Antihypertensive effects of sodium nitrite in animal model of hypertension

• Grant number: 11/06586-1
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: July 01, 2011
• End date: June 30, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Jose Eduardo Tanus dos Santos
• Grantee: Jose Eduardo Tanus dos Santos
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The products of nitric oxide (NO) oxidation have been considered inert so far. However, recent studies have shown that nitrite can be converted to NO, thus allowing new pharmacological uses for nitrite in cardiovascular diseases. In this projects, we aim at testing the hypothesis that sodium nitrite given orally could exert antihypertensive effects in the 2 kidney 1 clip hypertension model. To investigate the mechanisms involved we will study how nitrite treatment affects markers of NO formation: nitrite, nitrate, nitrosyl-hemoglobin, and tissue cGMP levels. Because hypertension is associated with increased oxidative stress, which reduces NO bioavailability, we will study the effects on nitrite on NADPH oxidase activity and DHE oxidation, in addition to the 8-alfa-isoprostanes levels. This project will allow us to improve the knowledge that will possibly lead to the clinical use of nitrite in the therapy of hypertension. (AU)