Brassica Microgreens as Novel Sources of Cardiovascular bio-compounds: insights into hypertension management via metabolomics

Abstract

Hypertension remains a prevalent global health issue, with numerous strategies aimed at mitigating its widespread impact. Recently, there has been growing interest in developing nutraceuticals derived from natural bioactive compounds with cardio-protective properties. Brassica microgreens—young, edible seedlings—are rich sources of phytochemicals, such as glucosinolates, which modulate the biological processes influencing CVDs. However, the underlying pathogenesis pathways are not yet fully understood. This study aims to investigate the effects of phytochemicals from brassica microgreens (MG) on both hypertension modulation and metabolic pathways. To achieve this, a dietary intervention using brassica microgreens was conducted on spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive ones (WKY). The treatment involved a diet with 5% w/w of lyophilized brassica MG incorporated into the standard food (ad-libitum) of the animals, for either 24 h (acute treatment) or 4 weeks (chronic treatment). Systolic blood pressure and different oxidative/inflammatory markers were evaluated at the beginning and end of the treatment. Urine and plasma samples were collected post-treatment and analyzed using untargeted metabolomic approaches based on UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS to identify the metabolic pathways alterations induced by MG intake. Chronic treatment positively influenced hemodynamic parameters, which correlated with improvements in oxidative-inflammatory marker values. Metabolomics analysis provided a robust molecular characterization of normotensive, hypertensive, treated, and untreated groups with MG. Potential metabolites associated with brassica consumption, particularly cauliflower, were identified, such as sinigrin-derived and indolic metabolites, which may be linked to hypertension modulation. This study also highlighted the impact of lipid metabolism on the hypertensive phenotype, offering new insights into the physio-pathological metabolic pathways. From this, metabolomics shows potential to emerge as a novel tool for theragnosis in arterial hypertension. Moreover, the consumption of brassica microgreens may be a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle, potentially offering a dietary strategy for cardiovascular risk prevention and management.