http://cardiovascres.oxfordjournals.org/content/73/2/414.short
The following line from the full text;
Regular pomegranate juice administered to hypertensive patients caused
a significant drop in blood pressure [26], a reduction in carotid plaque development [27]
The abstract here:
- Filomena de Nigrisa,b,
- Sharon Williams-Ignarroc,
- Vincenzo Sicaa,b,
- Lilach O. Lermand,
- Francesco P. D'Armientoe,
- Russell E. Byrnsf,
- Amelia Casamassimia,b,
- Daniela Carpentieroa,
- Concetta Schianoa,
- Daigo Sumif,
- Carmela Fioritoa,
- Louis J. Ignarrof and
- Claudio Napolia,b,*
+ Author Affiliations
- *Corresponding author. Department of General Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Naples, 80134 Italy. Email address: claunap@tin.it
- Received April 14, 2006.
- Revision received August 19, 2006.
- Accepted August 25, 2006.
Abstract
Background:
Atherosclerosis is enhanced in arterial segments exposed to disturbed
flow. Perturbed shear stress increases the expression
of oxidation-sensitive responsive genes (such as
ELK-1 and p-CREB). Polyphenolic antioxidants contained in the juice
derived
from the pomegranate contribute to the reduction of
oxidative stress and atherogenesis during disturbed shear stress.
Aim of the study: To
evaluate the effects of intervention with the Pomegranate Fruit Extract
(PFE) rich in polyphones (punicalagin, which is
a potent antioxidant) on ELK-1, p-CREB, and
endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression induced by high
shear stress
in vitro and in vivo.
Results: At the doses
used in the study, both the PFE and the regular pomegranate juice
concentrate reduced the activation of ELK-1
and p-CREB and increased eNOS expression (which was
decreased by perturbed shear stress) in cultured human endothelial
cells
and in atherosclerosis-prone areas of
hypercholesterolemic mice. PFE and pomegranate juice increased cyclic
GMP levels while
there was no significant effect of both compounds
on the conversion of l-arginine to l-citrulline.
Administration of these compounds to hypercholesterolemic mice
significantly reduced the progression of atherosclerosis
and isoprostane levels and increased nitrates. This
protective effect was relevant with PFE. Vasomotor reactivity was
improved
and EC25 values in response to Ach and NONOate were significantly increased in treated mice in comparison to controls.
Conclusion: This study
indicates that the proatherogenic effects induced by perturbed shear
stress can be also reversed by chronic administration
of PFE.
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