Effect of Scurrula atropurpurea on nitric oxide, endothelial damage, and endothelial progenitor cells of DOCA-salt hypertensive rats

OBJECTIVE(S): To know whether Scurrula atropurpurea is able to modulate total plasma nitrate/nitrite levels, decrease endothelial damage, and increase endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in hypertensive rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The rats were divided in 5 groups: control (normotensive) group, Desoxy cortico sterone (DOCA)-salt hypertensive group, and three DOCA-salt hypertensive groups. All 5 groups received methanolic extract of S. atropurpurea (MESA) at a dosage of 50; 100; and 200 mg/KgBW. Serum nitric oxide (NO) was assayed by colorimetric. Circulating endothelial cells (CECs) and EPCs were assayed using flow cytometry. RESULTS: The administration of MESA(100) and MESA(200) elevated the total plasma nitrate/nitrite levels but cannot reach the level in control group. MESA(100) and MESA(200) also elevated the EPCs number compared with hypertensive group. The administration of MESA significantly (P< 0.05) decreased the CECs number compared to hypertensive groups. CONCLUSION: Methanolic extract of S. atropurpurea is able to modulate total plasma nitrate/nitrite levels and diminish endothelial damage via increasing EPCs.