Blood Pressure Rate Research Articles

Estimation of energy expenditure of Nordic walking: a crossover trial

BackgroundNordic walking (NW) requires more energy compared with conventional walking (W). However, the metabolic equation for NW has not been reported. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize responses in oxygen uptake, minute ventilation, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and surface electromyography of the upper and lower limb muscles during NW and W and develop a metabolic equation for energy expenditure (E, mL·kg− 1·min− 1) of NW.MethodsThis study was performed in a randomized, controlled, crossover design to test the energy expenditure during NW and W. Fifteen healthy young men were enrolled (aged 23.7 ± 3.0 years). All participants performed two randomly ordered walking tests (NW and W) on a treadmill at a predetermined stepwise incremental walking speed (3–5 km·h− 1) and grade (0–7%). The oxygen uptake, minute ventilation, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and surface electromyography signals of the three upper limb muscles and three lower limb muscles in their right body were recorded and compared between NW and W using paired-t test. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to draw estimation of E during W and NW.ResultsOxygen uptake (+ 15.8%), minute ventilation (+ 17.0%), heart rate (+ 8.4%), and systolic blood pressure (+ 7.7%) were higher in NW than in W (P < .05). NW resulted in increased muscle activity in all of the upper limb muscles (P < .05). In the lower limb, surface electromyography activities in two of the three lower limb muscles were increased in NW than in W only during level walking (P < .05). Energy expenditure during W and NW was estimated as follows: ENW = 6.1 + 0.09 × speed + 1.19 × speed × grade and EW = 4.4 + 0.09 × speed + 1.20 × speed × grade.ConclusionNW showed higher work intensity than W, with an oxygen consumption difference of 1.7 mL·kg− 1·min− 1. The coefficients were not different between the two walking methods. NW involved more muscles of the upper body than W.

Methanol (80%) leaf extract of Otostegia integrifolia Benth (Lamiaceae) lowers blood pressure in rats through interference with calcium conductance

BackgroundOtostegia integrifolia Benth. (Lamiaceae) leaves are used to treat hypertension in Ethiopian folk medicine. However, the claim has so far not been investigated scientifically. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the antihypertensive activity of 80% methanol leaf extract of O. integrifolia in animal model of hypertension and possible underlying mechanisms in isolated rat aorta.MethodsAntihypertensive effect of various oral doses of the extract (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) was determined in fructose-induced hypertensive rats using the non-invasive tail-cuff method. Thoracic aortic strips of rats were isolated and suspended in organ bath, and the vasodepressor effect as well as the possible mechanism (s) of action were studied by means of isometric tension recording experiments ex vivo. Phytochemical analysis was also performed to suggest possible constituents related to the activity.ResultsBlood pressure was significantly lowered in a dose-dependent manner following extract administration, suggesting that the extract possesses antihypertensive activity. The extract also caused a dose-dependent relaxation of aortic strip precontracted with KCl at a concentration of 6.25–125 μg/L, with a maximum relaxation (100%) achieved at a cumulative concentration of 318.75 μg/ml. The relaxation mechanism was found to be independent of muscarinic receptors, prostanoids, histamine receptors, ATP dependent K+ channels, sarcoplasmic reticulum stored Ca2+ and the endothelium system. The extract shifted the Ca2+ concentration-response curve to the right similar to that caused by nifedipine, suggesting that vasorelaxation could possibly be mediated via calcium channel blockade. The extract was found to contain phenolic compounds (164.3 mg/g, expressed as gallic acid equivalents) and flavonoids (125.7 mg/g, expressed as quercetin equivalents).ConclusionThe findings revealed that the plant is endowed with antihypertensive activity, providing evidence for its traditional use. The effect maybe, at least in part, due to dilation of blood vessels through blockade of Ca+ 2 channels mediated by phenolic and flavonoid constituents.

Variation of vital signs with potential to influence the performance of qSOFA scoring in the Ethiopian general population at different altitudes of residency: A multisite cross-sectional study.

