Effect of caloric restriction on nitric oxide production, ACE activity, and blood pressure regulation in rats

High calorie intake and high weight gain is one of the worldwide health problems particularly in industrial and developed countries. The subjected individuals are at high risk for developing various disorders such as diabetes and particularly cardiovascular problems. It has been well established that life style modification plays an important role in reducing these problems, particularly weight reduction and caloric restriction (CR) as a non-pharmacological approach. This study sought to examine the possible effect of caloric restriction on nitric oxide production, ACE activity and blood pressure regulation in rat. Two groups of rats were selected as the control (C) and the CR group and a with standard and an every other day diet, respectively, for 4 weeks. At the end of study in the CR group systolic blood pressure was significantly decreased compared to controls. The serum NOx was significantly increased compared to the C group. The serum ACE activity was lower in the CR group. Therefore, it may be concluded that CR could reduce blood pressure by elevating NO production and lowering ACE activity.