Quercetin Attenuates Hypertension Induced by Sodium Fluoride Via Reduction in Oxidative Stress and Modulation of HSP70/ERK/PPARγ Signaling Pathways

Abstract

Hypertension is one of the silent killers in the world with high mortality and morbidity. The exposure of humans and animals to fluoride and/or fluoride-containing compounds is almost inevitable. This study investigated the modulatory effects of quercetin on sodium fluoride (NaF)-induced hypertension and cardiovascular complications. Forty male rats were randomly separated into four groups (n = 10). Group A animals served as the control, rats in Group B were exposed to 300 ppm of Sodium fluoride, Groups C and D animals were exposed to 300 ppm of Sodium fluoride along with Quercetin orally at 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg orally by gavage, while Sodium fluoride was administered in drinking water, respectively, for a week. Administration of Sodium fluoride caused severe hypertension as indicated by significant increases in systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure, together with prolonged ventricular depolarization (QRS) and QT intervals when compared with controls. Sodium fluoride significantly decreased the activities of antioxidant enzymes, caused increase in markers of oxidative stress and renal damage when compared with controls. Immunohistochemical staining revealed lower expressions of Hsp70, ERK, and PPARγ in the heart, kidney, and aorta of rats administered Sodium fluoride relative to the controls. Together, Quercetin co-treatment with Sodium fluoride restored blood pressure, normalized QRS interval, and improved antioxidant defense system.