Beneficial Effects of Bauhinia rufa Leaves on Oxidative Stress, Prevention, and Treatment of Obesity in High-Fat Diet-Fed C57BL/6 Mice.

Obesity is an epidemic disease worldwide, associated with oxidative stress and the development of several other diseases. Bauhinia rufa (Bong.) Steud. is a native Brazilian Cerrado medicinal plant popularly used for the treatment of obesity. In this context, we investigated the chemical composition of the methanolic extract of B. rufa leaves (MEBr) and evaluated the antioxidant activity and its impact on the prevention and treatment of obesity in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD 60%). Additionally, the acute oral toxicity of MEBr was evaluated. In MEBr, 17 glycosylated compounds were identified, including myricetin, quercetin, kaempferol, coumaroyl, cyanoglucoside, and megastigmane. In vitro, MEBr showed antioxidant activity in different methods: DPPH•, ABTS•+, FRAP, iron-reducing power, inhibition of ß-carotene bleaching, and inhibition of DNA fragmentation. In human erythrocytes, MEBr increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. Under oxidative stress, MEBr reduced oxidative hemolysis, and the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels generated in erythrocytes. Mice treated acutely with MEBr (2000 mg/kg) showed no signs of toxicity. During 90 days, the mice received water or MEBr simultaneously with HFD for induction of obesity. At this stage, MEBr was able to reduce the gain of subcutaneous white adipose tissue (WAT) and prevent the increase of MDA in the heart and brain. After 180 days of HFD for obesity induction, mice that received MEBr simultaneously with HFD (HFD-MEBr) in the last 60 days of treatment (120-180 days) showed a reduction of retroperitoneal and mesenteric WAT deposits and MDA levels in the heart, liver, kidney, and brain, compared to the HFD-Control group. These effects of MEBr were similar to mice treated with sibutramine (HFD-Sibutramine, 2 mg/kg). Combined, the results show that compounds from the leaves of B. rufa affect controlling oxidative stress and actions in the prevention and treatment of obesity. Thus, associated oxidative stress reduction and body composition modulation, in obese people, can contribute to the prevention of obesity-related comorbidities and improve quality of life.

The number and periodicity of seizures induce cardiac remodeling and changes in micro-RNA expression in rats submitted to electric amygdala kindling model of epilepsy.

Generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) are the main risk factor for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Also, among the several mechanisms underlying SUDEP there is the cardiac dysfunction. So, we aimed to evaluate the impact of the number of seizures on heart function and morphology in rats with epilepsy. Rats were randomized into three groups: Sham (without epilepsy), 5 S, and 10 S groups, referred as rats with epilepsy with a total of 5 or 10 GTCS, respectively. Epilepsy was induced by electrical amygdala kindling. The ventricular function was analyzed by the Langendorff technique and challenged by ischemia/reperfusion protocol. Cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy were analyzed by histology. We also analyzed cardiac metalloproteinases (MMP2 and MMP9), ERK 1/2 and phosphorylated ERK1/2 (P-ERK) by western blot; microRNA-21 and -320 by RT-PCR; and oxidative stress (TBARS, catalase activity and nitrite) by biochemical analysis. Only the 5S group presented decreased values of ventricular function at before ischemia/reperfusion (baseline): intraventricular systolic pressure, developed intraventricular pressure, positive and negative dP/dt. During ischemia/reperfusion protocol, the variation of the ventricular function did not differ among groups. Both 5S and 10S groups had increased cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and fibrosis compared to Sham, but in the 5S group, these alterations were higher than in the 10S group. The 5S group increased in microRNA-21 and decreased in microRNA-320 expression compared to Sham and the 10S group. The 10S group increased in MMP9 and decreased in P-ERK/ERK expression, and increased in nitrite content compared to both Sham and the 5S group. Therefore, seizures impair cardiac function and morphology, probably through microRNA modulation. The continuation of seizures seems to exert a preconditioning-like stimulus that fails to compensate the cardiac tissue alteration.

