Research Progress of Flavonoids Regulating Endothelial Function

Abstract

The endothelium, as the guardian of vascular homeostasis, is closely related to the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). As an early marker of the development of a series of vascular diseases, endothelial dysfunction is often accompanied by oxidative stress and inflammatory response. Natural flavonoids in fruits, vegetables, and Chinese herbal medicines have been shown to induce and regulate endothelial cells and exert anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative stress, and anti-aging effects in a large number of in vitro models and in vivo experiments so as to achieve the prevention and improvement of cardiovascular disease. Focusing on endothelial mediation, this paper introduces the signaling pathways involved in the improvement of endothelial dysfunction by common dietary and flavonoids in traditional Chinese medicine and describes them based on their metabolism in the human body and their relationship with the intestinal flora. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the broad pharmacological activity and target development potential of flavonoids as food supplements and drug components in regulating endothelial function and thus in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. This paper also introduces the application of some new nanoparticle carriers in order to improve their bioavailability in the human body and play a broader role in vascular protection.

Keywords: NO; bioavailability; endothelial dysfunction; flavonoids; oxidative stress.

Figure 1

The arterial vessel wall is composed of three layers from outer to inner, namely the adventitia, media, and intima.

Figure 2

Endothelial-derived vasoactive factors regulate vascular tone in healthy arterial vessels.

Figure 3

Regulation of vascular homeostasis by healthy endothelium.

Figure 4

Endothelial dysfunction (including oxidative stress, eNOS uncoupling, inflammation, and other factors).

Figure 5

Flavonoids in dietary and herbal medicines.

Figure 6

Molecular structure of typical flavonoids in dietary and herbal medicines.

Figure 7

Metabolic pathways of flavonoids in the human body.