Carthamus Tinctorius L. extract improves hemodynamic and vascular alterations in a rat model of renovascular hypertension through Ang II-AT1R-NADPH oxidase pathway

Publication date: Available online 20 December 2017
Source:Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger
Author(s): Sarawoot Bunbupha, Chutamas Wunpathe, Putcharawipa Maneesai, Thewarid Berkban, Upa Kukongviriyapan, Veerapol Kukongviriyapan, Parichat Prachaney, Poungrat Pakdeechote
Carthamus tinctorius L. (CT) is widely used in Asian countries as a beverage and in folk medicine. The effects of CT extract on hemodynamics, vascular remodeling, the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and oxidative stress in the two-kidney, one clip (2K-1C) hypertensive rat model were investigated. Renovascular hypertension was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats and were treated with CT extract (500mg/kg/day) or captopril (5mg/kg/day) or vehicle for four weeks. CT extract or captopril reduced blood pressure, hindlimb vascular resistance, and increased hindlimb blood flow in 2K-1C hypertensive rats (p <0.05). Increases in aortic wall thickness, cross-sectional area and collagen deposition in 2K-1C rats were alleviated with CT extract or captopril treatment (p <0.05). CT extract or captopril suppressed RAS activation, including elevated serum ACE activity, and plasma Ang II level and up-regulated aortic AT1R protein expression in 2K-1C rats (p <0.05). Furthermore, CT extract or captopril reduced vascular superoxide production, aortic NADPH oxidase subunit gp91^phox expression and increased plasma nitric oxide metabolite levels in 2K-1C rats (p <0.05). These findings suggest that CT extract ameliorated hemodynamic alteration and vascular remodeling in 2K-1C hypertensive rats. Possible mechanisms may involve RAS inhibitor effects and potent antioxidant activity.

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