Antihypertensive Effect Research Articles

Perch Hydrolysates from Upcycling of Perch Side Streams Accelerate Wound Healing by Enhancing Fibroblasts to Secrete Procollagen I, Fibronectin, and Hyaluronan

Wound healing incurs various challenges, making it an important topic in medicine. Short-chain peptides from fish protein hydrolysates possess wound healing properties that may represent a solution. In this study, perch hydrolysates were produced from perch side steams using a designed commercial complex enzyme via a proprietary pressure extraction technique. The average molecular weight of the perch peptides was 1289 kDa, and 62.60% of the peptides had a low molecular weight (≤1 kDa). Similarly to the beneficial amino acid sequence FPSIVGRP, FPSLVRGP accounted for 6.21% abundance may have a potential antihypertensive effect. The concentrations of collagen composition and branched-chain amino acids were 1183 and 1122 mg/100 g, respectively. In a fibroblast model, active perch peptides accelerated wound healing mainly by increasing the secretion of procollagen I, fibronectin, and hyaluronan. In an SD rat model established to mimic human wounds, orally administered perch hydrolysates with a molecular weight below 2.3 kDa accelerated wound healing, which mainly resulted from collagen-forming amino acids, branched-chain amino acids, and matrikine. Collectively, the residue of perch extract can be upcycled via a hydrolysis technique to produce not only bioactive sequences but also short-chain peptides. Considering the therapeutic potential to promote wound healing, such by-products are of great value and may be developed as dietary nutraceuticals.

Characteristics and Biological Activities of Bioactive Peptides Derived from Bulgur Waste

Bulgur is one of the ready or semi-ready to eat cereals produced from wheat specifically Triticum durum variety. Residues of bulgur processing are known as bulgur waste that rich in some food components. Protein is one of the main components of bulgur that may remain in the wastes. This study was carried out to obtain and investigate the properties of bioactive peptides of bulgur waste proteins. Protein isolated from bulgur waste was hydrolyzed enzymatically to bioactive peptides and their potential activity against oxidation stress, microbial inhibition and hypertension control was determined. The bulgur waste proteins extracted from samples were hydrolyzed at different time intervals using pepsin, trypsin, chymotrypsin and protease under the optimum conditions of enzymes and o-phthalaldehyde (OPA) method was used to determine the degree of hydrolyses. The highest rate of hydrolysis efficiency was observed by protease as 10.08% at 240 min treatment while, the highest antioxidant capacity was measured with chymotrypsin (526.35% at 240 min) by 2,2′-azino-bis(3- ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) and with trypsin (151.93 % at 240 min) by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) methods. Trypsin hydrolysates showed the highest antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli whereas pepsin hydrolysates exhibited the highest activity against Staphylococcus aureus. It has been observed that trypsin, chymotrypsin and protease hydrolysates have higher antihypertensive effects than protease hydrolyzates. The highest antihypertensive effect was obtained with protein hydrolyzate obtained by hydrolysis with chymotrypsin for 180 minutes. As a result, the novel peptides indicated to offer the selected biological effects, suitable to use as a food additive for different purposes in industrial applications.

Potential role of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 in the amygdala in mitigating stress-induced high blood pressure via exercise in rats.

Chronic stress elevates blood pressure, whereas regular exercise exerts antistress and antihypertensive effects. However, the mechanisms of stress-induced hypertension and preventive effects through exercise remain unknown. Thus, we investigated the molecular basis involved in autonomic blood pressure regulation within the amygdala. The effects of a 3-week restraint stress and daily voluntary exercise against stress on cardiovascular parameters and gene expression profiles in the amygdala were examined using a microarray method. Candidate genes were selected from differentially expressed genes; the localization of their expression within the central nucleus of the amygdala and their roles in cardiovascular regulation were examined using small-interfering RNA transfection and radiotelemetry. Chronic restraint stress caused an increase in blood pressure levels; however, with voluntary exercise, the blood pressure levels remained comparable to those of the controls. Compared with the controls, chronic restraint stress decreased signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 expression in the amygdala, whereas voluntary exercise improved its expression to normal levels. Immunohistochemical staining revealed the expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 in neurons of the amygdala; inhibition of this expression using small-interfering RNA increased the arterial pressure. However, spontaneous baroreflex gain and low- and high-frequency components of heart rate variability remained unaffected by the inhibition of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3. In the amygdala, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 regulates the blood pressure levels and is possibly involved in blood pressure elevation in response to chronic stress and its improvement by voluntary exercise.

