Inhibition of the PDGF receptor by red wine flavonoids provides a molecular explanation for the "French paradox"

SPECIFIC AIMSBecause 1) the mortality rate from coronary artery disease (CAD) in France is only ∼50% compared with other European countries and the U.S. despite similar intakes of animal fats (a phenomenon termed “French paradox”), 2) moderate wine consumption is inversely correlated with CAD mortality, and 3) cellular signals initiated by the platelet-derived growth factor β receptor (βPDGFR) play a critical role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, we hypothesized that specific constituents of red and/or white wine may inhibit βPDGFR signaling and PDGF-dependent cellular responses in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). We sought to relate the quantitative amount of constituents and differential effects of red and white wine to specific procedures performed during wine production.PRINCIPAL FINDINGS1. Red, but not white, wine inhibits the ligand-induced activation of the βPDGFRPreincubation of VSMC with red wine (Chateauneuf-du-Pape), but not white wine (Riesling Kabinett) or ethanol, dose-dependently...