Dietary (poly)phenols as modulators of the biophysical properties in endothelial cell membranes: its impact on nitric oxide bioavailability in hypertension

Abstract

Hypertension is a major contributor to premature death, owing to the associated increased risk of damage to the heart, brain and kidneys. Although hypertension is manageable by medication and lifestyle changes, the risk increases with age. In an increasingly aged society, the incidence of hypertension is escalating, and is expected to increase the prevalence of (cerebro)vascular events and their associated mortality. Adherence to plant‐based diets improves blood pressure and vascular markers in individuals with hypertension. Food flavonoids have an inhibitory effect towards angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE1) and although this effect is greatly diminished upon metabolization, their microbial metabolites have been found to improve endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity. Considering the transmembrane location of ACE1 and eNOS, the ability of (poly)phenols to interact with membrane lipids modulate the cell membrane's biophysical properties and impact on nitric oxide (·NO) synthesis and bioavailability, remain poorly studied. Herein, we provide an overview of the current knowledge on the lipid remodeling of endothelial membranes with age, its impact on the cell membrane's biophysical properties and ·NO permeability across the endothelial barrier. We also discuss the potential of (poly)phenols and other plant‐based compounds as key players in hypertension management, and address the caveats and challenges in adopted methodologies.