The therapeutic potential of apigenin against atherosclerosis.

Apigenin is a natural flavonoid abundantly found in fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants. It possesses protective effects against cancer, metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, etc. Atherosclerosis, a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease, is the underlying cause of coronary heart disease, stroke, and myocardial infarction. Numerous in vivo and in vitro studies have shown a protective effect of apigenin against atherosclerosis, attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its antihypertensive effect and regulation of lipid metabolism. This study aimed to review the effects and mechanisms of apigenin against atherosclerosis for the first time. Apigenin displays encouraging results, and this review confirms the potential value of apigenin as a candidate medication for atherosclerosis.

Efficacy and Safety of Allisartan Isoproxil/Amlodipine in Patients With Essential Hypertension Uncontrolled by Amlodipine: A Phase III, Multicenter, Double-Blind, Parallel-Group, Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of a combination therapy of Allisartan Isoproxil 240mg and Amlodipine 5mg (ALI/AML) compared to AML 5mg monotherapy in patients with mild-to-moderate essential hypertension. In this phase III, multicenter, double-blind, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial, patients aged 18-70 years with mean sitting systolic blood pressure (msSBP) between 140 and <180mmHg and mean sitting diastolic blood pressure (msDBP) between 90 and <110mmHg, following a 4-week treatment with AML 5mg, were randomized 1:1 to receive either ALI/AML or AML once daily for 12 weeks. This 12-week double-blind period was followed by an open-label extension of ALI/AML treatment through week 52. A total of 300 patients were enrolled, with 149 and 151 patients randomly assigned to ALI/AML and AML groups, respectively. Of these, 257 patients completed the study. Baseline demographics and characteristics were comparable between groups. After 12 weeks, the reduction in msSBP (the primary endpoint) was significantly greater in the ALI/AML group compared to the AML group (-15.7vs. -10.2mmHg, p = 0.0019). Similarly, reductions in msDBP (-5.7vs. -2.4mmHg, p<0.001) and 24-h mean ambulatory SBP and DBP (-10.4 and -7.7mmHg vs. -5.6 and -3.8mmHg) were more pronounced in the ALI/AML group. Additionally, a higher proportion of patients achieved both a BP response and target office BP in the ALI/AML group compared to the AML group (51.4%vs. 37.4%, 42.5%vs. 30.6%, both p<0.05). The ALI/AML combination was generally well tolerated, and the antihypertensive effect was maintained for up to 52 weeks. In patients with essential hypertension inadequately controlled by AML, the ALI/AML combination provided superior reductions in msSBP and was significantly more effective than AML monotherapy. This once-daily single-pill combination demonstrated promising efficacy and tolerability. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06465264.

Antihypertensive effects of rice peptides involve intestinal microbiome alterations and intestinal inflammation alleviation in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Gut dysbiosis serves as an underlying factor for the development of hypertension. The restoration of this dysbiosis has emerged as a promising strategy in improving hypertension. Food-derived bioactive protein peptides...

Quality by Design and Characterization of Nimodipine Novel Carriers for the Treatment of Hypertension: Assessment of the Pharmacokinetic Profile

