Pomegranate Extract Enhances Endothelium-Dependent Coronary Relaxation in Isolated Perfused Hearts from Spontaneously...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Pharmacology
• Endocrinology
• Phytotherapy

Background:

• Declining estrogen levels in menopause lead to endothelial dysfunction and increased cardiovascular disease risk in women.
• Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a widely used phytotherapeutic agent with potential cardiovascular benefits.
• This study investigates the effects of pomegranate hydroalcoholic extract (PHE) on cardiovascular parameters in a menopausal rat model.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if PHE treatment improves coronary vascular reactivity and cardiovascular parameters in ovariectomized (OVX) spontaneously hypertensive female rats.
• To assess the impact of PHE on blood pressure, coronary vasodilation, oxidative stress markers, and lipid profiles.

Main Methods:

• Spontaneously hypertensive female rats underwent sham surgery or ovariectomy (OVX) and were treated with PHE (250 mg/kg) or water for 30 days.
• Systolic blood pressure was measured via tail plethysmography; coronary vascular reactivity was assessed using the Langendorff technique with bradykinin.
• Protein expression (e.g., p-eNOS, AKT, SOD-2, catalase), superoxide anion levels (DHE staining), and plasma nitrite were quantified.

Main Results:

• PHE treatment reduced systolic blood pressure in both sham and OVX groups and improved endothelium-dependent coronary relaxation.
• Ovariectomy increased superoxide anion levels, which PHE treatment prevented, thereby reducing oxidative stress and preserving plasma nitrite.
• PHE treatment lowered p-eNOS (Thr495) and SOD-2 expression in sham and OVX groups and reduced total cholesterol and LDL in the sham-PHE group.

Conclusions:

• Pomegranate hydroalcoholic extract (PHE) enhances endothelium-dependent coronary relaxation and improves cardiovascular parameters in a menopausal rat model.
• PHE effectively mitigates ovariectomy-induced increases in oxidative stress and preserves plasma nitrite levels.
• These findings suggest a significant therapeutic role for PHE in managing cardiovascular complications associated with menopause.