GQ-130, a novel analogue of thiazolidinedione, improves obesity-induced metabolic alterations in rats: Evidence for the involvement of PPARß/δ pathway.

The present investigation aimed to characterize the effect of a short-time treatment with a new thiazolidinedione (TZD) derivative, GQ-130, on metabolic alterations in rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD). We investigated whether metabolic alterations induced by GQ-130 were mediated though a mechanism that involves PPARß/δ transactivation. Potential binding and transactivation of PPARα, PPARß/δ or PPARγ by GQ-130 were examined through cell transactivation, 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid (ANS) fluorescence quenching assays and thermal shift assay. For in vivo experiments, male 8-week-old Wistar rats were divided into three groups fed for 6 weeks with: (a) a standard rat chow (14% fat) (control group), (b) a HFD (57.8% fat) alone (HFD group), or (c) a HFD associated with an oral treatment with GQ-130 (10 mg/kg/d) during the last week (HFD-GQ group). In 293T cells, unlike rosiglitazone, GQ-130 did not cause significant transactivation of PPARγ but was able to activate PPARß/δ by 153.9 folds in comparison with control values (DMSO). Surprisingly, ANS fluorescence quenching assay reveals that GQ-130 does not bind directly to PPARß/δ binding site, a finding that was further corroborated by thermal shift assay which evaluates the thermal stability of PPARß/δ in the presence of GQ-130. Compared to the control group, rats of the HFD group showed obesity, increased systolic blood pressure (SBP), insulin resistance, impaired glucose intolerance, hyperglycaemia, and dyslipidaemia. GQ-130 treatment abolished the increased SBP and improved all metabolic dysfunctions observed in the HFD group. Oral treatment with GQ-130 was effective in improving HFD-induced metabolic alterations probably through a mechanism that involves PPARß/δ activation.

Oxidative Stress in Rheumatoid Arthritis: What the Future Might Hold regarding Novel Biomarkers and Add-On Therapies.

Numerous rheumatologic autoimmune diseases, among which rheumatoid arthritis, are chronic inflammatory diseases capable of inducing multiple cumulative articular and extra-articular damage, if not properly treated. Nevertheless, benign conditions may, similarly, exhibit arthritis as their major clinical finding, but with short-term duration instead, and evolve to spontaneous resolution in a few days to weeks, without permanent articular damage. Such distinction-self-limited arthritis with no need of immunosuppressive treatment or chronic arthritis at early stages?-represents one of the greatest challenges in clinical practice, once many metabolic, endocrine, neoplastic, granulomatous, infectious diseases and other autoimmune conditions may mimic rheumatoid arthritis. Indeed, the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis at early stages is a crucial step to a more effective mitigation of the disease-related damage. As a prototype of chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis has been linked to oxidative stress, a condition in which the pool of reactive oxygen species increases over time, either by their augmented production, the reduction in antioxidant defenses, or the combination of both, ultimately implying compromise in the redox signaling. The exact mechanisms through which oxidative stress may contribute to the initiation and perpetuation of local (in the articular milieu) and systemic inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, particularly at early stages, still remain to be determined. Furthermore, the role of antioxidants as therapeutic adjuvants in the control of disease activity seems to be overlooked, as a little number of short studies addressing this issue is currently found. Thus, the present review focuses on the binomial rheumatoid arthritis-oxidative stress, bringing insights into their pathophysiological relationships, as well as the implications of potential diagnostic oxidative stress biomarkers and therapeutic interventions directed to the oxidative status in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, and antidiabetic activity of Apis mellifera bee tea.

