Altered Redox Status in Erythrocytes From Hypertensive Subjects: Effect of (-)Epicatechin
- Author:
SYED IBRAHIM RIZVI
;
NAVNEET KUMAR
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
human;
erythrocytes;
hypertension;
(-)epicatechin;
oxidative stress
- From:
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics
2005;32(3):235-238
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Hypertension is a major problem worldwide. There is much evidence to suggest that reactive oxygen species (ROS) radical may play a role in the development of organ damage associated with cardiovascular disease and hypertension. (-)Epicatechin, a member of tea catechins belonging to flavonoid group, is known to be a potent anti-oxidant.The study has been undertaken to evaluate the effect of (-)epicatechin on markers of oxidative stress: reduced glutathione (GSH) and membrane sulfhydryl (-SH) groups in erythrocytes from hypertensive patients. The effect of (-)epicatechin was also compared with a known anti-oxidant L-ascorbic acid. The erythrocyte intracellular GSH content and membrane -SH group content were significantly (P<0.01) decreased in hypertensive subjects. In vitro incubation with (-)epicatechin caused an increase in GSH and -SH content, the effect was more pronounced in hypertensive erythrocytes. Similar results were obtained with L-ascorbic acid. The observed decrease in the level of GSH and -SH groups in hypertension is an indicator of oxidative stress condition. Observation of an increase in red cell GSH content and the protection of membrane -SH group oxidation by (-)epicatechin in hypertensive subjects is a convincing reason to suggest that high dietary intake of foods rich in catechins may help to reduce oxidative stress and concomitant free radical damage in hypertensive patients.