IntroductionThe physiological range of different vital signs is dependent on various environmental and individual factors. There is a strong interdependent relationship between vital signs and health conditions. Deviations of the physiological range are commonly used for risk assessment in clinical scores, e.g. respiratory rate (RR) and systolic blood pressure (BPsys) in patients with infections within the quick sequential organ failure assessment (qSOFA) score. A limited number of studies have evaluated the performance of such scores in resource-limited health care settings, showing inconsistent results with mostly poor discriminative power. Divergent standard values of vital parameters in different populations, e.g. could influence the accuracy of various clinical scores.MethodsThis multisite cross-sectional observational study was performed among Ethiopians residing at various altitudes in the cities of Asella (2400m above sea level (a.s.l.)), Adama (1600m a.s.l.), and Semara (400m a.s.l.). Volunteers from the local general population were asked to complete a brief questionnaire and have vital signs measured. Individuals reporting acute or chronic illness were excluded.ResultsA positive qSOFA score (i.e. ≥2), indicating severe illness in patients with infection, was common among the studied population (n = 612). The proportion of participants with a positive qSOFA score was significantly higher in Asella (28.1%; 55/196), compared with Adama, (8.3%; 19/230; p<0.001) and Semara (15.1%; 28/186; p = 0.005). Concerning the parameters comprised in qSOFA, the thresholds for RR (≥22/min) were reached in 60.7%, 34.8%, and 38.2%, and for BPsys (≤100 mmHg) in 48.5%, 27.8%, and 36.0% in participants from Asella, Adama, and Semara, respectively.DiscussionThe high positivity rate of qSOFA score in the studied population without signs of acute infection may be explained by variations of the physiological range of different vital signs, possibly related to the altitude of residence. Adaptation of existing scores using local standard values could be helpful for reliable risk assessment.

Evaluation of acute cardiorespiratory and hemodynamic changes in perioperative intravenous antimicrobial applications in cats

ABSTRACT The metabolic peculiarities of felines favor an intoxication. Fifty healthy female cats were divided into five groups: PG (placebo group), G2 (cefazolin), G3 (ceftriaxone), G4 (enrofloxacin) and G5 (ampicillin) were used. The parameters evaluated were: total expired carbon dioxide (ETCO2), oxygen saturation in hemoglobin (SpO2), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), body temperature (BT), systolic, mean and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, mBP and DBP) by invasive method, at T0, 5 (T5), 10 (T10), 15 (T15), 20 (T20), 25 (T25) and 30 (T30) minutes after administration of the treatments. HR presented reduction in G2 compared to PG at all times, except T20, and in G4, T25 and T30 were lower than the T0 values (P&lt;0.05). BT showed increase in the G3 at T0 and T5 and all groups showed reduction in the values of BT relative to T0 (P&lt;0.05). ETCO2 increased in G2 and G5 at all times compared to PG (P&lt;0.05) and there were no differences among the times within each group. It was concluded that ceftriaxone is safer for the prophylactic antimicrobial use in cats, however the other antimicrobials are also indicated, because all the parameters, in all groups, basically did not change over the study and when this occurs it remains in reference interval.

Quantified Piper sarmentosum Roxb. Leaves Aqueous Leaf Extract and Its Antihypertensive Effect in Dexamethasone-Induced Hypertensive Rats

The quality control of raw herbal materials is important to ensure the safety, efficacy, and reproducibility of herbal products. Herbal products with consistent efficacy should be standardized and quantified based on their bioactive phytochemical compounds. Piper sarmentosum Roxb. has been reported for its antihypertensive activity. However, its antihypertensive effect on dexamethasone-induced hypertension still lacks information. In this study, the quality of two batches of raw P. sarmentosum leaf materials was assessed for heavy metal and microbial contents, and their aqueous extracts were assayed for antioxidant activity. The aqueous extract of the second batch of P. sarmentosum leaves was the only extract that passed the heavy metal and microbial limits and had the highest antioxidant activity (50.00 ± 2.88%); therefore, this extract was used for subsequent studies. The extract was quantified for two phytochemical markers, rutin (0.09 ± 0.002%) and vitexin (0.23 ± 0.007%), using a validated ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography method. The quantified extract (500 mg/kg/day orally) was able to lower the systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure of dexamethasone-induced hypertensive rats comparable to the positive control drug, captopril. In summary, the quantified aqueous extract of P. sarmentosum based on rutin and vitexin lowers the blood pressure of dexamethasone-induced hypertensive rats, but its underlying mechanism warrants further investigation.

