L-Citrulline Effects in Left Renal Artery Ligation Model of Hypertension

Abstract

A natural antioxidant L-citrulline (CIT) being a nitric oxide donor helps in maintaining cardiovascular health. In this study we aimed to explore the effects of the CIT mono and combination therapy with telmisartan (TELM) on left renal artey ligation induced hypertension. To induce hypertension in rats, left renal artery ligated (LRA) and oral administration effects of CIT 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg doses were evaluated alone or in combination with TELM 5 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg. Treatment effects assessed by measuring hemodynamic parameters, heart weight index, vascular reactivity, and levels of reative oxygen species in heart specimens. In comparison to the LRA group, the CIT and TELM combination therapy decreased cardiac hypertrophy, blood pressure, vascular reactivity, aorta relaxant responses, and mitigated oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, CIT high-dose monotherapy demonstrated significant improvements in all evaluated parameters. However, the effectiveness of CIT or TELM alone treatment is somewhat less effective than combined therapy. Our findings suggest that CIT is an effective therapy choice for managing hypertension, and that CIT and TELM can be combined to treat hypertension more effectively.