Albino Carrizzo1, Mariateresa Ambrosio1, Antonio Damato1, Michele Madonna1, Marianna Storto1, Luca Capocci1, Pietro Campiglia2,3, Eduardo Sommella4,3, Valentina Trimarco5,6, Francesco Rozza5,7, Raffaele Izzo5,8, Annibale A Puca9,10, Carmine Vecchione11,12. 1. IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli (IS), Italy. 2. European Biomedical Research Institute of Salerno, Salerno, Italy. 3. Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano (SA), Italy. 4. Department of Agriculture, Laboratory of Food Chemistry, University of Reggio Calabria, Reggio Calabria, Italy. 5. Hypertension Research Center, Federico II University Hospital, Naples, Italy. 6. Department of Neurosciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy. 7. Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University Federico II of Naples, Naples, Italy. 8. Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy. 9. IRCCS Multimedica, Milan, Italy. 10. Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Baronissi (SA), Italy. 11. IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli (IS), Italy. cvecchione@unisa.it. 12. Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Baronissi (SA), Italy. cvecchione@unisa.it.
Abstract
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.
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.
Authors: A Di Pardo; A Carrizzo; A Damato; S Castaldo; E Amico; L Capocci; M Ambrosio; F Pompeo; C De Sanctis; C C Spinelli; A A Puca; P Remondelli; V Maglione; C Vecchione Journal: Sci Rep Date: 2017-02-17 Impact factor: 4.379
Authors: Roberta Esposito; Regina Sorrentino; Giuseppe Giugliano; Marisa Avvedimento; Roberta Paolillo; Ciro Santoro; Maria Scalamogna; Mafalda Esposito; Federica Ilardi; Francesco Rozza; Giovanni Esposito; Maurizio Galderisi; Valentina Trimarco Journal: Immun Ageing Date: 2018-11-22 Impact factor: 6.400