Joukar S, Ebrahimi S, Khazaei M, Bashiri A, Shakibi MR, Naderi V, Shahouzehi B, Alasvand M. Co-administration of walnut (Juglans regia) prevents systemic hypertension induced by long-term use of dexamethasone: a promising strategy for steroid consumers.
PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2017;
55:184-189. [PMID:
27653214 PMCID:
PMC7011871 DOI:
10.1080/13880209.2016.1233570]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2015] [Revised: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/04/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT
The long-term consumption of glucocorticoids (GCs) may induce serious adverse effects such as hypertension. There is sufficient evidence related to the benefit of walnuts on the cardiovascular system.
OBJECTIVE
This study assesses the effect of methanol extract of walnut [Juglans regia L. (Juglandaceae)] on dexamethasone-induced hypertension and the possible mechanisms in Wistar rats.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Animals were randomized into control, kernel extract (100 and 200 mg/kg/d, orally), dexamethasone (0.03 mg/kg/d, subcutaneously), dexamethasone + kernel (100 and 200 mg/kg/d, separately), and dexamethasone + captopril (25 mg/kg/d, orally) groups. Animals were treated with water, kernel extract or captopril by gavage 4 d before and during 11 d of saline or dexamethasone treatment. On the 16th day, blood pressure (BP) was recorded and blood samples were collected to measure nitric oxide (NO). Animal hearts were frozen for measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX).
RESULTS
Dexamethasone increased the diastolic BP and MDA/GPX ratio in comparison with control group (128 ± 7 vs. 105 ± 3 mmHg, p < 0.05 and 0.2 ± 0.046 vs. 0.08 ± 0.02, p < 0.05). Combination of dexamethasone and walnut (200 mg/kg) prevented the dexamethasone-induced diastolic hypertension (109 ± 3 vs. 128 ± 7 mmHg; p < 0.05), increased the GPX level (14.8 ± 1.46 vs. 5.1 ± 0.64 unit/mg, p < 0.05), reduced the MDA/GPX ratio (0.16 ± 0.015 vs. 0.2 ± 0.046) and improved serum NO level.
CONCLUSION
Similar to captopril, walnut extract normalized dexamethasone-induced hypertension. A part of this beneficial effect apparently involves maintaining balance of the redox system and NO production.
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