Polyphenols prevent obesity‐induced aortic vascular stiffness in C57BL/6 mice

Abstract

Vascular stiffness and hypertension (HTN) increase in humans with aging, diabetes, and obesity. Our lab has shown that vascular stiffness precedes by 4–5 months the development of HTN in a model of high fat high sucrose (HFHS) diet‐induced obesity by measuring aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) and blood pressure. Polyphenols may improve blood vessel function by reducing oxidants, inflammation, and vasodilation.PurposeTo determine if polyphenols can prevent HFHS diet‐induced vascular stiffness in a mouse model.MethodsMale C57BL/6 mice were fed HFHS diet for 8 months with a synthetic polyphenol, S17834, or resveratrol (130 mg/kg/day). PWV was calculated from the difference in pulse wave transit times between two sites along the aorta using ultrasound.Results and conclusionAfter 4 months HFHS diet significantly increased BW by 33% and PWV by >;2‐fold (2.1±0.1 vs 4.8±0.7 m/s, n=6). Both polyphenols prevented the increase in PWV, but only one, S17834, slowed the increase in body weight. Similar results were found over 8 months. These results demonstrate that HFHS diet causes a significant increase aortic stiffness associated with obesity. Both S17834 and resveratrol inhibited the development of aortic stiffness caused by HFHS diet suggesting polyphenols may have therapeutic value in reducing vascular stiffness and subsequent HTN.Source:NIH RO1 HL105287, Servier.