Literature Review: Efek Kandungan Lada Hitam (Piper Nigrum) terhadap Penurunan Tekanan Darah pada Tikus Hipertensi

Introduction: One of the most common noncommunicable disease is hypertension. Based of RISKESDAS RI 2013, the prevalence of hypertension in Indonesia is 26,5%. Chronic hypertension cause blodd vessels stiffness such as aortic. The endothelium of aortic that become thickness could lead to dangerous health problems. Hypertensive people need life-time period to treatment the disease. Farmacology therapy for long time had side effect for human body so it needs to be complied with another treatment. There is substance in black pepper called Piperine that could decrease blodd pressure. Piperine could be another therapy for hypertension treatment. Purpose: The purpose from this article was to review effect of black pepper on decreasing blood pressure in hypertension rats. Method: These articles was searched by using electronic database such as PubMed, Springer, Google scholar and ERIC with publication year around 2007-2017. The keywords that used is “Piperine/lada hitam/black pepper”, “blood pressure”, “hypertension/hipertensi”; and finally got three article to be reviewed. Result: Piperine had vasodilator effect that could help to decrease blood pressure in hypertension rats. Discussion: The benefit of piperine in black pepper was need further research to combine it in suplement. Additionally, we can add black pepper to dietary food especially for hypertension people. Conclusion: Piperine could decrease blood pressure in hypertension rats.

Protective effect of oral histidine on hypertension in Dahl salt-sensitive rats induced by high-salt diet

AimsSalt-sensitive hypertension is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Previous studies have shown that insufficient arginine in the kidney caused by metabolic imbalance is an important factor in salt-sensitive hypertension. Whether the high nitrogen content of histidine can affect the balance of nitrogen metabolism in Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) rats. This article aimed to study the effects of oral histidine on salt-sensitive hypertension, kidney damage and metabolic patterns of high-salt diet in SS rats. Main methodsAdult rats were divided into four groups, and blood pressure was measured using a non-invasive tail-cuff system. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyzed metabolites in serum and kidney tissues. Key findingsHigh-salt diet significantly increased the blood pressure of rats and aggravated kidney damage. Of note, histidine can attenuate salt-sensitive hypertension and kidney damage by improving metabolic pattern, reducing Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and increasing nitric oxide levels in SS rats. SignificanceThese results suggest that histidine could be a potential adjuvant to prevent and control salt-sensitive hypertension.

Autoregulatory Efficiency Assessment in Kidneys Using Deep Learning.

A convolutional deep neural network is employed to assess renal autoregulation using time series of arterial blood pressure and blood flow rate measurements in conscious rats. The network is trained using representative data samples from rats with intact autoregulation and rats whose autoregulation is impaired by the calcium channel blocker amlodipine. Network performance is evaluated using test data of the types used for training, but also with data from other models for autoregulatory impairment, including different calcium channel blockers and also renal mass reduction. The network is shown to provide effective classification for impairments from calcium channel blockers. However, the assessment of autoregulation when impaired by renal mass reduction was not as clear, evidencing a different signature in the hemodynamic data for that impairment model. When calcium channel blockers were given to those animals, however, the classification again was effective.

Parkinson‐like early autonomic dysfunction induced by vagal application of DOPAL in rats

AimTo understand why autonomic failures, a common non‐motor symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD), occur earlier than typical motor disorders.MethodsVagal application of DOPAL (3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde) to simulate PD‐like autonomic dysfunction and understand the connection between PD and cardiovascular dysfunction. Molecular and morphological approaches were employed to test the time‐dependent alternation of α‐synuclein aggregation and the ultrastructure changes in the heart and nodose (NG)/nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS).ResultsBlood pressure (BP) and baroreflex sensitivity of DOPAL‐treated rats were significantly reduced accompanied with a time‐dependent change in orthostatic BP, consistent with altered echocardiography and cardiomyocyte mitochondrial ultrastructure. Notably, time‐dependent and collaborated changes in Mon‐/Tri‐α‐synuclein were paralleled with morphological alternation in the NG and NTS.ConclusionThese all demonstrate that early autonomic dysfunction mediated by vagal application of DOPAL highly suggests the plausible etiology of PD initiated from peripheral, rather than central site. It will provide a scientific basis for the prevention and early diagnosis of PD.