Background: Nimodipine is a highly lipophilic anti-hypertensive drug having 13% oral bioavailability (log P 3.41). Nimodipine is a prominent calcium channel blocker that must be given intravenously for an extended period of time (1-2 weeks) in order to treat cerebral vasospasm. It might be possible to substitute a sustained-release biodegradable formulation for the ongoing intravenous infusion used in this traditional therapy. Objectives: The primary goal of this study was to formulate and evaluate the potentiality of ethosomes to deliver nimodipine, a potent water-insoluble anti-hypertensive drug, through the deeper layers of the skin. The greatest challenge for drug formulation is its poor oral bioavailability and solubility. Methods: Nimodipine-loaded ethosomal gel was developed for transdermal drug delivery to increase solubility and skin penetration and to promote oral bioavailability. Central composite design employing a thin-film hydration method was used to prepare and optimize ethosomes. A better dispersion medium for nimodipine's preparation in ethosomes was selected based on the effect. The design consisted of independent variables as lipid (X1), ethanol (X2), and sonication time (X3). Concentrations were manipulated to examine the effects on three responses, namely the %entrapment efficiency (Y1), vesicle size (Y2), and %cumulative drug release (Y3). Surface morphology and other in vitro tests were used to identify ethosomes containing nimodipine. The preparation of ethosomal gel formulations began with incorporating a single ethosomal formulation (F4) into various concentrations of gelling agents. These studies performed physicochemical characterization, compatibility testing, and in vitro drug release tests on ethosomal gels. In vivo studies involving hypertensive rats were conducted after skin permeation, and ex vivo studies were performed. In order to assess the drug's permeability and deposition, we employed the abdomen skin of rats. Results: The optimal process parameters resulted in ethosomes with 89.9 ± 0.19 percent entrapment efficiency, a vesicle size of 102.37 ± 5.84 nm, and a cumulative drug release of 98.3 ± 0.13%. pH and drug content measurements were consistent with the homogeneous ethosomal gels. Viscosity was found to increase with the spreadability. The ethosomal gel formulation (G2) met the regulatory standards regarding appearance, spreadability, viscosity, and in vitro release studies. Compared to pure nimodipine, ethosomal suspension (F4) and ethosomal gel (G2) formulations had higher ex vivo permeation, steady-state flux, and drug retention. Rats' mean arterial pressure (146.11 ± 0.84 mmHg) was significantly lower (p &lt; 0.01) after after two hours of the experiment than it had been (p &lt; 0.001) (98.88 ± 0.63 mmHg) after six hours. Conclusion: To summarize, ethosomal gels have been found to be lipid carriers that enhance skin permeation and extend the anti-hypertensive effect of nimodipine. Compared to plain gel, ex vivo drug permeation through rat abdominal skin in ethosomal gel was enhanced. Gel-based ethosomal transdermal drug delivery formulations of nimodipine can be used to achieve a faster rate and extend the duration of drug delivery by more than 24 hours.

FGF21 attenuates salt-sensitive hypertension via regulating HNF4α/ACE2 axis in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus of mice

ABSTRACT Background Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) has a protective effect against cardiovascular disease. However, the role of FGF21 in hypertension remains elusive. Methods Ten-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal-salt (NS) group, NS+FGF21 group, deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt (DOCA) group and DOCA+FGF21 group. The mice in NS group underwent uninephrectomy without receiving DOCA and 1% NaCl and the mice in DOCA group were subjected to uninephrectomy and DOCA-salt (DOCA and 1% NaCl) treatment for 6 weeks. At the same time, the mice were infused with vehicle (artificial cerebrospinal fluid, aCSF) or FGF21 (1 mg/kg) into the bilateral paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of mice. Results Here, we showed that FGF21 treatment lowered DOCA salt-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in the PVN, which reduced sympathetic nerve activity and hypertension. Mechanistically, FGF21 treatment decreased the expression of HNF4α and inhibited the binding activity of HNF4α to the promoter region of ACE2 in the PVN of DOCA salt-treated mice, which further up-regulated ACE2/Ang (1–7) signals in the PVN. In addition, ACE2 deficiency abolished the protective effect of FGF21 in DOCA salt-treated mice, suggesting that FGF21-mediated antihypertensive effect was dependent on ACE2. Conclusions The results demonstrate that FGF21 protects against salt-sensitive hypertension via regulating HNF4α/ACE2/Ang (1–7) axis in the PVN of DOCA salt-treated mice via multi-organ crosstalk between liver, brain and blood vessels.

