Assessment of oxidative stress and protein modification in essential hypertensive subjects

Abstract

Hypertension has been identified to be the leading cause of cardiovascular disease and premature death worldwide due to its numerous comorbidities and associated risk of damage to vital body organs like the brain, heart and kidneys. The aim of this study was to determine the level of protein modifications and oxidative stress of hypertensive patients. One hundred and fourteen (114) participants were recruited for this study comprising 81 subjects with essential hypertension and 33 control (non- hypertensive) subjects. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated, systolic and diastolic blood pressure(SBP and DBP) readings were taken using digital sphygmomanometer, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and carbonyl (CO) group was estimated using ELISA, while protein sulfhydryl (SH) group was estimated using colorimetric assay. The results obtained showed that BMI of treated hypertensive patients was significantly decreased (p<0.0001) compared with control. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure was significantly increased when treated patients were compared with control (p<0.0001). GPx and SH groups of treated hypertensive patients was significantly increased (p<0.0001) in treated hypertensive patients as compared to control. The study concludes that protein modification occurs as a result of oxidative stress resulting in reduced levels of glutathione peroxidase which could be a risk factor associated with the development of essential hypertension These findings could help in designing quality diagnostic strategies and effective treatment and management approach for better clinical outcomes.