Effect of resveratrol on seric vascular endothelial growth factor concentrations during atherosclerosis.

Introduction: Although it is known that resveratrol has anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic actions, its effect on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in atherosclerosis is unknown.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of resveratrol on serum concentrations of VEGF during the progression and evolution of atherosclerosis, as well as and its evolution over time in rabbits fed with a cholesterol diet.

Materials And Methods: A total of 48 New Zealand white male rabbits were randomly divided into four groups of 12 rabbits: group1 (control): standard diet (commercial rabbit food); group2: cholesterol diet (0.5% cholesterol); group3 (control resveratrol): standard diet (commercial rabbit food) and resveratrol (2mg/Kg); group4: cholesterol diet (0.5% cholesterol) and resveratrol (2mg/Kg), for 12weeks. Blood samples of overnight-fasted rabbits were collected at baseline and the sixth and twelfth weeks, and the lipid profile, VEGF, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were determined. Half of the animals were sacrificed on the sixth or twelfth week, and the aorta was dissected for histological studies.

Results: VEGF and CRP levels were significantly higher in groups2 and 4 than in groups1 and 3, respectively, from the 6th week (p<0.001). VEGF and CRP were significantly lower in group4 than in group2 on 12th week (p<0.004). Supplementation of resveratrol reduced the formation of atherosclerotic lesions.

Conclusions: Serum VEGF and CRP levels are early markers of atherosclerosis. Oral supplementation of resveratrol exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic effects, decreasing serum concentrations of VEGF and CRP and the formation and evolution of atherosclerotic lesions.