Merlot wine and the metabolic and cardiovascular changes in LDLR -/- mice

Abstract

Dyslipidemia is a risk factor for the insulin resistance and cardiovascular diseases, such as left ventricular hypertrophy and remodeling of the arterial. Resveratrol, present in grapes, is a possible mediator of cardiovascular protection. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of red wine from the Merlot grape (Vitis vinifera L.) on dyslipidemia and its involvement in male mice, knockout for the LDL receptor gene (LDLR-/-). The mice were divided into 4 experimental groups: Group S received standard rodent food; Group SV received standard feed for rodents and wine; Group HL received high fat diet; Group HLV received hyperlipidic food and wine orally for 60 days. All animals received water and food ad libitum during this period. After this period, they remained fasting and were then anesthetized. Blood was collected for serum analysis of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and its fractions (HDL and VLDL), C-reactive protein, glucose, and insulin to compare the data. Morphometric and histological analyzes of the left ventricle and abdominal aorta were also performed. It was found that Merlot red wine has antidyslipidemic effects on genetic dyslipidemia, associated with food, partially preventing insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia and increased CRP; as well as cardiovascular effect, partially preventing LVH and arterial remodeling.