Antioxidant and Vasodilator Activity of Ugni molinae Turcz. (Murtilla) and Its Modulatory Mechanism in Hypotensive Response.

Ignacio Jofré,Magdalena Cuevas,Severino Matias De Alencar,Erick Scheuermann,Cesar Pezoa,Pedro Luiz Rosalen,Irlan Almeida Freires,Fernando Romero

doi:10.1155/2016/6513416

Abstract

Hypertension is a systemic condition with high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide, which poses an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we demonstrated the antioxidant and vasodilator activity of Ugni molinae Turcz. (Murtilla) fruit, a berry native to Chile and proposed models to explain its modulatory mechanism in hypotensive response. Murtilla fruits were cultivated in a germplasm bank and submitted to chemical and biological analyses. The phenolic compounds gallic acid, Catechin, Quercetin-3-β-D-glucoside, Myricetin, Quercetin, and Kaempferol were identified. Murtilla extract did not generate toxic effects on human endothelial cells and had significant antioxidant activity against ROS production, lipid peroxidation, and superoxide anion production. Furthermore, it showed dose-dependent vasodilator activity in aortic rings in the presence of endothelium, whose hypotensive mechanism is partially mediated by nitric oxide synthase/guanylate cyclase and large-conductance calcium-dependent potassium channels. Murtilla fruits might potentially have beneficial effects on the management of cardiovascular diseases.

Highlights

Cardiovascular disorders are among the major causes of morbidity and mortality in developed and emerging countries and involve a strong public burden on treatment and therapeutic management [1]
Oxidative stress resulting from an increased production of free radicals and/or failures in the antioxidant system can lead to oxidation of lipoproteins and development and progression of atherogenesis [3, 4], acute thrombotic events [5], and endothelial dysfunction [6], all contributing to a cardiovascular collapse
The antioxidant activity of Murtilla fruit extract was determined by the luminescence reaction of luminol [5-amino-2,3-dihydro-1,4-phthalazinedione] (Sigma); membrane lipid peroxidation using Bodipy C-11 sensor (Invitrogen); and intracellular superoxide anion production using dihydroethidium (DHE, Invitrogen), a sensor of superoxide anion (O2−), using procedures described by the manufacturers

Summary

Introduction

Cardiovascular disorders are among the major causes of morbidity and mortality in developed and emerging countries and involve a strong public burden on treatment and therapeutic management [1]. Fruits and vegetables contain a large variety of biologically active elements such as ascorbic acid [8], folate [9], potassium, and soluble fibers [10] These aspects suggest that their consumption can positively modify markers of cardiovascular disease, such as blood pressure and cholesterol [11]. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity compounds biologically active, such as flavonols, phenolic acid, anthocyanins, and procyanidins are found in high concentrations in several fruits [12]. Berries are considered another rich source of antioxidant molecules able to decrease blood pressure, increase HDL levels, and stimulate platelet function [13]. We demonstrated the antioxidant and vasodilator activity of the aqueous extract from the fruits of Ugni molinae Turcz. (Murtilla) and proposed models to explain its modulatory mechanism in hypotensive response

Materials and Methods

Chemical Analysis

Vasodilator Effects of the Fruit Extract in Aortic Rings

Results and Discussion

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