Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator is involved in polyphenol-induced swelling of the endothelial glycocalyx

Aim of the study was to reveal the mechanism behind polyphenol-induced swelling of the endothelial glycocalyx. The results show that polyphenols activate the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) which “injects” bicarbonate and chloride right into the glycocalyx, thus causing the expansion of the endothelial glycocalyx. These findings may explain some of the protective effects of polyphenols in the vasculature and could have potential impact on clinical medicine.174