Oxidative stress and cardiovascular alterations in animal model for hyperhomocysteinemia

• Grant number: 12/01820-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 01, 2012
• End date: March 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Pharmacology - Neuropsychopharmacology
• Principal Investigator: Vânia D'Almeida
• Grantee: Laís dos Santos Puchetti
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Elevated plasma homocysteine may be associated with the risk of coronary heart disease, independent of other factors. These cardiovascular changes have been related to endothelial damage and oxidative stress. Despite these established relationships, the mechanisms involved are still poorly understood. It is known that chronic administration of Hcy in experimental animals increases lipid peroxidation and decreased enzymatic antioxidant defenses and the heart is extremely susceptible to attack by free radicals, thus, oxidative stress is a common denominator in many aspects of cardiovascular disease. Evidence shows that the high prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia associated with genetic determinants and acquired habits makes this amino acid an ideal target for intervention in vascular patients. Therefore, the objective of this study is to analyze how high levels of plasma Hcy influence cardiovascular changes, taking into account the biochemical changes, resulting from this accumulation in mice.(AU)