Chronic renal failure: oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction and wine.

Atherosclerosis development is accelerated in chronic renal failure (CRF) and is the major cause of death in this clinical condition. An increased oxidative stress and an endothelial dysfunction, with their complex interrelationships, are relevant aspects of atherogenesis in CRF patients and might be targets for treatment. Many studies have underlined the cardiovascular protection provided by a moderate wine consumption. This beneficial effect is due to both alcohol and nonalcoholic components of wine including several phenolic molecules such as quercetin and resveratrol. Wine polyphenols have antioxidant properties and favorably influence endothelial function, in particular by stimulating nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation and inhibiting the endothelin-1 pathway. The possible advantage of a moderate wine consumption in CRF patients can be hypothesized and deserves clinical investigation.