Dietary (poly)phenols as modulators of the biophysical properties in endothelial cell membranes: its impact on nitric oxide bioavailability in hypertension

Age is a risk factor to the onset and progression of hypertension, though adherence to plant-based diets improves blood pressure. Herein, we propose the potential of food (poly)phenols to fluidify cholesterol-rich endothelial membranes and improve the diffusion of nitric oxide (·NO) contributing to enhanced bioavailability of vascular·NO and the nutritional management of hypertension. Hypertension is a major contributor to premature death, owing to the associated increased risk of damage to the heart, brain and kidneys. Although hypertension is manageable by medication and lifestyle changes, the risk increases with age. In an increasingly aged society, the incidence of hypertension is escalating, and is expected to increase the prevalence of (cerebro)vascular events and their associated mortality. Adherence to plant-based diets improves blood pressure and vascular markers in individuals with hypertension. Food flavonoids have an inhibitory effect towards angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE1) and although this effect is greatly diminished upon metabolization, their microbial metabolites have been found to improve endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity. Considering the transmembrane location of ACE1 and eNOS, the ability of (poly)phenols to interact with membrane lipids modulate the cell membrane's biophysical properties and impact on nitric oxide (·NO) synthesis and bioavailability, remain poorly studied. Herein, we provide an overview of the current knowledge on ...
Source: FEBS Letters - Category: Biochemistry Authors: Tags: Review Source Type: research