Unveiling the pharmacological potential of guava (Psidium guajava L.): A review

Guava, a tropical fruit renowned for its rich nutritional profile, has garnered increasing attention in the field of pharmacology due to its diverse bioactive compounds. This resilient plant flourishes in tropical and subtropical climates, making it well-suited to warm environments. Guavas are climacteric fruits, which means they continue to ripen after being harvested. They are renowned for their nutritional profile, rich in potassium, lycopene, manganese, iron, calcium, fiber and essential vitamins and minerals. The guava plant's fruit and leaves possess a range of edible and medicinal properties. Guava extracts are recognized for their health benefits, which include anticancer, antiobesity, antibacterial, antidiabetic and antihypertensive effects. The presence of phytochemicals in guava leaves, such as caffeic acid, flavonoids and hyperin, enhances their therapeutic potential, particularly in treating respiratory ailments like coughs and colds. Guava’s impressive health-promoting qualities have made it a valuable addition to traditional medicine practices. Its fruits are not only delicious but also serve as a natural remedy for various conditions, highlighting the plant's versatility. By incorporating guava into the diet, individuals can benefit from its wide-ranging health advantages, making it a worthwhile fruit to include in daily nutrition. Overall, guava stands out as a powerhouse of nutrients and therapeutic properties, contributing significantly to health and wellness.

Beverages developed from pseudocereals (quinoa, buckwheat, and amaranth): Nutritional and functional properties.

The rising global demand for nutritious, sustainable, and plant-based beverages has catalyzed interest in pseudocereal-based products, offering an innovative alternative to traditional cereals. Pseudocereals such as quinoa, buckwheat, and amaranth are valued for their exceptional nutritional profiles, including high-quality proteins, dietary fibers, and bioactive compounds. This review explores the development of pseudocereal-based beverages, emphasizing their potential as milk alternatives, fermented drinks, and beer products. The fermentation process enhances their nutritional value, bioavailability, and sensory attributes, while also reducing antinutritional factors like phytates and saponins. Moreover, these beverages exhibit promising health benefits, including antioxidant, hypoglycemic, antidiabetic, and antihypertensive effects. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of pseudocereal-based beverages from regulatory considerations to production processes, highlighting the potential of these ancient grains in reshaping the beverage industry while addressing modern nutritional needs. Future research directions on pseudocereal-based beverages are also suggested.

Evaluation of the Effects of Mulberry Leaf Extracts Morus alba L. on Cardiovascular, Renal, and Platelet Function in Experimental Arterial Hypertension.

Numerous epidemiological studies have demonstrated that consuming foods rich in polyphenols and flavonoids can have beneficial effects on various diseases, including arterial hypertension (HTN). Recent research from our laboratory has shown that certain flavonoids exhibit antihypertensive properties in several animal models of HTN. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of Morus alba L. (white mulberry) extracts in an experimental HTN model characterized by nitric oxide (NO) deficiency. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: a control group, hypertensive rats treated with an NO synthesis inhibitor (L-NAME) in drinking water for six weeks, L-NAME rats treated with Morus alba L. extract, and L-NAME rats treated simultaneously with captopril. After six weeks of treatment, we measured blood pressure, endothelial vascular function in the aorta, and platelet aggregation function. Morus alba L. extract partially prevented the development of arterial hypertension due to NO deficiency, although it did not completely normalize blood pressure as captopril did. The extract reduced the excessive vasoconstrictor response to phenylephrine in aortic rings and improved vasodilation in response to acetylcholine, with both effects dependent on increased NO production. Morus alba L. extract also reduced the increased platelet aggregation in response to ADP and collagen in hypertensive animals, although it did not fully normalize this function. Morus alba L. extract demonstrates antihypertensive effects, improves vascular reactivity, and reduces platelet aggregation in a model of arterial hypertension. These effects are primarily related to an increase in nitric oxide activity.

Antihypertensive and Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme-Inhibitory Effects of the Leaves of Sesamum indicum and Bioactive Compounds.

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an important oilseed crop, and its seeds are a source of edible oil and widely used as a nutritious food that is beneficial to health in oriental countries. Phytochemical and biological investigations of the seeds have been well reported; however, those of the leaves have been limited. To explore the potential value of sesame leaves, we focused on their antihypertensive potency. Oral administration of sesame leaf extract significantly reduced blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Next, we examined the angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory activity of sesame leaves, stems, and seeds and observed that the inhibitory potencies of leaves and seeds were stronger than those of stems. Acteoside and pedaliin, the major compounds in the leaves, as well as exhibited ACE inhibitory activity. Furthermore, we determined the content of these compounds in the leaves, stems, and seeds using LC/MS. The contents of both compounds in the leaves were higher than those in the stems and seeds. These results suggest that sesame leaf extract can mitigate hypertension, at least in part, via the inhibition of ACE activity by acteoside and pedaliin, suggesting that sesame leaves may have the potential to be used for treating hypertension.

