EFFECT OF SALT- INDUCED HYPERTENSION ON NITRIC OXIDE, REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES AND MODULATION BY ANTIOX DANTS

ABSTRACT

Although the etiology of hypertension has a genetic component, lifestyle factors such as diet play an important role in management and prevention of hypertension. This study examined the impact of salt-induced hypertension on nitric oxide (NO) levels and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), while also exploring the potential modulation effects of antioxidants: Vitamin C, high magnesium and specifically Kolaviron - a biflavanoid complex extract from Garcinia kola. To replicate conditions of high salt intake, a salt-loaded animal model was employed. The study involved the extraction of Kolaviron, a natural antioxidant, and its administration at a daily dose of 200mg/kg, high magnesium (4.8mM) as well as Vitamin C (100mg/kg) which acted as the standard antioxidant respectively by oral gavage for 8 weeks. Blood pressure (BP) (mmHg) and heart rate (bpm) measurement were done in conscious animal by using the MRBP (Mouse Rat Blood Pressure) system before the animals were sacrificed using chloroform anaesthesia. 5ml of blood sample was collected for biochemical analysis. The results showed that Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) significantly increased in salt-loaded rats compared with the control, whereas the antioxidants caused attenuation in blood pressure increase when compared with the salt-loaded group. But there was no significant change in the heart rate of the animals. Nitric oxide and ROS levels were significantly increased in salt-induced hypertension compared with the control. Antioxidants caused attenuation in ROS level but not in NO in HS-cotreated antioxidant groups when compared with salt-induced hypertensive animals. In conlusion, this study provided valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying salt-induced hypertension and the effectiveness of antioxidants in mitigating its effects on ROS production.