Effect of red wine antioxidants and minor polyphenolic constituents on endothelial progenitor cells after physical training in mice.

Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play a significant role in regeneration of damaged blood vessels. Levels and functional activities of EPCs are noticeable altered by risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) and compounds that can prevent or ameliorate EPC dysfunction are currently of special clinical interest. Here, we evaluate the effects of red wine (RW) on EPCs in C57BL/6J mice subjected to physical exercise. FACS computed counting showed a significant increase of EPC number (P<0.05) in mice after short-term supplementation with RW. VEGF serum concentration was significantly increased by physical training in the presence or absence of RW supplementation (P<0.001). These in vivo observations support previous in vitro observation of the beneficial effect of RW in the modulation of EPC levels.