Molecular Docking and Antihypertensive Activity of Eupalitin 3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside Isolated from Boerhavia diffusa Linn.

Background: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is a key regulator of blood pressure, and ACE inhibition is an essential part of the treatment of hypertension. We used a molecular docking approach to find the interaction of ACE with an active flavonoid isolated from Boerhavia diffusa Linn, eupalitin 3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside, which leads to potential antihypertensive effects in methyl predenisolone-induced hypertensive rats. Additionally, the pharmacokinetic parameters of this compound are assessed. Methods:eupalitin-3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside was isolated from leaves of Boerhavia diffusa by sedimentation method. The compound was characterized by UPLC-MSMS, NMR, and UV spectroscopy to confirm the identity of the compound. Hypertension was induced in rats with methyl predenisolone (5 mg/kg/day) for 14 days. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure effects of eupalitin 3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside were assessed using a tail-cuff method. The blood plasma data for oral administration were used to determine various pharmacokinetic parameters from the bioavailability and serum concentration. Results: In methyl predenisolone-induced hypertensive rats, both systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly lower than that of the vehicle with treatment from eupalitin 3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside (p < 0.01). Conclusions: The pharmacokinetic process showed the moderate bioavailability of the compound; eupalitin 3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside induces powerful antihypertensive activity in methyl predenisolone-induced hypertensive rats, implying potential clinical application as a new therapeutic drug for hypertension.

The Relationship Between Oxidative Stress and Infertility Due to Antihypertensive Drugs in Rattus Norvegicus.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of antihypertensive drugs on reproductive function in Rattus norvegicus and demonstrate the potential role of oxidative stress in reproductive dysfunction. Rattus norvegicus were selected as the experimental animals and divided into the following groups: healthy (control group), clonidine (CL), rilmenidine (RLD), methyldopa (MTL), amlodipine (ALD), and ramipril (RML). Each individual in each group was marked from one to six. Doses of clonidine (0.075 mg/kg), rilmenidine (0.5 mg/kg), methyldopa (100 mg/kg), amlodipine (2 mg/kg), and ramipril (2 mg/kg) were administered orally via gavage to each Rattus norvegicus. Using blood obtained from Rattus norvegicus, the absorbance of the pink-colored complex formed by thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured spectrophotometrically at the 532 nm wavelength. Blood samples were collected from the tail veins to analyze serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and total glutathione levels in the serum of all Rattus norvegicus. After sampling, two mature male Rattus norvegicus were introduced to every group of six female Rattus norvegicus and accommodated in a controlled laboratory environment for two months. Any female Rattus norvegicus that became pregnant during this time was transferred to a solitary cage within a controlled setting. Rattus norvegicus that did not become pregnant and did not give birth during this period were considered infertile. The results were compared among the groups. Total glutathione (tGSH) levels were determined using a spectrophotometer. According to our study, the increase in MDA levels observed was not statistically significant in the CL and RLD groups compared to that in the control group. MDA levels were significantly increased in the methyldopa, amlodipine, and RML groups. While total glutathione levels in the CL group were similar to those in the control group, the RLD, MTL, ALD, and RML groups showed a statistically significant decrease. While the animals in the CL and RLD groups were not infertile, infertility was apparent in the groups treated with MTL, ALD, and RML. Thus, it was determined that the antihypertensive drugs MTL, ALD, and RML had different effects on fertility, and that the use of such drugs could cause infertility by increasing oxidative stress and decreasing antioxidant levels.

Antihypertensive Effects of a Sodium Thiosulfate-Loaded Nanoparticle in a Juvenile Chronic Kidney Disease Rat Model.

