Hypotensive Activity of Transgenic Rice Seed Accumulating Multiple Antihypertensive Peptides

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Biotechnology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Food-derived peptides show promise as antihypertensive agents with minimal side effects.
• Hypertension is a widespread health concern requiring novel therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the antihypertensive potential of peptides extracted from transgenic rice seeds.
• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of transgenic rice flour in managing hypertension in animal models.

Main Methods:

• Antihypertensive peptides were extracted from transgenic rice seeds.
• Peptides and transgenic rice flour were administered intragastrically to spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and Wistar Kyoto normotensive rats (WNRs).
• Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was monitored, alongside assessments of growth, development, serum chemistry, and pathological changes.

Main Results:

• Intragastric administration of transgenic rice peptides significantly reduced SBP in SHRs.
• Daily administration of transgenic rice flour for 5 weeks also significantly lowered SBP in SHRs.
• No adverse effects on growth, development, serum chemistry, or pathology were observed in either SHRs or WNRs.

Conclusions:

• Transgenic rice seeds are a viable source of natural antihypertensive peptides.
• Transgenic rice flour demonstrates a safe and effective antihypertensive effect in a rat model.
• This research offers a promising natural alternative for hypertension management.