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Cox-2 inhibition attenuates cardiovascular and inflammatory aspects in monosodium glutamate-induced obese rats
N V Cunha1, S B de Abreu, C Panis
1Department of Physiological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil.
Aims:
the purpose of the present work was to investigate the effect of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition on the cardiovascular and inflammatory aspects promoted by monosodium glutamate (MSG)-induced obesity in rats.
Main Methods:
Neonatal Wistar male rats were injected with MSG (4 mg/g body weight ID) or equimolar saline (control). Treatment with celecoxib (50 mg/kg ip) or saline (0.9% NaCl ip) began at 60 days of age. At 90 days, all rats were anesthetized for catheterization of the femoral artery, and the mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded once consciousness was regained.
Key Findings:
MSG obese rats were hypertensive (MAP=138±4 mm Hg) compared with controls (MAP=118±2 mm Hg). After treatment with celecoxib, the hypertension was attenuated (MAP=126±2 mm Hg) in obese rats without changes in HR. The retroperitoneal and periepididymal fat weighed more in obese rats (Obese: Retro=7.08±0.51, Peri=6.36±0.81, CONTROL: Retro=3.60±0.46; Peri=3.24±0.42), but celecoxib did not alter these parameters. Plasma nitric oxide levels were not different between groups. However, the level of plasma prostaglandins, the immunohistochemical staining of COX-2 in cardiac tissue and plasma lipoperoxidation were higher in obese rats, and celecoxib attenuated these parameters. MSG produced liver steatosis that was also attenuated following celecoxib treatment.
Significance:
Our data demonstrate an association between increased blood pressure and products of COX-2 in obese rats, suggesting a role for prostaglandins in the hypertensive and inflammatory aspects of MSG-induced obesity.
Insights
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) induced obesity in rats leads to hypertension and inflammation. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition with celecoxib reduced blood pressure and inflammatory markers in obese rats.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Cardiovascular Research
- Obesity Studies
Background:
- Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is known to induce obesity in animal models.
- Obesity is associated with cardiovascular complications and inflammation.
- The role of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in MSG-induced obesity-related pathologies requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of COX-2 inhibition on cardiovascular and inflammatory markers in MSG-induced obese rats.
- To determine the impact of celecoxib on blood pressure, heart rate, and inflammatory pathways in this model.
Main Methods:
- Neonatal Wistar male rats were treated with MSG or saline.
- Obese rats received celecoxib or saline from 60 to 90 days of age.
- Cardiovascular parameters (MAP, HR) and biochemical markers (prostaglandins, nitric oxide, lipoperoxidation) were assessed.
Main Results:
- MSG-induced obese rats exhibited hypertension (MAP=138±4 mmHg) compared to controls (MAP=118±2 mmHg).
- Celecoxib treatment attenuated hypertension (MAP=126±2 mmHg) and reduced elevated plasma prostaglandins, COX-2 staining in cardiac tissue, and lipoperoxidation in obese rats.
- MSG-induced liver steatosis was also ameliorated by celecoxib treatment.
Conclusions:
- Increased blood pressure in MSG-obese rats is associated with elevated COX-2 products.
- Prostaglandins likely play a significant role in the hypertensive and inflammatory aspects of MSG-induced obesity.
- COX-2 inhibition may offer a therapeutic strategy for managing obesity-related cardiovascular and inflammatory conditions.
