Study of Nrf-2 participation in the modulation of oxidative stress by apocynin in spontaneously hypertensive rats

• Grant number: 18/10637-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): October 01, 2018
• Effective date (End): March 31, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Pharmacology
• Principal Investigator: Cristina Antoniali Silva
• Grantee: Priscila Scarpim Benevides
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia (FOA). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araçatuba. Araçatuba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Oxidative stress is an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by oxidant enzymes, such as NAD(P)H oxidase (NOX) and endogenous antioxidant defenses, and it is associated on development and maintance of hypertension. Oxidative stress favors transcription of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) that regulates the expression of antioxidant enzymes. Previous studies have shown that apocynin, a NOX inhibitor, prevents development of arterial hypertension and reverts endothelial dysfunction in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The objective of this study will be evaluate the Nrf-2 participation on the modulation of oxidative stress by apocynin in aortas of SHR treated. Wistar rats and SHR will be treated with apocynin (30 mg/Kg, p.o.) from the fourth to the tenth week of life and untreated animals will be used as control. Western blotting analysis will be performed for the evaluation of Nrf-2 protein expression. Malondialdehyde levels (TBARS) will be quantified for oxidative stress determination and FRAP assay will be used for antioxidant capacity evaluation in the aortas of treated rats. The activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase will be determined by specific biochemical assays. The results obtained will be expressed as mean ± SEM and statistically analyzed by statistical analysis of ANOVA or Student's t test and a significance level of 5% (p <0.05) will be adopted.