Exogenous L-arginine reduces matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 activities and oxidative stress in patients with hypertension

Vinicius P Garcia, Helena N M Rocha, Gustavo M. Silva, Tatiana A G Amaral, Niels H. Secher, Antonio C L Nóbrega, Lauro C Vianna, Natalia G Rocha

13 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Aims Increased matrix metalloproteinases activity and reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability contributes to development of hypertension and this may be associated with a defective L-arginine-NO pathway. Exogenous L-arginine improves endothelial function to prevent the onset of cardiovascular disease, but the mechanism by which this is accomplished remains unclear. We determined the effects of exogenous L-arginine infusion on vascular biomarkers in patients with hypertension. Main methods Venous blood samples were obtained from seven patients with hypertension (45 ± 5 yrs., HT group) and eleven normotensive men (37 ± 3 yrs., CT group) before and during a 30-min intravenous L-arginine or saline infusion. Nitrite concentration was evaluated by ozone-chemiluminescence method; metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activities were detected by zymography; tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) and 8-isoprostane concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were determined by colorimetric assay. Key findings At baseline, nitrite, TIMP-1, and MMP-2 activity were similar between the groups (P > 0.05), but MMP-9, TBARS and 8-isoprostane were higher in HT group (P ≤ 0.03). During L-arginine infusion, nitrite increased only in control group (P = 0.01), while MMP-2, MMP-9 activities, MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio and 8-isoprostane decreased in HT group (P ≤ 0.02). There were no significant changes in vascular biomarkers between groups during the saline infusion (P > 0.05). Significance Exogenous L-arginine diminished metalloproteinase-2 and -9 activities and MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio along with restoring the oxidative stress balance in patients with hypertension.

Original languageEnglish
JournalLife Sciences
Volume157
Pages (from-to)125-130
Number of pages6
ISSN0024-3205
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Jul 2016

Keywords

  • Hypertension
  • L-arginine
  • Matrix metalloproteinases
  • Nitric oxide
  • Vascular biomarkers

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