Nitric Oxide. 2014 Nov 15;42:44-53. doi: 10.1016/j.niox.2014.09.001. Epub 2014 Sep 4.
Abstract
Oxidative
stress plays a role in maintaining high arterial blood pressure and
contributes to the vascular changes that lead to hypertension.
Consumption of polyphenol-rich foods has demonstrated their beneficial
role in the prevention and treatment of hypertension. Curcumin (CUR), a
phenolic compound present in the rhizomes of turmeric, possesses
cardiovascular protective, anti-inflammatory
and antioxidant properties. The present study was designed to
investigate the protective effect of CUR on 2kidney-1clip
(2K-1C)-induced hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, vascular
remodeling and oxidative stress in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Sham
operated or 2K-1C rats were treated with CUR at a dose of 50 or
100 mg/kg/day (or vehicle). After 6 weeks of treatment, CUR ameliorated
hemodynamic performance in 2K-1C hypertensive rats (P< 0.05), by
reducing blood pressure, increasing hindlimb blood flow and decreasing
hindlimb vascular resistance. Hemodynamic restoration was associated
with a reduction in plasma angiotensin converting enzyme level.
Endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation, in response to acetylcholine, of
aortic rings isolated from 2K-1C hypertensive rats-treated with CUR was
significantly increased (P< 0.05). CUR also attenuated
hypertension-induced oxidative stress and vascular structural
modifications. These effects were associated with elevated plasma
nitrate/nitrite, upregulated eNOS expression, downregulated p47phox
NADPH oxidase and decreased superoxide production in the vascular
tissues. The overall findings of this study suggest the mechanisms
responsible for the antihypertensive action of CUR in 2K-1C
hypertension-induced endothelial dysfunction and vascular remodeling
involve the improvement NO bioavailability and a reduction in oxidative
stress.
Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
KEYWORDS:
2K-1C hypertension; Curcumin; Endothelial dysfunction; Nitric oxide; Oxidative stress; Vascular remodeling