Heat precondition is a potential strategy to combat hepatic injury triggered by severe heat stress

AimEnvironmental heat stress alters physiological and biochemical functions which leads to multiorgan dysfunction including severe hepatic injury in animals. We hypothesize that heat preconditioning can be potential intervention in combating heat illnesses. Main methodsSprague Dawley rats were exposed to moderate heat stress, severe heat stress and heat preconditioning in heat simulation chamber. Mean arterial pressure, heart rate, skin and core temperature were monitored in pre and post heat exposed animals. After stress exposure, blood for hemodynamic and liver tissue for liver function tests, oxidative stress, inflammatory variables and structural studies were collected from rats. Hepatic mitochondria were isolated to study the key structural alterations and functional changes by transmission electron microscopy. Key findingsThe effect of heat precondition shows improvement in time to attain the core temperature, weight loss, blood pressure and heart rate in rats. Results exhibited decreased levels of liver function tests, elevated levels of free radicals and inflammatory cytokines in heat exposed liver as compared with heat preconditioned animals. Expression levels of mitochondrial heat shock protein 60, superoxide dismutase 1 and uncoupling protein 1 along with activity of electron transport chain complexes I-V were examined and found to be increased in heat preconditioned as compared to heat stressed animals. Morphological studies of liver parenchyma demonstrated reduction in structural deterioration of hepatic lobules and restoration of mitochondrial structural integrity in heat preconditioned rats. SignificancePresent study suggests that heat preconditioning intervention plays a crucial role in protection against heat induced hepatic injury in animals.

IMPACT OF LEFT VENTRICULAR DYSFUNCTION ON THE OCCURRENCE OF VENTRICULAR ARRHYTHMIAS AFTER ACUTE ST ELEVATION MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

Objective: The objective of the study was to compare the incidence of post STEMI ventricular arrhythmias among patients with versus without LV dysfunction. Methodology: This prospective Cohort study was conducted in the department of cardiology of a tertiary care hospital, Isra University Hospital, Hyderabad over a period of eleven months from 1st September 2019 to 31st July 2020 and recruited a total of 95 patients with STEMI. Baseline data (age, gender, social class, and marital status) and clinical data (basal metabolic rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, random blood sugar, and LVSD) were recorded in a pre-structured questionnaire and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 to see the comparative incidence of ventricular arrhythmias by applying chi-square test where applicable. Results: Out of total 95 STEMI patients, 53 patients had left ventricular systolic dysfunction (55.7%). The overall incidence of ventricular arrhythmias was 23.1% and it was significantly higher in patients with LVSD as compared to those with normal LV function, 36.3% and 72.7% respectively (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Our study shows that overall burden of ventricular tachyarrhythmias is two times higher in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction as compared to normal left ventricular systolic function.

Comparative Evaluation of Aloe vera and Diclofenac on Body Weight, Blood Pressure and Renal Function of Hypertensive Rats

Introduction: NSAIDs are known to cause salt and water retention leading to hypertension and renal impairment. Aloe vera gel has been used in medicinal preparations for decades. Limited data is available regarding effect of Aloe vera on renal function. There is a need to search this aspect of Aloe vera, to use it judiciously.&#x0D; Aims &amp; Objectives: To estimate and compare the effects of Aloe vera and diclofenac on systolic blood pressure and renal functions of hypertensive rats.&#x0D; Place and duration of study: This study was conducted at Post Graduate Medical Institute Lahore, Sargodha Medical College, Sargodha and Department of Pharmacy, University of Sargodha for the period of three months.&#x0D; Material &amp; Methods: Male Sprague Dawley rats (n=24) were divided into four groups; Group A (Normal control), Group B (Hypertensive control), Group C (Aloe vera treated) and Group D (Diclofenac treated). Hypertension was induced in groups B, C and D by 20% sucrose diet in 8 weeks. After induction of hypertension, distilled water, dried Aloe vera gel 400 mg/kg and diclofenac 12 mg/kg were given orally to group B, C and D respectively for 2 weeks as a single morning dose. Body weight and systolic blood pressure were measured weekly, while serum creatinine, creatinine clearance and urinary proteins were estimated and compared at 0, 8 and 10 weeks. Data was analyzed using SPSS 23 and p value of ?0.05 was considered significant.&#x0D; Results: Diclofenac decreased body weight of rats non-significantly and increased systolic blood pressure significantly (p&lt; 0.03) whereas Aloe vera increased body weight significantly (p&lt;0.012) and had no significant effect on systolic blood pressure. Diclofenac treated group showed deterioration of renal function as compared to Aloe vera treated group numerically. Conclusion: Aloe vera may be safer anti-inflammatory agent than diclofenac for treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions if the patient also has hypertension or renal disease.

