article, read the scientific abstract here.
   
2. Migliori M, Panichi V, de la Torre R, et al. Anti-inflammatory effect of white wine in CKD patients and healthy volunteers. Blood Purif 2015;39(1-3):218-23.
   For more information about this article, read the scientific abstract here.
   

Nitric oxideNitric oxide is a signaling molecule produced by the body that helps the body cells to communicate. ... (NO):  NO is a signaling molecule produced by the body that helps the body cells to communicate. It signals the body to release more blood to the organs when needed. One of the common ways to increase the concentration of NO in the body is through exercise. While working out, body muscles need more oxygen, which is supplied with blood. The heart pumps with high pressure to supply sufficient blood to the muscles; the lining of the arteries releases NO into the blood in order to relax and widen the vessel wall and thus, more blood can pass through. However, with age, blood vessels and NO-systems become inefficient due to free radicals, poor diet, etc., causing veins and arteries to deteriorate. It helps in supplying the sufficient amount of blood flow to the tissues and therefore, allows smooth muscles to relax.