Red wine increases the expression of human endothelial nitric oxide synthase

Abstract Objectives The study tested the effect of red wine on endothelial-type nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression and eNOS activity in human endothelial cells. Background Endothelial-type nitric oxide (NO) synthase exerts vasoprotective effects. Moderate alcohol consumption has been associated with a reduction of cardiovascular disease, and red wine seems to offer more benefits than any other type of drink. However, the molecular basis of this protective effect is unclear. Methods Human endothelial cells were treated with red wine, and eNOS messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression was measured by RNase protection assay, eNOS protein expression by Western blotting, and eNOS activit…