Crocin exhibits an antihypertensive effect in a rat model of gestational hypertension and activates the Nrf-2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Gestational hypertension is a leading cause of both prenatal and maternal mortality and morbidity; however, there have been rather limited advances in the management of gestational hypertension in recent years. There has been evidence supporting the antihypertensive properties of crocin, but the specific mechanism is still unclear. N-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) was employed to establish a rat model with a preeclampsia-like phenotype, particularly gestational hypertension. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were conducted to determine the levels of placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase (sFlt-1); the levels of the circulating cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α; and oxidative stress factors. Quantitative RT-PCR assays were performed to assess the transcript levels of various cytokines in the placenta, and western blot assays were carried out to evaluate the protein levels of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and nuclear factor-erythroid 2-like 2 (Nrf-2). Treatment with crocin reduced the blood pressure of rats with gestational hypertension, which was accompanied by suppressed circulating levels of PlGF and sFlt-1. Crocin further alleviated the inflammatory signals and oxidative stress in the serum, as well as in placental tissues, in rats with L-NAME-induced hypertension. Crocin treatment also improved pregnancy outcomes in terms of fetal survival, fetal weight, and the fetal/placental weight ratio. Finally, in hypertension elicited by L-NAME, crocin stimulated the placental Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway. Crocin alleviated inflammatory and oxidative stress in placental tissues, thereby protecting against gestational hypertension, one of the major phenotypes of preeclampsia, and activated the Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway.

Ajuga iva water extract antihypertensive effect on stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats, vasorelaxant effects ex vivo and in vitro activity of fractions

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAjuga iva (L.) Schreb. (Labiatae) (AI) is used in folk medicine for a variety of ailments, including diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Aim of the studyIn this work, we aimed to investigate the antihypertensive and vasorelaxant effects of AI aqueous extract in stroke prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR-SP). Material and methodsMale SHR-SP rats were orally force-fed AI aqueous extract (500 mg/kg body weight) daily for one week. Systolic blood pressure and urine output were recorded in vivo by non-invasive methods. AI vasoactive effects on noradrenaline contractile response and acetylcholine-evoked relaxation were assessed ex vivo on aorta rings of treated and untreated SHR-SP rats. AI extract was then subjected to bio-guided fractionation using solvents of increasing polarity. For each fraction, in vitro vasorelaxation assay was performed on noradrenaline-precontracted aorta of Wistar rats, in the absence/presence of N-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA). HPLC analysis of AI total extract, and the most in vitro active AI residual aqueous extract fraction (A1) was performed using naringin, naringenin, apigenin, apigenin 7-O-glucoside as marker compounds. ResultsAI aqueous extract (500 mg/kg) significantly (P < 0.05) decreased systolic blood pressure (SBP) in SHR-SP rats, while not affecting the urine output. In ex vivo experiments, the total extract decreased contractile response to noradrenaline of aortic rings isolated from AI-treated SHR-SP rats with or without addition of N-nitro-L-arginine, but endothelium dependent relaxation evoked by acetylcholine in noradrenaline-contracted aortic rings was not affected by the extract treatment. In vitro experiments on AI aqueous extract fractions showed that its polar fraction was the only one affecting in vitro noradrenaline induced contractions, but only in an endothelium dependent manner. This fraction was shown by HPLC-UV to contain flavonoid glycosides among other polar compounds whose activity and mode of action may be modified in vivo by metabolization. ConclusionThese results support the use of AI as antihypertensive treatment in folk medicine. The systolic blood pressure decrease may be attributed at least in part to vasorelaxant glycosylated/polar phenolic compounds as flavonoids and/or their metabolites.

