Antioxidant effects of resveratrol and other stilbene derivatives on oxidative stress and NO bioavailability: Potential benefits to cardiovascular diseases

Oxidative stress plays an important part in the appearance and development of cardiovascular diseases. In this context, overproduction of reactive oxygen species leads to deregulation of metabolic pathways, such as cell proliferation or inflammation, which interferes with the homeostasis of vascular endothelium. Oxidative stress can decrease the bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO) in vessels. This decrease is highly associated with endothelial dysfunction. The “French paradox” is a phenomenon that associates a diet rich in saturated fatty acids and a moderate consumption of wine to a low prevalence of cardiovascular diseases. During the past 10 years, the beneficial effects of wine on cardiovascular diseases have been attributed to the actions of resveratrol and other polyphenols. One of the mechanisms involved in these beneficial effects is the capacity of resveratrol and some other stilbene derivatives to maintain sufficient NO bioavailability in vascular endothelium. This review presents the latest findings on the molecular effects of resveratrol and other stilbene derivatives on the various actors that modulate NO bioavailability during oxidative stress. ► Cardiovascular diseases are involved in endothelial dysfunction. ► Oxidative stress leads to decreased NO bioavailability. ► Resveratrol and stilbene derivatives improve NO production during oxidative stress.