Berry-Derived Polyphenols in Cardiovascular Pathologies: Mechanisms of Disease and the Role of Diet and Sex

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevalence, pathogenesis, and manifestation is differentially influenced by biological sex. Berry polyphenols target several signaling pathways pertinent to CVD development, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and cardiac and vascular remodeling, and there are innate differences in these pathways that also vary by sex. There is limited research systematically investigating sex differences in berry polyphenol effects on these pathways, but there are fundamental findings at this time that suggest a sex-specific effect. This review will detail mechanisms within these pathological pathways, how they differ by sex, and how they may be individually targeted by berry polyphenols in a sex-specific manner. Because of the substantial polyphenolic profile of berries, berry consumption represents a promising interventional tool in the treatment and prevention of CVD in both sexes, but the mechanisms in which they function within each sex may vary.

Automated summary

The prevalence, pathogenesis, and manifestation of cardiovascular disease are influenced differently by biological sex. Berry polyphenols target various signaling pathways related to CVD development, with innate differences in these pathways varying by sex. Limited research has systematically investigated sex differences in berry polyphenol effects, but there are fundamental findings suggesting a sex-specific effect.Berry consumption, due to its substantial polyphenolic profile, represents a promising interventional tool in the treatment and prevention of CVD in both sexes, though the mechanisms may vary by sex.