Obesity and cardiovascular dysfunction: A role for resveratrol?

SummaryObesity, characterized by excess adipose tissue is now becoming a worldwide epidemic. Various studies have suggested that obesity per se is an independent cardiovascular risk factor, as well as predisposing to type 2 diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidaemia. Furthermore, obesity induces insulin resistance, which is associated with development of cardiovascular diseases that include hypertension, and reduced endothelial function.A variety of pharmacological and physiological as well as surgical interventions have been used to counteract deleterious effects of obesity with some degree of success. A number of new medicinal agents are being considered as a candidate for managing obesity and its associated cardiovascular abnormalities. Resveratrol, a naturally occurring phenolic trihydroxystilbene substance, which is present in a variety of plants have been shown to reverse detrimental effects of diet-induced obesity. This review examines role of resveratrol as a future anti-obesity agent.