Comparative effects of enzogenol^® and vitamin C supplementation versus vitamin C alone on endothelial function and biochemical markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in chronic smokers

Abstract

Chronic smoking is associated with endothelial dysfunction and inflammation, with oxidative stress contributing to both these processes. In this study, we investigated the effect of combined antioxidant treatment with Enzogenol^®, a flavonoid extract from the bark of Pinus radiata and vitamin C, over and above vitamin C alone, on endothelial function, plasma markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, blood pressure (BP) and anthropometrics. Forty-four chronic smokers without established cardiovascular disease were assigned randomly to receive either 480 mg Enzogenol^® and 60 mg vitamin C, or 60 mg vitamin C alone daily for 12 weeks. Endothelial function in the brachial artery was assessed by flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD). FMD improved in both treatment groups (p < 0.001), with no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.84). In the group receiving Enzogenol^® and vitamin C, protein carbonyl levels were significantly reduced compared to the group taking vitamin C alone (p = 0.03). Enzogenol^® and vitamin C resulted in a significant reduction in fibrinogen levels in heavy smokers compared with vitamin C alone (p < 0.009). These findings demonstrated that co-supplementation with Enzogenol^® and vitamin C in smokers conferred no additional beneficial effect on macrovascular endothelial function over and above that seen in the vitamin C alone group. However, Enzogenol^® did demonstrate additional favourable effects on protein oxidative damage and fibrinogen levels.

• Flavonoids
• antioxidants
• pine bark
• vitamin C
• oxidative stress
• endothelial function

Abbreviations
BP	=	blood pressure
FMD	=	flow-mediated dilation
CVD	=	cardiovascular disease
NO	=	nitric oxide
EID	=	endothelium-independent dilation
BMI	=	body mass index
hsCRP	=	high sensitivity C-reactive protein

Abbreviations
BP	=	blood pressure
FMD	=	flow-mediated dilation
CVD	=	cardiovascular disease
NO	=	nitric oxide
EID	=	endothelium-independent dilation
BMI	=	body mass index
hsCRP	=	high sensitivity C-reactive protein