Renin angiotensin system blockage by losartan neutralize hypercholesterolemia-induced inflammatory and oxidative injuries

ABSTRACT

Objectives: This study explores the protective role of losartan (LT) against oxidative and inflammatory damages in different physiological systems including heart, liver, and kidney tissue in hypercholesterolemic rats.

Methods: After induction of hypercholesterolemia by high cholesterol diet for 6 weeks, LT was administered for 4 weeks. In serum, the levels of lipoproteins, aminotransferases, creatine kinases, urea, apoptosis, and inflammatory markers were measured. In cardiac, hepatic, and renal tissues, lipid peroxidation product and GSH as well as antioxidant enzymatic activities were assayed. Finally, histopathological assessment evaluated the structural damage in cardiac, hepatic, and renal tissues.

Results: Serum markers of cardiac, hepatic, and renal toxicities including creatine kinases, aminotransferases, and urea were attenuated by LT in hypercholesterolemic animals. Moreover, LT markedly corrected the elevated levels of lipoproteins, apoptosis, and inflammatory biomarkers. Hypercholesterolemia-induced lipid peroxidation, low GSH levels, and diminished activities of antioxidant enzymes were prominently improved in LT treated animals. Histopathological alterations by hypercholesterolemia in heart, liver, and kidney tissues were ameliorated by LT.

Conclusion: This study confirmed the pathological enrollment of renin–angiotensin system in hypercholesterolemia-associated metabolic alterations. LT had a significant cardiac, hepatic, and renal protective role against these impairments through down-regulation of oxidative damage, inflammation and necrosis.

KEYWORDS:

• Hypercholesterolemia
• losartan
• angiotensin
• oxidative stress
• redox
• inflammation
• free radicals
• antioxidant

Acknowledgement

The authors thank the Deanship of Scientific Research at King Saud University for funding this work (Project number RSP-2019/120).

Availability of data and materials

The datasets generated and/or analyzed in the present study are included in the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Deanship of Scientific Research at King Saud University: [Grant Number RSP-2019/120].