Consumption of aged white wine modulates cardiovascular risk factors via circulating endothelial progenitor cells and inflammatory biomarkers.

Background & Aims: There is compelling evidence showing that moderate alcohol consumption reduces cardiovascular risk factors related to atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of aged white wine (AWW) and gin on circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) and the expression of cell adhesion molecules, inflammatory cytokines and chemokines related to atherosclerosis in high cardiovascular risk subjects.

Methods: This was an open, randomized, controlled, crossover study in 38 high-risk male volunteers between 55 and 80 years of age randomized to receive 30 g of ethanol/day as AWW or gin during 3 weeks. We used the paired two-tailed t-test to compare differences in outcome variables in response to each intervention. Carryover effects for the two periods were evaluated comparing the outcome variables before the AWW and gin interventions.

Results: Compared to gin, AWW intake was associated with a significant 39.6% increase in EPCs. Expression of CD31 and CD40 in T-lymphocytes and of CCR2 and CD36 in monocytes also decreased significantly after AWW intake. In addition, compared to gin, AWW was associated with a significant decrease of plasma pro-inflammatory biomarkers interleukin-8 and interleukin-18 and vascular and intercellular adhesion molecules-1. Lfa-1, Mac-1, VLA4, CD40 and CD31 expression in monocytes and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) concentrations significantly decreased after intake of both alcoholic beverages.

Conclusions: AWW shows a greater ability to repair and maintain endothelial integrity compared to gin. This effect is probably due to grape-derived minor components in AWW, which are absent in gin.