The role of oxidative stress and the effect of antioxidant (vitamin e & melatonin) in the development of hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats

• Main Author: Sirajudeen, K.N.S.
• Format: Monograph
• Language: English
• Published: Pusat Pengajian Sains Perubatan 2012
• Subjects: R5-130.5 General works
• Online Access: http://eprints.usm.my/55503/1/DR.%20K.N.S.%20SIRAJUDEEN%20-%20e.pdf; http://eprints.usm.my/55503/
• Institution: Universiti Sains Malaysia

The glutathione (GSH) system plays a vital role In preventing oxidative stress, and an Imbalance of oxidant/antioxidant system has been linked to the pathogenesis of hypertension. The aim of this study was to investigate the status of the GSH system in the kidney of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Components of the GSH system, including glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and total GSH content, were measured in the kidneys of 4, 6, 8, 12 and 16 weeks old SHR and WKY rats. Systolic blood pressure of SHR was significantly higher from the age of 6 weeks onwards compared to age-matched WKY rats. GPx activity In the SHR was significantly lower from the age of 8 weeks onwards when compared to that In agematched WKY rats. No significant differences were evident ln.the GPx-1 protein abundance and Its relative mRNA levels, GR. GST activity and total GSH content between SHR and age-matched WKY rats. The lower GPx activity suggests of an Impairment of the GSH system in the SHR, which might be due to an abnormality In Its protein rather than non-availability of a cofactor. Its role In the development of hypertension in SHR however remains unclear.