Hypotensive effect of Cichorium intybus extract in rats

Introduction: Oxidative stress is involved in many diseases, including hypertension, kidney failure, and heart disease. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of hydroalcoholic Cichorium intybus extract on blood pressure in rats. Antioxidant activity, phenolic and flavonoid contents of the plant extract were also evaluated. Methods: In this study, 32 male Wistar rats weighing 250-300 g were divided into four groups of eight each. Animals in the control group were administered with normal saline and in the C. intybus groups with extract at 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg for two weeks. Then, the homodynamic parameters were examined by the Power lab. The phenolic and flavonoid contents were also evaluated by a spectrophotometer and the rate of free radical scavenging activity was measured by the diphenyl-1-picyryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical method. Results: The free radical scavenging activity of C. intybus extract was obtained 47.85% of DPPH, and flavonoid and phenolic contents were 8.21 and 27.19 mg/g of dry extract, respectively. Meanwhile, median (MAP), systolic (SAP) and diastolic arterial pressure (DAP) significantly decreased in the 50 mg/kg extract-treated group compared to the control and 200 mg/kg extract-treated groups. Conclusion: Ethanol extract of C. intybus plays a protective role against hypertension, which, in part, might be due to antioxidant compounds of the plant against free radicals.

Voluntary wheel running is effective on suppressing of obesity but not on blood pressure and insulin resistance in female rats fed with high fructose diet

A fructose-rich diet has been known to cause metabolic syndrome effects such as body weight gain, increased blood pressure, blood lipids and glucose levels. The role of voluntary physical activity in these alterations is not known clearly. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible improving effects of voluntary physical activity in rats that were feeding with a fructose-rich diet. Spraque-Dawley female rats were separated as control (C;n=7), voluntary physical activity (A;n=7), fructose (F;n=7) and fructose+activity (F+A;n=7) groups. A and FA groups were kept in cages with running wheels during six weeks. F and FA groups were fed with adding 20% fructose in drinking water. Body weight was measured weekly and Lee Index was used to determine obesity. At the end of the feeding period serum glucose, insulin and lipid levels were measured by enzymatic method and blood pressure was determined with the tail-cuff method. Daily voluntary walking distance in F+A and A groups were similar during six weeks. Fructose intake induced to increase systolic blood pressure (p=0.001), diastolic blood pressure (p=0.002), glucose (p=0.041), insulin (p=0.001), cholesterol (p=0.001), triglyceride (p=0.001) and liver weight (p=0.035). The voluntary activity was found effective on the decrease of weight gain (p=0.018) however we did not observe a significant effect on blood pressure (p=0.917) and insulin resistance (p=0.565) following the fructose-rich diet. We conclude that voluntary activity has preventive effect on obesity but may not to be effective on increased blood pressure and insulin resistance in female rats which were feeding fructose-rich diet during six weeks.

Red ginger-extract nanoemulsion modulates high blood pressure in rats by regulating angiotensin-converting enzyme production.

Background and Aim:Red ginger (RG) has reportedly been used in folk medicine for the management and prevention of hypertension. One of the hypertension study models in experimental animals is the unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). This study aimed at evaluating the effect of RG-extract (RGE) nanoemulsion on UUO-induced hypertension and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) production in rats.Materials and Methods:RG was extracted using ethanol, combined with virgin coconut oil, polysorbate 80, and polyethylene glycol 400 to form the oil phase. The particle sizes of RGE nanoemulsions were analyzed using a particle size analyzer. The UUO method was used to induce chronic kidney disease in rats (504 mg/200 g and 360 mg/200 g b/w per oral for 7 days). The systolic and diastolic blood pressure was determined non-invasively in conscious state by tail plethysmography using an automated blood pressure monitor. ACE in serum was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results:The RGE nanoemulsions exhibited a particle size of32.8 nm and a polydispersity index (PI) of 0.268, indicating a homogenous nanoemulsion. UUO rats treated with RGE nanoemulsion (360 mg/200 g b/w) experienced a significant decrease in both their systolic blood pressure (p<0.05) from 142±1 mmHg to 107±6 mmHg and their diastolic blood pressure from 106±1 mmHg to 84±4 mmHg. Furthermore, treatment with RGE resulted in a 10.80% decrease in the level of ACE.Conclusion:The size and the PI of the RGE used in this study suggest a stable and effective distribution of the particle size in the emulsions. RGE nanoemulsions at the dose of 360 mg/200 g bw can be used as potential ACE inhibitors because they were found to decrease the blood pressure of hypertensive UUO rats.

