The « French Paradox » reavaled

(Chalopin M et al, 2009. Estrogen receptor alpha as a key target of red wine polyphenols action on the endothelium, Plos One, janvier 2010, volume 5, issue 1, e8554)

Several epidemiological studies have demonstrated that the risk of cardiovascular diseases is reduced with a moderate consumption of red wine.

INSERM researchers (Inserm mixt unity 771, University of Angers in France) have been able to demonstrate scientifically the origin of this “French paradox”. They have determined the action mechanisms and the molecular target responsible for the vascular protective effects of the red wine polyphenols. With molecular biology techniques, Ramaroson Andriantsitohaina and his team have highlighted the implication of the subtype α of the oestrogens’ receptors (ERα) in the transduction pathways of the red wine polyphenols.

The mechanism underlined is the action of the polyphenols which act like activators of ERα and stimulate the production of nitrogen monoxide by the endothelial cells. The final result is a vasodilator effect, which leads to a reduction of the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

The importance of the oestrogen receptor ERα was experimentally studied by observing the effects of red wine polyphenols on mices. Indeed, the drop in arterial blood pressure and the arterial relaxation was observed only on mices endowed with this receptor, which proves that polyphenols don’t act on subjects which don’t have this receptor. 

Thus, as epidemiological studies suggested it , the moderate consumption of red wine polyphenols is supposed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.