Resveratrol (2015) & Neovascularization

research

Learn more about choroidal neovascularization.

2022 Although earlier research supported use of moderate red wine use, newer research reports that the many detriments outweigh the benefits.1, 2, 3 Instead, we recommend intake of resveratrol through grapes, grape juice, peanuts, cocoa, and berries of Vaccinium species, including blueberries, bilberries, and cranberries.

2015

In a number of health conditions a consequence, often due to low nutrient and/or oxygen levels available to tissue, is that new blood vessels form in an attempt to supply the lack. This new growth is called neovascularization.

In vision the most commonly known example is in advanced or wet macular degeneration in which additional blood vessels grow behind the macula in an attempt to supply more nutrients to the retina. The condition is known as choroidal neovascularization. The consequence is that the cells of the retina become distorted and vision deteriorates.

Note: A number of approaches address the problem - the most important being prevention. See macular support information..

Researchers wanted to determine whether resveratrol, a phytonutrient that acts like an antioxidant, could be helpful in reducing neovascularization.

In the lab human pigment cells were treated with various concentrations of resveratrol and then grown in an environment deprived of adequate oxygen. The results were evaluated by measuring specific biomarkers which are indicative of neovascularization.

The resveratrol significantly inhibited the tell-tale biomarkers; the degree of inhibition depended on dosage.

Additionally, mice with choroidal neovascularization were given resveratrol orally. Similarly, resveratrol inhibited neovascularization depending on dosage.

Researchers: C.S. Lee, E.Y. Choi, et al
Published: Resveratrol Inhibits Hypoxia-Induced Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression and Pathological Neovascularization, Yonsei Medical Journal, November, 2015.


Another study looked at the mechanics of how resveratrol reduces neovascularization. The gene SIRT1 regulates growth of new blood cells. The researchers wanted to evaluate how resveratrol, which activates SIRT1, interacted with signaling pathways in the body that stimulate growth of new blood vessels. They found that resveratrol inhibited neovascularization caused by lab-controlled oxygen-deprived cell tissue. It also inhibited the secretion of a signaling protein (VEGF) that stimulates neovascularization in cell-tissue compromised by cobalt chloride. Finally, it reduced the over activity of other VEGF-related biochemical changes and reactions.

These results suggest not only the value of resveratrol, but the value of targeting the SIRT1 gene in treating choroidal neovascularization.

Researchers: H. Zhang, S. He, et al
Published: SIRT1 mediated inhibition of VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling by Resveratrol and its relevance to choroidal neovascularization, Cytokine, December, 2015.

Footnotes
1. Wood AM, Kaptoge S, Butterworth AS, Willeit P, Warnakula S, et al. (2018). Risk thresholds for alcohol consumption: combined analysis of individual-participant data for 599 912 current drinkers in 83 prospective studies. Lancet. Apr 14;391(10129):1513-1523.
2. Biddinger KJ, Emdin CA, Haas ME, Wang M, Hindy G, et al. (2022). Association of Habitual Alcohol Intake With Risk of Cardiovascular Disease. JAMA Netw Open. 2022 Mar 1;5(3):e223849
3. Goding Sauer A, Fedewa SA, Bandi P, Minihan AK, Stoklosa M, et al. (2021). Proportion of cancer cases and deaths attributable to alcohol consumption by US state, 2013-2016. Cancer Epidemiol. Apr;71(Pt A):101893.