Diabetes has emerged as one of the largest global epidemics; it is estimated that by 2035, there will be 592 million diabetic people in the world. Brazilian biodiversity and the knowledge of traditional peoples have contributed to the treatment of several diseases, including diabetes. Apis mellifera bee tea is used by indigenous Brazilians to treat diabetes, and this traditional knowledge needs to be recorded and studied.The objective of this study was to record the use and to evaluate the antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, and antidiabetic activity of Apis mellifera bee tea, which is used by the Guarani and Kaiowá indigenous people for the treatment of diabetes. Semi-structured interviews were performed with Guarani and Kaiowá ethnic indigenous people from the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, seeking to identify the animal species used for medicinal purposes. For the experimental procedures, tea prepared with macerated Apis mellifera bees was used. In vitro assays were performed to evaluate antioxidant activity; direct free radical scavenging, protection against oxidative hemolysis, lipid peroxidation were evaluated in human erythrocytes and potential in inhibiting the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). In vivo, normoglycemic Swiss male mice treated with Apis mellifera tea (AmT) were subjected to the oral glucose tolerance test and compared with control and metformin-treated groups. Diet-induced diabetic mice were treated for 21 days with AmT and evaluated for glycemia and malondialdehyde levels in the blood, liver, nervous system, and eyes. During interviews, the indigenous people described the use of Apis mellifera bee tea for the treatment of diabetes. In in vitro assays, AmT showed direct antioxidant activity and reduced oxidative hemolysis and malondialdehyde generation in human erythrocytes. The AmT inhibited the formation of AGEs by albumin-fructose pathways and methylglyoxal products. In vivo, after oral glucose overload, normoglycemic mice treated with AmT had reduced hyperglycemia at all times evaluated up to 180 min. AmT also reduced hyperglycemia and malondialdehyde levels in the blood, liver, nervous system, and eyes of diabetic mice to similar levels as those in metformin-treated mice and normoglycemic controls. In summary, Apis mellifera bee tea showed antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, and antidiabetic activity, which provides support for the therapeutic application of Guarani and Kaiowá indigenous knowledge.

Antioxidant and Protective Effects of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi Against Doxorubicin-Induced Toxicity.

Doxorubicin is an anticancer drug whose toxic effects on non-cancer cells are associated with increased oxidative stress. This study investigated the chemical composition, antioxidant activity of the methanolic extract of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi leaves (MESL) as well as effects against doxorubicin-induced toxicity in human erythrocytes, K562 human erythroleukemia cells, and mouse hearts. The chemical composition indicated the presence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins, and ascorbic acid. MESL showed antioxidant activity by scavenging free radicals and inhibiting hemolysis and lipid peroxidation in human erythrocytes incubated with an oxidizing agent, and was able to increase the enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in human erythrocytes, without influencing the activity of enzyme catalase. The increase of oxidative hemolysis and malondialdehyde levels in erythrocytes incubated with doxorubicin was reduced by treatment with MESL. The cytotoxic activity of doxorubicin in erythroleukemia cells treated with MESL was unmodified. Additionally, the extract protected mice against the doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. In conclusion, the MESL exhibits antioxidant activity, reducing doxorubicin-induced oxidative stress without changing the anticancer action of the drug, and protects against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Hence, these findings suggest that these effects are via anti-oxidative by inhibiting free radicals, decreased oxidative stress, and increased antioxidant enzyme activity.

Colonic and Hepatic Modulation by Lipoic Acid and/or N-Acetylcysteine Supplementation in Mild Ulcerative Colitis Induced by Dextran Sodium Sulfate in Rats.

Lipoic acid (LA) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents that have not yet been tested on mild ulcerative colitis (UC). This study aims to evaluate the action of LA and/or NAC, on oxidative stress and inflammation markers in colonic and hepatic rat tissues with mild UC, induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) (2% w/v). LA and/or NAC (100 mg·kg·day-1, each) were given, once a day, in the diet, in a pretreatment phase (7 days) and during UC induction (5 days). Colitis induction was confirmed by histological and biochemical analyses (high performance liquid chromatography, spectrophotometry, and Multiplex®). A redox imbalance occurred before an immunological disruption in the colon. NAC led to a decrease in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and myeloperoxidase activity. In the liver, DSS did not cause damage but treatments with both antioxidants were potentially harmful, with LA increasing MDA and LA + NAC increasing H2O2, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interferon gamma, and transaminases. In summary, NAC exhibited the highest colonic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, while LA + NAC caused hepatic damage.

