Red wine polyphenols prevent metabolic and cardiovascular alterations associated with obesity in Zucker fatty rats (Fa/Fa).

Background: Obesity is associated with increased risks for development of cardiovascular diseases. Epidemiological studies report an inverse association between dietary flavonoid consumption and mortality from cardiovascular diseases. We studied the potential beneficial effects of dietary supplementation of red wine polyphenol extract, Provinols, on obesity-associated alterations with respect to metabolic disturbances and cardiovascular functions in Zucker fatty (ZF) rats.

Red wine and cardiovascular risks.

Numerous epidemiological studies indicate that a moderate intake of alcohol is associated with a reduced risk of morbidity and mortality secondary to cardiovascular diseases. Alcohol intake from any type of alcoholic beverage appears beneficial, but red wine seems to confer additional health benefits because of the presence of red wine polyphenolic compounds (RWPC). On the basis of clinical and experimental data, the favourable effect of moderate intake of alcohol results to its action on lipid profile, hemostatic parameters, and reduction of inflammation markers.

Endothelial dysfunction caused by circulating microparticles from patients with metabolic syndrome.

Microparticles are membrane vesicles that are released during cell activation and apoptosis. Elevated levels of microparticles occur in many cardiovascular diseases; therefore, we characterized circulating microparticles from both metabolic syndrome (MS) patients and healthy patients. We evaluated microparticle effects on endothelial function; however, links between circulating microparticles and endothelial dysfunction have not yet been demonstrated.

Expression and function of the collagen receptor GPVI during megakaryocyte maturation.

In this report, the expression and function of the platelet collagen receptor glycoprotein VI (GPVI) were studied in human megakaryocytes during differentiation and maturation of mobilized blood and cord blood derived CD34(+) cells. By flow cytometry, using an anti-GPVI monoclonal antibody or convulxin, a GPVI-specific ligand, GPVI was detected only on CD41(+) cells including some CD41(+)/CD34(+) cells, suggesting expression at a stage of differentiation similar to CD41. These results were confirmed at the mRNA level using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.