Sodium thiosulfate (STS), a precursor of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), has demonstrated antihypertensive properties. Previous studies have suggested that H2S-based interventions can prevent hypertension in pediatric chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the clinical application of STS is limited by its rapid release and intravenous administration. To address this, we developed a poly-lactic acid (PLA)-based nanoparticle system for sustained STS delivery and investigated whether weekly treatment with STS-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) could protect against hypertension in a juvenile CKD rat model. Male Sprague Dawley rats, aged three weeks, were fed a diet containing 0.5% adenine for three weeks to induce a model of pediatric CKD. STS-loaded NPs (25 mg/kg) were administered intravenously during weeks 6, 7, and 8, and at week 9, all rats were sacrificed. Treatment with STS-loaded NPs reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 10 mm Hg and 8 mm Hg, respectively, in juvenile CKD rats. The protective effect of STS-loaded NPs was linked to increased renal expression of H2S-producing enzymes, including cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) and D-amino acid oxidase (DAO). Additionally, STS-loaded NP therapy restored nitric oxide (NO) signaling, increasing L-arginine levels, which were disrupted in CKD. Furthermore, the beneficial effects of STS-loaded NPs were associated with inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and the enhancement of the NO signaling pathway. Our findings suggest that STS-loaded NP treatment provides sustained STS delivery and effectively reduces hypertension in a juvenile CKD rat model, bringing us closer to the clinical translation of STS-based therapy for pediatric CKD-induced hypertension.

The physiological anti-hypertensive peptide catestatin and its common human variant Gly364Ser: differential cardiovascular effects in a rat model of hypertension.

Catestatin (CST), a 21-amino acids physiological peptide, has emerged as a key modulator of cardiovascular functions due to its anti-hypertensive and cardioprotective properties. However, the ramifications of the most common human variant of CST (viz., Gly364Ser) on cardiovascular pathophysiology remain partially understood. In this study, hypertension was induced in uninephrectomized rats by treatment with deoxycorticosterone-acetate and sodium chloride (DOCA-salt). The DOCA-salt-induced hypertensive (DSHR) animals were then intraperitoneally administered with either CST wild-type (CST-WT) or 364Ser variant (CST-Ser) peptide. CST-Ser was profoundly less effective than CST-WT in rescuing the elevated systolic blood pressure [from ∼211 mmHg to ∼176 mmHg, p < 0.0001 (CST-Ser) versus ∼116 mmHg, p < 0.0001 (CST-WT)] and heart rate [from ∼356 bpm to ∼314 bpm, p = 0.66 (CST-Ser) versus ∼276 bpm, p = 0.02 (CST-WT)]. CST-Ser also showed diminished effects in lowering diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure in the DSHR animals. Furthermore, CST-Ser was inefficient/markedly less potent in rescuing the impaired contractile and diastolic function in DSHR animals [improvements in the contractility index by ∼22 s-1 (CST-Ser), p = 0.15 versus by ∼84 s-1 (CST-WT), p < 0.0001 and decrease in end-diastolic pressure by ∼4 mmHg (CST-Ser), p = 0.015 versus by ∼14 mmHg (CST-WT), p < 0.0001]. Moreover, CST-Ser exerted less potent anti-inflammatory effects on the DSHR hearts than CST-WT. These findings are in concordance with the elevated systolic/diastolic blood pressure observed in Ser variant carriers from various human populations. This study provides compelling evidence for the diminished anti-hypertensive and cardioprotective effects of the CST-Gly364Ser variant.

Depression and anxiety levels in patients with hypertension and relationship with blood pressure control: A review of study design for psychiatric intervention protocol

Arterial hypertension, anxiety, and depression are common in Western and Eastern medicines, with each offering therapeutic instructions and proposals. Arterial hypertension has been identified as a harmful factor that causing cardiovascular diseases and increasing global mortality. Depression affects over 322 million people worldwide, with an overall incidence of 4.4%. In cases of hypertension, depression is observed in approximately 30% of patients when assessed using questionnaires and in approximately 21% when assessed psychiatrically. Anxiety and depression are risk factors for arterial hypertension. On the contrary, hypertension has been considered to cause anxiety and depressive symptoms. This could be attributed to the direct effects of high blood pressure (BP), side effects of antihypertensive drugs, or psychological reactions to the diagnosis of hypertension. An unhealthy lifestyle increases stress and BP levels. Therefore, controlling stress is a complementary therapy for hypertension. In this context, this study presents a protocol aimed at evaluating stress/depression levels as well as the quality of life in patients with hypertension and examining their correlation with BP control and target organ damage. In addition, we will assess the effect of subsequent psychiatric interventions in hypertensive patients with increased levels of depression/stress on BP control, treatment compliance, and quality of life after a follow-up period of 1 year.