Aging Increases Susceptibility to High Fat Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome in C57BL/6 Mice: Improvement in Glycemic and Lipid Profile after Antioxidant Therapy.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been considered a novel component of the metabolic syndrome (MetS), with the oxidative stress participating in its progression. This study aimed to evaluate the metabolic profile in young and old mice with MetS, and the effects of apocynin and tempol on glycemic and lipid parameters. Young and old C57BL/6 mice with high fat diet- (HFD-) induced MetS received apocynin and tempol 50 mg·kg(-1)/day in their drinking water for 10 weeks. After HFD, the young group showed elevated fasting glucose, worsened lipid profile in plasma, steatosis, and hepatic lipid peroxidation. Nevertheless, the old group presented significant increase in fasting insulin levels, insulin resistance, plasma and hepatic lipid peroxidation, and pronounced steatosis. The hepatic superoxide dismutase and catalase activity did not differ between the groups. Tempol and apocynin seemed to prevent hepatic lipid deposition in both groups. Furthermore, apocynin improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in old mice. In summary, old mice are more susceptible to HFD-induced metabolic changes than their young counterparts. Also, the antioxidant therapy improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, and in addition, apocynin seemed to prevent the HFD-induced hepatic fat deposition, suggesting an important role of oxidative stress in the induction of NAFLD.

Oxidative status imbalance in patients with metabolic syndrome: role of the myeloperoxidase/hydrogen peroxide axis.

The present study evaluated the cardiometabolic and redox balance profiles in patients with Metabolic Syndrome compared to apparently healthy individuals, and the participation of the myeloperoxidase/hydrogen peroxide axis in systemic lipid peroxidation. Twenty-four patients with Metabolic Syndrome and eighteen controls underwent a full clinical assessment. Venous blood samples were collected for general biochemical dosages, as well as for the oxidative stress analyses (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and arginase activities; and lipid peroxidation, myeloperoxidase activity, nitrite, and hydrogen peroxide concentrations in plasma). Arterial stiffness was assessed by radial artery applanation tonometry. Plasma lipid peroxidation, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity, myeloperoxidase activity, and hydrogen peroxide concentrations were shown to be increased in Metabolic Syndrome patients, without significant differences for the other enzymes, plasma nitrite concentrations, and arterial stiffness. Linear regression analysis revealed a positive and significant correlation between lipid peroxidation and myeloperoxidase and also between this enzyme and hydrogen peroxide. In contrast, such correlation was not observed between lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide. In summary, Metabolic Syndrome patients exhibited evident systemic redox imbalance compared to controls, with the possible participation of the myeloperoxidase/hydrogen peroxide axis as a contributor in lipid peroxidation.

Antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of hydroethanolic extract from Jacaranda decurrens leaves.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Leaves of Jacaranda decurrens are used in traditional Brazilian medicine to treat metabolic diseases related to increased reactive oxygen species. The present study evaluated the antioxidant and cytotoxic potential of hydroethanolic extract from the leaves of Jacaranda decurrens subsp. symmetrifoliolata. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Phenolic compounds, flavonoids and saponins were evaluated in an ethanol:water (80:20, v/v) extract from the leaves of Jacaranda decurrens subsp. symmetrifoliolata (E-Jds). The antioxidant activity of E-Jds was investigated by assessing the following: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity; protection against 2,2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced hemolysis of erythrocytes; in vitro and in vivo malondialdehyde dosage; and the ability to activate antioxidant enzymes. K562 leukemia cells were used for the cytotoxic evaluation of E-Jds and for the assessment of the cell death profile through flow cytometry. KEY RESULTS: Phenolic and flavonoid compounds were quantified as 14.38% and 2.15%, respectively, of E-Jds. These phenolic and flavonoid compounds proved to be able to scavenge DPPH free radicals with an IC50 of 9.3 ± 3.3 µg/mL, to protect up to 50% of erythrocytes against AAPH-induced hemolysis and to reduce in vitro and in vivo malondialdehyde levels up to 84% and 22%, respectively. E-Jds also increased glutathione peroxidase enzyme activity, with a concomitant decrease in superoxide dismutase and catalase activity, and exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxic activity on K562 erythroleukemia cells with cell death occurring via both late apoptosis and necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: E-Jds exhibits in vitro and in vivo antioxidant potential, which may be the mechanism mediating the metabolic activities reported in folk medicine. Furthermore, the cytotoxic activity identified in this study contributes with the knowledge of antiproliferative activities that have been described in the literature for the genus Jacaranda.

