Abstract

Epidemiological studies have indicated that regular consumption of red wine and green tea is associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease and tumor progression. The development of tumors and of atherosclerosis lesions to advanced plaques, which are prone to rupture, is accelerated by the formation of new blood vessels. These new blood vessels provide oxygen and nutrients to neighboring cells. Therefore, recent studies have examined whether red wine polyphenolic compounds (RWPCs) and green tea polyphenols (GTPs) have antiangiogenic properties. In vitro investigations have indicated that RWPCs and GTPs are able to inhibit several key events of the angiogenic process such as proliferation and migration of endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells and the expression of two major proangiogenic factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase-2, by both redox-sensitive and redox-insensitive mechanisms. Antiangiogenic properties of polyphenols have also been observed in the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane since the local application of RWPCs and GTPs strongly inhibited the formation of new blood vessels. Moreover, intake of resveratrol or green tea has been shown to reduce corneal neovascularization induced by proangiogenic factors such as VEGF and fibroblast growth factor in mice. The ability of RWPCs and GTPs to prevent the formation of new blood vessels contributes, at least in part, to explain their beneficial effect on coronary heart disease and cancer. This review focuses on the antiangiogenic properties of natural polyphenols and examines underlying mechanisms.