Anthocyanins in Vascular Diseases

Anthocyanins (AC) are a group of water-soluble natural pigments found in various parts of higher plants. A very solid body of evidence indicates that these pigments possess properties potentially beneficial for the human health thanks to different biological activities, and are able to protect against several human pathological conditions, including cardiovascular diseases. Many studies have highlighted that some health benefits of AC localize at the level of vessel endothelium, which contributes in multiple ways to vascular homeostasis, and also has an important functional role in the control of angiogenesis, inflammation, platelet aggregation, and vascular remodeling. Herein, we review the large existing literature concerning some of the molecular mechanisms that, beyond the antioxidant properties, may have a role in the effects of AC and AC-rich foods on vessel endothelium. For example, AC appears able to prevent peroxynitrite-mediated endothelial dysfunction in endothelial cells, not only due to their antioxidant activity, but also to their capability to regulate enzymes involved in NO activity. Furthermore, several evidences indicate that AC can prevent the expression of adhesion molecules and the adhesion of monocytes to ECs challenged by pro-inflammatory agents. Finally, the activity of AC on angiogenesis seems to involve their capability to modulate VEGF pathways. Dietary AC, despite their limited oral bioavailability and very low post-absorption plasma concentrations, may provide protection against oxidative stress-induced damage on vessel endothelium. However, the relationship between effective bioavailability and intracellular concentration of AC and their capability to protect vessel endothelium functions needs to be more deeply assessed.