| Autor: |
Efentakis P; Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 15771 Zografou, Greece., Symeonidi L; Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 15771 Zografou, Greece., Gianniou DD; Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece., Mikropoulou EV; Division of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece., Giardoglou P; Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Science and Education, Harokopio University of Athens, 17671 Athens, Greece., Valakos D; Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece., Vatsellas G; Greek Genome Centre, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece., Tsota M; Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Science and Education, Harokopio University of Athens, 17671 Athens, Greece., Kostomitsopoulos N; Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece., Smyrnioudis I; Mastiha Research Center, Seleperos Kallimasia, 82150 Chios, Greece., Trougakos IP; Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece., Halabalaki M; Division of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece., Dedoussis GV; Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Science and Education, Harokopio University of Athens, 17671 Athens, Greece., Andreadou I; Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 15771 Zografou, Greece. |
| Abstrakt: |
Background: Hypertension poses a significant global health burden and is associated with cardiovascular morbidity. Chios mastic gum (CMG), derived from Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia , shows potential as a phytotherapeutic agent, due to its multifaceted beneficial effects. However, its anti-hypertensive effects and vascular, circulatory, and renal-related dysfunction, have not been thoroughly investigated. Herein, we aimed to explore the antihypertensive potential of CMG, focusing on vascular and renal endothelium, in vivo. Methods: Two models of hypertension in male rats, induced by Angiotensin II and Deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-high-salt administration, were utilized. CMG was administered at 220 mg/kg daily for four weeks after hypertension onset and blood pressure was measured non-invasively. Whole blood RNA sequencing, metabolomics, real-time PCR, and Western blot analyses of kidney and aorta tissues were additionally performed. Results: CMG significantly lowered systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure in both models. RNA sequencing revealed that CMG modulated immunity in the Angiotensin II model and metabolism in the DOCA-HS model. CMG downregulated genes related to oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction and upregulated endothelial markers such as Vegfa. Metabolomic analysis indicated improved endothelial homeostasis via lysophosphatidylinositol upregulation. Conclusions: CMG emerges as a potent natural antihypertensive therapy, demonstrating beneficial effects on blood pressure and renal endothelial function. |