MicroRNA -148 alleviates cardiac dysfunction, immune disorders and myocardial apoptosis in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (MI/R) injury by targeting pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK4)

ABSTRACT Ischemic heart disease in children may be induced by varied factors, and there is no corresponding systematic treatment up to now. This study aims to investigate the effects of microRNA (miR)-148 on myocardial injury in immature rats with myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (MI/R) injury. In this study, MI/R model was established by ligating the coronary artery of heart. The results showed that miR-148 alleviated myocardial injury and rescued relevant parameters (mean ventricular systolic blood pressure (MAP), left ventricular systolic blood pressure (LVSP), heart rate (HR), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), cTn1 and Mb in immature rats with MI/R injury. Besides, miR-148 improved the immune dysfunction induced by MI/R through increasing the number of interleukin (IL)-10+ cells and reducing the number of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)+ cells. In addition, miR-148 relieved the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes induced by MI/R through inhibiting the expression of Bax and elevating the expression of Bcl-2. Further molecular mechanism indicated that pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) was the downstream target of miR-148, which was further confirmed by dual luciferase reporter assay and related expression detection. Accordingly, silenced PDK4 attenuated cardiac dysfunction, immune disorder and myocardial apoptosis in immature rats and enhanced the ability of antioxidant enzymes. What is more, activated SMAD pathway induced by MI/R injury was then blocked by silenced PDK4. Taken together, our study demonstrated that overexpressed miR-148 relieved cardiac dysfunction, immune disorder and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in immature MI/R rats by PDK4 inhibition, which provided novel targets for MI/R injury treatment.

Blood pressure lowering, antidyslipidemic and nitric oxide modulatory effects of methanol extract of struchium sparganophora leaves on dexamethasone-salt model of hypertension in rats

ABSTRACT The use of glucocorticoids causes elevation of blood pressure (BP) in man and experimental rats. We evaluated the antihypertensive potential of methanol leaf extract ofStruchium sparganophora (SPA) on dexamethasone-salt-induced hypertension in rats. Rats were assigned randomly to six groups (n=4/group). Group A represented control, while BP elevation (BP≥140/90) was induced in groups B-F via single subcutaneous administration of dexamethasone at a dose of 2 mg/kg with 4% NaCl substituted as drinking water for 5 days. Groups B was left untreated and treatments of other groups twice daily (C-F) for 10 days were as follows: C: nifedipine 3 mg/kg D: nifedipine 3 mg/kg + SPA l300 mg/kg, E: SPA 300 mg/kg and F: SPA 600 mg/kg. BP was read using a noninvasive method, lipid profile and nitric oxide (NO) concentration were determined with appropriate procedures. SPA at 300 and 600 mg/kg markedly decreased the systolic and diastolic BP below suboptimal value of 140/90. Treatment with SPA caused increase (P<0.05) in the levels of HDL-cholesterol and NO as well as concomitant decrease in triglyceride concentration. This study revealed that SPA might lower blood pressure by increasing NO concentration and maintaining lipid homeostasis in hypertensive rats.

Antihypertensive Effects of Dehydroabietic and 4-Epi-Trans-Communic Acid Isolated from Pinus densiflora.

Korean red pine needle (RPN) exhibits various biological and pharmacological activities. Among the various compounds of RPN, we isolated dehydroabietic and 4-epi-trans-communic acid. At first, we confirmed that two compounds inhibited angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and induced p-Akt in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). RPN extract powder significantly reduced systolic blood pressure in spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHRs) through the reduced expression of ACE and angiotensin type I receptors in the lungs of SHRs. The Lineweaver-Burk plots suggested that the two compounds were noncompetitive inhibitors of ACE. Using docking analysis, we found that two compounds showed the best returned pose at ACE active sites, and formed hydrogen and hydrophobic bonds with ACE residues. These results demonstrate that RPNs may be a source of compounds effective for preventing hypertension and may be useful in the development of antihypertensive drugs.