Open AccessProtective effect of E uterpe oleracea M art (açaí) extract on programmed changes in the adult rat offspring caused by maternal protein restriction during pregnancy
Author(s) -
Bem Graziele Freitas,
Costa Cristiane Aguiar,
Oliveira Paola Raquel Braz,
Cordeiro Viviane Silva Cristino,
Santos Izabelle Barcellos,
Carvalho Lenize Costa Reis Marins,
Souza Marcelo Augusto Vieira,
Ognibene Dayane Texeira,
Daleprane Julio Beltrame,
Sousa Pergentino José Cunha,
Resende Angela Castro,
Moura Roberto Soares
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of pharmacy and pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.745
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 2042-7158
pISSN - 0022-3573
DOI - 10.1111/jphp.12258
Subject(s) - endocrinology , medicine , offspring , oxidative stress , renal function , malondialdehyde , kidney , creatinine , nephrotoxicity , antioxidant , superoxide dismutase , glutathione peroxidase , chemistry , biology , pregnancy , biochemistry , genetics
Abstract Objectives This study examined the effect of açaí ( E uterpe oleracea M art.) seed extract ( ASE ) on cardiovascular and renal alterations in adult offspring, whose mothers were fed a low‐protein ( LP ) diet during pregnancy. Methods Four groups of rats were fed: control diet (20% protein); ASE (200 mg/kg per day); and LP (6% protein); LP + ASE (6% protein + ASE ) during pregnancy. After weaning, all male offspring were fed a control diet and sacrificed at 4 months old. We evaluated the blood pressure, vascular function, serum and urinary parameters, plasma and kidney oxidative damage, and antioxidant activity and renal structural changes. Key findings Hypertension and the reduced acetylcholine‐induced vasodilation in the LP group were prevented by ASE . Serum levels of urea, creatinine and fractional excretion of sodium were increased in LP and reduced in LP + ASE . ASE improved nitrite levels and the superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity in LP , with a corresponding decrease of malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl levels. Kidney volume and glomeruli number were reduced and glomerular volume was increased in LP . These renal alterations were prevented by ASE . Conclusions Treatment of protein‐restricted dams with ASE provides protection from later‐life hypertension, oxidative stress, renal functional and structural changes, probably through a vasodilator and antioxidant activity.