The Protective Effect Of Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract On Vascular Remodeling In Ouabain-Induced Hypertensive Rats

Objective To observe the effect of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) on vascular remodeling in ouabain-induced hypertensive rats.Methods A total of 30 male SpragueDawley rats were randomized into 3 groups:control group (received 0.9％ 1 ml normal saline by intraperitoneal injection and oral gavage in the morning),ouabain treatment group (received 2 mg/kg ouabain by intraperitoneal injection and 0.9 ％ 1 ml normal saline by oral gavage in the morning),and GSPE treatment group (received 2 mg/kg ouabain by intraperitoneal injection and 250 mg Kg 1 d-1 GSPE by oral gavage in the morning).Blood pressure was determined before and 5 weeks after the treatment.The aortas were observed 5 weeks after the treatment.The mRNA and protein levels of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB p65) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in rat aorta were detected using real-time PCR and Western blot,respectively.Morphological observations were obtained by Hemotoxylin and Eosin staining and Electron microscope.Results The systolic blood pressure was significantly lower in GSPE treatment group than in ouabain treatment group [(133.6±6.0) mm Hg vs.(146.5±7.9) mm Hg,1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa,P＜0.01].Morphological observation showed that the thickening aortic intimal and structural disorder were found in the ouabain treatment group,and aortic intimal structural integrity were normal in the other two groups.The mRNA and protein levels of NF-κB p65 and TGF-β1 were significantly lower in GSPE treatment group than in the ouabain treatment group (NF-κBp65:2.77±0.58 vs.3.14±0.64,0.73±0.20 vs.0.93±0.21,both P＜0.05; TGF-β1:5.80±0.67 vs.6.09±0.95,0.42±0.14 vs.0.69±0.16,both P＜0.05).Conclusions GSPE may inhibit endogenous ouabain,and delay the process of elevated blood pressure and vascular remodeling by inhibiting NF-κ B p65 and (or) TGF-β3 1 pathways.