Euterpe oleracea Mart.-derived polyphenols prevent endothelial dysfunction and vascular structural changes in renovascular hypertensive rats: role of oxidative stress

Abstract

The consumption of polyphenol-rich foods is associated with a decreased risk of mortality from cardiovascular diseases. Previously, we have demonstrated that the stone of Euterpe oleracea Mart. (açaí) from the Amazon region exerts vasodilator and antioxidant actions. This study examined the effect of açaí stone extract (ASE) on the vascular functional and structural changes and oxidative stress associated with the two-kidney, one-clip (2K-1C) renovascular hypertension. 2K-1C and sham-operated rats were treated with ASE 200 mg/kg/day (or vehicle) for 40 days. Blood pressure was measured by tail plethysmography, and the vascular reactivity was evaluated in the rat isolated mesenteric arterial bed. Mesenteric protein expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), superoxide dismutase 1 and 2 (SOD1 and SOD2), metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), and tissue inhibitor of MMPs (TIMP)-1 was assessed by Western blot; oxidative damage and antioxidant activity by spectrophotometry; MMP-2 levels by gelatin zymography; and structural changes by histological analysis. ASE prevented 2K-1C hypertension and the reduction of acetylcholine-induced vasodilation. The increased levels of malondialdehyde and carbonyl protein were reduced by ASE. SOD, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities and the expressions of SOD1 and SOD2, eNOS, and TIMP-1 were decreased in 2K-1C rats and recovered by ASE. In 2K-1C rats, ASE prevented vascular remodeling and the increased expression/levels of MMP-2. These findings indicate that ASE produces antihypertensive effect and prevents the endothelial dysfunction and vascular structural changes in 2K-1C hypertension, probably through mechanisms involving antioxidant effects, NOS activation, and inhibition of MMP-2 activation.

Euterpe oleracea Extract (Açaí) Is a Promising Novel Pharmacological Therapeutic Treatment for Experimental Endometriosis

“…Several studies demonstrated that açaí possesses high levels of phytochemicals with antioxidant, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, hypocholesterolemic, and anticancer activities [20–26,35,36]. To our knowledge, this report is the first study to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic effects of açaí in endometriotic implants.…”

Açai berry extract attenuates glycerol-induced acute renal failure in rats

“…Da Costa et al demonstrated increase of CAT, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase after oral administration of Açai stone extract to renovascular hypertensive rats. 30 Also the antioxidant effect of Açai has been demonstrated in other organs like brain, 12 lungs, 31 liver 32 in experimental animals. In addition, consumption of Açai pulp and juice was associated with increased plasma antioxidant capacity in healthy human volunteers.…”

“…Such improvement was attributed according to the researchers to the significant proven antioxidant effect of Açai. 30 …”

Cytotoxic effects of Euterpe oleracea Mart. in malignant cell lines

“…After defrosting at room temperature, fruits were separated into three portions: bark, seed and total fruit (bark + seed). The procedures used to prepared the hydroalcoholic extracts have been described previously [3]. Briefly, about 360 g of each different portion were washed in running water and boiled in distilled water for 5 minutes.…”