Mechanisms of endothelial cell protection by hydroxycinnamic acids.

An endothelial dysfunction generates a proatherogenic environment characterized by stimulating thrombus formation. Epidemiological studies have provided evidence of a protective role of healthy diets in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Hydroxycinnamic acids constitute abundant polyphenols in our diets as they are present in high levels in many widely consumed foods, such as fruit, vegetables and beverages. Therefore, it can be established that due to the hydroxycinnamic acid content (caffeic, chlorogenic, feluric and p-coumaric acids), fruit, vegetables and beverages contribute to endothelial protection (attenuates oxidative stress, improved nitric oxide bioavailability and decreased E-selectin, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression, among others). In this article, we systematically examine the mechanisms of endothelium protection of hydroxycinnamic acids.