Propranolol and Prazosin Have a Positive Effect on the Sexual Performance of Female Three-Spot Gourami

Background: Sexual function is one of the most important aspects of life and is likely to be affected by the side effects of antihypertensive drugs. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of propranolol and prazosin on the sexual performance of female three-spot gourami. Methods: In this study, 84 female three-spot gourami were randomly divided into seven groups, including a control and six experimental groups. The experimental groups were injected with prazosin or propranolol at doses of 1, 2, and 4 mg/kg for twenty days. Finally, the histological morphology of the ovaries and sex hormone levels in the experimental groups were examined. Results: Our experiments showed changes in the oocyte stages, progressing to the cortical and vitellogenesis stages in the treated groups. Additionally, sex hormone levels increased in the groups exposed to that of propranolol and prazosin compared to the controls. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) exhibited a trend similar to the hormonal changes. The weight and length of the fish remained unchanged across the different groups. Conclusion: Our findings indicated that propranolol and prazosin, at the mentioned doses and treatment duration, had a positive effect on the sexual function of female three-spot gourami.

Nutraceutical Properties of Thai Mulberry (Morus alba L.) and Their Effects on Metabolic and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Individuals with Obesity: A Randomized, Single-Blind Crossover Trial.

Background/Objectives: Mulberries exhibit antioxidant properties that may attenuate metabolic abnormalities. Kamphaeng Saen mulberry (KPS-MB-42-1) contains anthocyanins, polyphenols, and nutrients, but few studies have explored its benefits for human health. This study investigated the effects of a concentrated mulberry drink (CMD) from the KPS-MB-42-1 cultivar on metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors in obese individuals. Methods: A single-blind, randomized crossover clinical pilot trial was performed on individuals with obesity. Participants consumed 100 g of CMD daily, alternating with placebo for 6 weeks. Body composition, blood pressure, and blood samples were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Results: This study was completed with 12 participants (7 men, 5 women, aged 30-55 years, BMI 32.1 ± 5.98 kg/m2) consuming CMD with 1041.90 mg total phenolic compounds and 35.34 mg total anthocyanins. No significant changes in body composition were observed. CMD consumption significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure, compared to baseline and placebo periods (p < 0.05). While total cholesterol, LDL-C, and HDL-C remained unchanged, triglycerides were significantly lower during CMD consumption compared to placebo periods (p < 0.05). Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels were stable during CMD consumption but increased significantly with the placebo period (p < 0.05). C-reactive protein levels were also significantly lower during CMD consumption compared to placebo periods (p < 0.05). No changes in blood coagulation indicators (prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and the international normalized ratio) were found. Conclusions: CMD improved metabolic markers, particularly regarding its antihypertensive effects. These findings highlight CMD's potential as a health drink for managing metabolic syndrome and preventing chronic diseases.

Nutritional benefits of camel milk in autism-A mini-review

Camels are essential livestock for milk, meat, and transportation, particularly in arid regions.Camel's milk is a staple diet worldwide due to its nutritional value, including lactoferrin, calcium, vitamins, peptides, zinc, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PFA). It has therapeutic properties like anti-diabetic, bactericidal, anticarcinogenic, and anti-hypertensive effects. Camel's milk also increases carbohydrate metabolism, curing gastrointestinal disorders due to polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and anti-inflammatory proteins. Its low fat and cholesterol levels, vitamins, minerals, and insulin content make it a critical source of insulin, potentially helping treat diabetes. This review article mainly emphasized the maximum nutritional benefit of camel milk consumption by children or adults suffering from autism spectrum disorders (ASD) after going through extensive reviews of published articles. This article was conducted based on searches in open-source databases like Google Scholar, Embase, DOAJ, PubMed, etc., using specific keywords such as ‘camel milk,’ ‘camel milk benefit,’ ‘camel milk future,’ etc.Camel's milk has been found beneficial for individuals with autism spectrum disorders in India, but further scientific research is needed to comprehend its nutritional and physiological benefits fully.