A student-centered approach for developing active learning: the construction of physical models as a teaching tool in medical physiology.

BACKGROUND: Teaching physiology, a complex and constantly evolving subject, is not a simple task. A considerable body of knowledge about cognitive processes and teaching and learning methods has accumulated over the years, helping teachers to determine the most efficient way to teach, and highlighting student's active participation as a means to improve learning outcomes. In this context, this paper describes and qualitatively analyzes an experience of a student-centered teaching-learning methodology based on the construction of physiological-physical models, focusing on their possible application in the practice of teaching physiology. METHODS: After having Physiology classes and revising the literature, students, divided in small groups, built physiological-physical models predominantly using low-cost materials, for studying different topics in Physiology. Groups were followed by monitors and guided by teachers during the whole process, finally presenting the results in a Symposium on Integrative Physiology. RESULTS: Along the proposed activities, students were capable of efficiently creating physiological-physical models (118 in total) highly representative of different physiological processes. The implementation of the proposal indicated that students successfully achieved active learning and meaningful learning in Physiology while addressing multiple learning styles. CONCLUSION: The proposed method has proved to be an attractive, accessible and relatively simple approach to facilitate the physiology teaching-learning process, while facing difficulties imposed by recent requirements, especially those relating to the use of experimental animals and professional training guidelines. Finally, students' active participation in the production of knowledge may result in a holistic education, and possibly, better professional practices.

Markers of redox imbalance in the blood of hypertensive patients of a community in Northeastern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies describe the participation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in hypertension. OBJECTIVE: To identify the redox imbalance in the blood of hypertensive. METHODS: Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH), vitamin C, transferrin, ceruloplasmin, malondialdehyde (MDA) and carbonyl group were quantified in the blood of 20 hypertensives and 21 controls. The individuals had a Body Mass Index of ≥ 18.5 and ≤ 30 kg/m(2), glycemia ≤ 100 mg/dL, serum cholesterol ≤ 200 mg/dL, and were nonsmokers, non-pregnant and non-lactating women, non-users of alopurinol and probucol, with hypertensives on antihypertensive medication. All individuals underwent a preparatory period of 4 weeks without alcohol, vitamin supplements, dexamethasone and paracetamol. RESULTS: Reduced levels of CAT (p 0.013), GSH (p 0.003) and MDA (p 0.014), and high levels of GPx (p 0.001) and ceruloplasmin (p 0.015) were obtained in the hypertensive group compared with controls. A positive correlation between systolic pressure and MDA in hypertensive and diastolic pressure and CAT in controls was obtained. CONCLUSION: The data obtained suggest that the hypertensives were in redox imbalance, despite the possibly attenuating effect of their antihypertensive medication.

Marcadores de desequilíbrio redox em sangue de pacientes hipertensos de uma comunidade no Nordeste do Brasil / Markers of redox imbalance in the blood of hypertensive patients of a community in Northeastern Brazil / Marcadores de desequilibrio en reacciones de reducción y oxidación en la sangre de pacientes hipertensos en una comunidad del Noreste del Brasil

