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Essential Hypertension and Oxidative Stress: Novel Future Perspectives
Caterina Franco1, Edoardo Sciatti2, Gaia Favero1
1Division of Anatomy and Physiopathology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|November 26, 2022
Summary
Melatonin supplementation improved arterial stiffness in patients with essential hypertension. This physiological antioxidant also reduced markers of oxidative stress, suggesting a role in managing hypertension complications.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, linked to oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Endothelial damage and vascular stiffness are key factors in hypertension development.
- Physiological antioxidants like melatonin are being investigated for their potential benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate endothelial damage and vascular stiffness in hypertensive patients.
- To test the effect of melatonin supplementation on hypertension.
- To compare melatonin's effects against a control group in essential hypertension.
Main Methods:
- Open-label randomized study with 23 patients (control vs. melatonin 1 mg/day for 1 year).
- Evaluated plasmatic total antioxidant capacity (TAC), blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and endothelial function.
- Measurements taken at baseline and after 1 year.
Main Results:
- Arterial stiffness significantly improved in the melatonin-supplemented group (p=0.022).
- Endothelial function showed a non-significant increase (p=0.688) after melatonin administration.
- The supplemented group had significantly reduced TAC levels (p=0.041), correlated with improved arterial stiffness.
Conclusions:
- Melatonin supplementation may improve arterial stiffness in patients with essential hypertension.
- Melatonin may reduce serum TAC levels, contributing to improved vascular health.
- Further research is warranted to confirm melatonin's therapeutic role in hypertension management.
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