Cardiovascular Health in Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Researchers have found a link between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart disease; however, a link is all they have found. Cardiovascular health in COPD is controlled by different mechanisms including vascular health and systemic inflammation. The investigators have collected preliminary data to support that concentrations of Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1), a protein that plays a key role in cardioprotection, may be involved in cardiovascular health in patients with COPD. Resveratrol, an over the counter natural polyphenol found in a variety of food, is a direct activator of Sirt1 and has been used to improve cardiovascular health in different cohorts. The current project is an attempt to expand previous findings and explore the effects of the sub-chronic use of resveratrol in sustaining the improvements in cardiovascular health in COPD.