Resveratrol improves cardiac function and exerts an anti-inflammatory effect in systolic heart failure patients

Introduction: The positive effects of resveratrol on heart failure have already been evaluated in several experimental animal models, however, in a human clinical trial it was not yet confirmed. The aim of our study was to assess the effect of resveratrol supplementation on left ventricular structure and function in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Methods and materials: 60 HFrEF patients (age: 66.7±11.04 years, 17 women and 43 men) were enrolled into our study. They were randomized into two groups, in the first group (n=30) daily 2x50 mg resveratrol was administered orally and placebo was given in the other group (n=30). 56% of the enrolled patients had ischemic HFrEF. During the whole study period, patients were taken the optimal medical therapy of HFrEF (ACEI/ARB, BB, MRA) in the same dose as before the randomization. On the day of randomization and 3 months later echocardiography, six minutes walking test (6MWT) and quality of life questionnaire (QoL) test were performed. Besides the routine lab tests, the levels of biomarkers (NT-proBNP, galectin-3) and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6) were also measured. Results: After the 3-month-long follow-up period left ventricular ejection fraction improved significantly in the resveratrol group comparing to the placebo group (p<0.001). The function of the right ventricle (RV) improved (p<0.05), moreover the RV dimensions, as well as atrial volumes decreased significantly in the resveratrol group (p<0.05). In the case of 6MWT (p<0.05) and QoL test (p<0.05) a significant improvement could be observed in the resveratrol group versus the placebo group (p<0.05). Lab test analysis showed that resveratrol supplementation reduced significantly the total cholesterol level (p<0,05) and LDL-C level (p<0,05) and had no overt effect on other metabolic parameters. NT-proBNP level increased significantly in the placebo group (p<0.05) by the end of the trial, however, in the resveratrol group we could see a slight improving tendency (NS). In the case of Galectin-3, no significant changes could be seen. Conclusions: Our results revealed that resveratrol supplementation in systolic heart failure patients adding to the standard medical therapy resulted in an improvement of echocardiographic parameters, functional status and decreased the level of inflammatory cytokines.