TY - JOUR
T1 - Morus alba extract modulates blood pressure homeostasis through eNOS signaling
AU - Carrizzo, Albino
AU - Ambrosio, Mariateresa
AU - Damato, Antonio
AU - Madonna, Michele
AU - Storto, Marianna
AU - Capocci, Luca
AU - Campiglia, Pietro
AU - Sommella, Eduardo
AU - Trimarco, Valentina
AU - Rozza, Francesco
AU - Izzo, Raffaele
AU - Puca, Annibale Alessandro
AU - Vecchione, Carmine
PY - 2016/10/1
Y1 - 2016/10/1
N2 - Scope: Morus alba is a promising phytomedicine cultivated in oriental countries that is extensively used to prevent and treat various cardiovascular problems. To date, despite its beneficial effects, the molecular mechanisms involved remain unclear. Thus, we investigate the vascular and haemodynamic effects of Morus alba extract in an experimental model focusing our attention on the molecular mechanisms involved. Methods and results: Through vascular reactivity studies, we demonstrate that Morus alba extract evokes endothelial vasorelaxation through a nitric oxide-dependent pathway. Our molecular analysis highlights an increase in endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation. In vivo administration of Morus alba extract reduces blood pressure levels exclusively in wild-type mice, whereas it fails to evoke any haemodynamic effects in eNOS-deficient mice. Molecular analyses revealed that its beneficial action on vasculature is mediated by the activation of two important proteins that act as stress sensors and chaperones: PERK and heat shock protein 90. Finally, Morus alba extract exerts antihypertensive action in an experimental model of arterial hypertension. Conclusion: Through its action on eNOS signaling, Morus alba extract could act as a food supplement for the regulation of cardiovascular system, mainly in clinical conditions characterized by eNOS dysfunction, such as arterial hypertension.
AB - Scope: Morus alba is a promising phytomedicine cultivated in oriental countries that is extensively used to prevent and treat various cardiovascular problems. To date, despite its beneficial effects, the molecular mechanisms involved remain unclear. Thus, we investigate the vascular and haemodynamic effects of Morus alba extract in an experimental model focusing our attention on the molecular mechanisms involved. Methods and results: Through vascular reactivity studies, we demonstrate that Morus alba extract evokes endothelial vasorelaxation through a nitric oxide-dependent pathway. Our molecular analysis highlights an increase in endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation. In vivo administration of Morus alba extract reduces blood pressure levels exclusively in wild-type mice, whereas it fails to evoke any haemodynamic effects in eNOS-deficient mice. Molecular analyses revealed that its beneficial action on vasculature is mediated by the activation of two important proteins that act as stress sensors and chaperones: PERK and heat shock protein 90. Finally, Morus alba extract exerts antihypertensive action in an experimental model of arterial hypertension. Conclusion: Through its action on eNOS signaling, Morus alba extract could act as a food supplement for the regulation of cardiovascular system, mainly in clinical conditions characterized by eNOS dysfunction, such as arterial hypertension.
KW - Endothelium
KW - Hypertension
KW - Morus alba
KW - Nitric oxide
KW - Nutraceuticals
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84990822025&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=84990822025&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1002/mnfr.201600233
DO - 10.1002/mnfr.201600233
M3 - Article
VL - 60
SP - 2304
EP - 2311
JO - Molecular Nutrition and Food Research
JF - Molecular Nutrition and Food Research
SN - 1613-4125
IS - 10
ER -