Berry-Derived Polyphenols in Cardiovascular Pathologies: Mechanisms of Disease and the Role of Diet and Sex |
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| Authors: | Rami S. Najjar Casey G. Turner Brett J. Wong Rafaela G. Feresin |
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| Affiliation: | 1.Department of Nutrition, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA;2.Department of Kinesiology and Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA; (C.G.T.); (B.J.W.) |
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| Abstract: | Cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevalence, pathogenesis, and manifestation is differentially influenced by biological sex. Berry polyphenols target several signaling pathways pertinent to CVD development, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and cardiac and vascular remodeling, and there are innate differences in these pathways that also vary by sex. There is limited research systematically investigating sex differences in berry polyphenol effects on these pathways, but there are fundamental findings at this time that suggest a sex-specific effect. This review will detail mechanisms within these pathological pathways, how they differ by sex, and how they may be individually targeted by berry polyphenols in a sex-specific manner. Because of the substantial polyphenolic profile of berries, berry consumption represents a promising interventional tool in the treatment and prevention of CVD in both sexes, but the mechanisms in which they function within each sex may vary. |
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| Keywords: | polyphenols berries sex hormones sex differences cardiovascular disease inflammation oxidative stress apoptosis remodeling heart failure |
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