FUNDAMENTO: Estudos recentes descrevem a participação de espécies reativas de oxigênio e nitrogênio na hipertensão. OBJETIVO: Identificar o desbalanço redox em sangue de hipertensos. MÉTODOS: Superóxido dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutationa peroxidase (GPx), glutationa (GSH), vitamina C, transferrina, ceruloplasmina, malondialdeído (MDA) e o grupo carbonila, foram quantificados no sangue de 20 hipertensos e 21 controles. Os indivíduos tinham um Índice de Massa Corporal de > 18,5 e < 30 kg/m², glicemia < 100 mg/dL, colesterol sérico < 200 mg/dL, e eram mulheres não fumantes, não grávidas e não lactantes, não usuárias de alopurinol e probucol, e hipertensos em medicação anti-hipertensiva. Todos os indivíduos foram submetidos a um período preparatório de quatro semanas sem álcool, suplementos vitamínicos, dexametasona e paracetamol. RESULTADOS: Níveis reduzidos de CAT (p = 0,013), GSH ( p = 0,003) e MDA (p = 0,014), e altos níveis de GPx (p = 0,001) e ceruloplasmina (p = 0,015) foram obtidos no grupo de hipertensos, em comparação com os controles. Foi verificada uma correlação positiva entre a pressão sistólica e o MDA nos hipertensos e diastólica e CAT nos controles. CONCLUSÃO: Os dados obtidos são sugestivos de que os hipertensos apresentavam desequilíbrio em reações redox, a despeito do possível efeito atenuante de sua medicação anti-hipertensiva.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies describe the participation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in hypertension. OBJECTIVE: To identify the redox imbalance in the blood of hypertensive. METHODS: Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH), vitamin C, transferrin, ceruloplasmin, malondialdehyde (MDA) and carbonyl group were quantified in the blood of 20 hypertensives and 21 controls. The individuals had a Body Mass Index of > 18.5 and < 30 kg/m², glycemia < 100 mg/dL, serum cholesterol < 200 mg/dL, and were nonsmokers, non-pregnant and non-lactating women, non-users of alopurinol and probucol, with hypertensives on antihypertensive medication. All individuals underwent a preparatory period of 4 weeks without alcohol, vitamin supplements, dexamethasone and paracetamol. RESULTS: Reduced levels of CAT (p 0.013), GSH (p 0.003) and MDA (p 0.014), and high levels of GPx (p 0.001) and ceruloplasmin (p 0.015) were obtained in the hypertensive group compared with controls. A positive correlation between systolic pressure and MDA in hypertensive and diastolic pressure and CAT in controls was obtained. CONCLUSION: The data obtained suggest that the hypertensives were in redox imbalance, despite the possibly attenuating effect of their antihypertensive medication.

FUNDAMENTO: Estudios recientes describen la participación de especies reactivas de oxígeno y nitrógeno en la hipertensión. OBJETIVO: Identificar el desequilíbrio redox em la sangre de los hipertensos MÉTODOS: El Superóxido dismutasa (SOD), catalasa (CAT), glutationa peroxidasa (GPx), glutationa (GSH), vitamina C, transferrina, ceruloplasmina, malondialdehído (MDA) y el grupo carbonilo, fueron cuantificados en la sangre de 20 hipertensos y 21 controles. Los individuos tenían un Índice de Masa Corporal de > 18,5 y < 30 kg/m², glicemia < 100 mg/dL, colesterol sérico < 200 mg/dL, y eran mujeres no fumadoras, no grávidas y no lactantes, no usuarias de alopurinol y probucol, con hipertensos sometidos a medicación antihipertensiva. Todos los individuos fueron sometidos a un período preparatorio de cuatro semanas sin alcohol, suplementos vitamínicos, dexametasona y paracetamol. RESULTADOS: Niveles reducidos de CAT (p = 0,013), GSH (p = 0,003) y MDA (p = 0,014), y altos niveles de GPx (p = 0,001) y ceruloplasmina (p = 0,015) fueron obtenidos en el grupo de hipertensos, en comparación con los controles. Fue obtenida una correlación positiva entre la presión sistólica y el MDA en la presión de hipertensos y diastólica y CAT en los controles. CONCLUSIÓN: Los datos obtenidos son sugestivos de que los hipertensos presentaban desequilibrio en reacciones de reducción y oxidación, a despecho del posible efecto atenuante de su medicación antihipertensiva.