Red wine and vascular endothelium

Light to moderate alcohol consumption may have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Red wine has been shown to improve endothelial function and decrease oxidative stress. Consumption of red wine induces significant increases in plasma total antioxidant status and significant decreases in plasma malondialdehyde and glutathione in both young and old subjects. Red wine consumption for 2 weeks markedly attenuates insulin-resistance in type 2 diabetic patients, without affecting vascular reactivity and nitric oxide production. In vitro and in animal models, red wine polyphenolics cause substantial falls in blood pressure, mainly by increasing nitric oxide production. Although red wine has beneficial effects on vascular endothelium, more studies are necessary to evaluate these effects on cardiovascular risk.