Antioxidant-rich fruit exerts antihypertensive effect via modulation of angiotensin-1-converting enzyme activity and HS/NO/cGMP signalling pathway in Wistar rats.

INTRODUCTION

The present study aimed at investigating the effect of fruits on blood pressure, NO/cGMP signalling pathway, angiotensin-1-converting enzyme and arginase activity, and oxidative stress biomarkers in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-two Wistar rats were divided into seven groups. Hypertension was induced via oral administration of 40 mg/kg of L-NAME for 21 days. Thereafter, the hypertensive rats were treated with fruit-supplemented diet and sildenafil citrate for 21 days. The blood pressure was measured and cardiac homogenate was prepared for biochemical analyses.

RESULTS

The results showed that L-NAME caused a significant ( < 0.05) increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate as well as ACE, arginase and PDE-5 activity, with a simultaneous decrease in NO and HS levels as well as increased oxidative stress biomarkers. However, treatment with fruits-supplemented diets and sildenafil citrate lowered blood pressure and modulated ACE, arginase, and PDE-5 activity, improved NO and HS levels, as well as antioxidant status.

CONCLUSION

Findings presented in this study provide useful information on the antihypertensive property of fruits, alongside some possible mechanisms. Hence, fruits could be considered a dietary regimen and functional food in alleviating hypertension.