RED WINE POLYPHENOLSINHIBIT THE ENDOTHELIAL EXPRESSION OF MONOCYTE ADHESION MOLECULES BY PREVENTING THE ACTIVATION OF NF-KB AND AP-1

Objective: Red wine polyphenols have long been associated to a reduced morbidity and mortality from atherosclerotic disease in part by reducing inflammation, however the effects of different polyphenolic compounds are not clear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of polyphenolic extracts from two red wines typical of Southern Italy, and to dissect the specific contribute of hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonols and stilbenes and to investigate underlying mechanisms of action in endothelial cells. Methodology and Results: Through multiple assays, we showed that both Primitivo and Negroamaro Wine Polyphenolic Extracts significantly inhibited monocyte adhesion to endothelium, endothelial expression of adhesion molecules, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and macrophage colony-stimulating factor as well as intracellular oxidative stress and the activation of NF-?B and AP-1, without any reduction in cell viability. We also showed that all tested polyphenols exhibited a strong antioxidant action in stimulated human endothelial cells but not all significantly exhibited anti-inflammatory activity which in turn was related to the inhibition of NF-?B and AP-1 activation. Conclusions: The present study provides new evidences on specifc anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic role of red wine polyphenols including hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonols and stilbenes.