Effects of the Euterpe Oleracea Mart. (Açai) Extract on Cardiovascular Changes and Oxidative Stress in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Abstract

Aim The hydroalcoholic extract obtained from seeds of açaí (ASE) is rich in polyphenols which are known to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular diseases. In this study we investigated the effect of treatment with ASE on cardiovascular changes and oxidative stress in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Methods Wistar and SHR (3 weeks old) received ASE (200 mg.kg-1.day-) or vehicle in drinking water, during 13 weeks. Results Our results demonstrated that the increased systolic blood pressure and carbonyl protein levels observed in the heart of SHR were reduced by ASE. The reduced vasodilator response to acetylcholine (100 pmol) in perfused mesenteric arterial bed (MAB) of SHR was recovered by ASE. Furthermore, antioxidant activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was increased in heart and MAB of SHR and normalized by ASE. The activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) in MAB, and GPx in the heart were not different between groups. However, ASE increased the activity of CAT in the heart of SHR. The expressions of eNOS and SOD were increased in SHR and unchanged by ASE. The increased medial thickness of the aorta in SHR was reduced by ASE. Conclusion These findings demonstrate that the improvement of endothelial function, vascular remodeling and the antioxidant activity induced by ASE may contribute to the antihypertensive effect of the extract in SHR. Financial Support: FAPERJ e CNPq.