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Genistein‐enriched diet tends to increase oxidative stress in the vasculature of female ob/ob mice (693.9)
Author(s) -
Simperova Anna,
Ricklefs Kristin,
AlNakkash Layla,
Faust James,
Sweazea Karen
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.28.1_supplement.693.9
Subject(s) - genistein , oxidative stress , endocrinology , medicine , mesenteric arteries , reactive oxygen species , superoxide , endothelial dysfunction , chemistry , vasodilation , nitric oxide , endothelium , biochemistry , artery , enzyme
Morbid obesity is associated with cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, such as atherosclerosis and diabetes. Endothelial dysfunction, an imbalance between contractile and relaxing endothelial factors, plays a central role in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Superoxide is a reactive oxygen species that is elevated with obesity and causes endothelial dysfunction via scavenging of the endogenous vasodilator nitric oxide resulting in hypertension. The objective of this study was to characterize the effects of genistein, a naturally occurring isoflavonic phytoestrogen, on superoxide concentrations in the vasculature of obese ( ob/ob ) female mice, an animal model of type 2 diabetes. Genistein has documented antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties; however, it is not known whether this prevents oxidative stress in the vasculature. Genistein was hypothesized to reduce superoxide in blood vessels of female ob/ob mice. Isolated aortae and mesenteric arteries from control (standard rodent chow containing 200‐300 mg genistein/kg; 4 weeks) and genistein‐enriched (600mg genistein/kg rodent chow; 4 weeks) female ob/ob mice were exposed to the superoxide indicator dihydroethidium (DHE) [2µL/mL HEPES buffer]. Cryosections were collected onto glass microscope slides and examined using confocal microscopy. Contrary to the hypothesis, a diet containing twice the amount of genistein found in standard chow did not significantly reduce superoxide concentrations in aortae ( p =0.287) or mesenteric arteries ( p =0.352). Rather, DHE fluorescence tended to increase with a genistein‐enriched diet. Further studies comparing the blood vessels of ob/ob mice fed a genistein‐free diet are needed to elucidate the effects of genistein on oxidative stress.