Modulation of (Na,K)-ATPase activity by membrane fatty acid composition: therapeutic implications in human hypertension
Rodrigo R Clin Exp Hypertens, 2013 May 9; [Epub ahead of print].
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 120 men with essential hypertension, supplementation of vitamins C and E, over a period of eight weeks, was associated with blood pressure reduction. Supplemented hypertensive patients showed higher activity of (Na,K)-ATPase and proportion of PUFA, and lower blood pressure, OS markers and proportion of SAFA, versus placebo. The activity of (Na,K)-ATPase correlated negatively with the proportion of SAFA, but positively with that of PUFA in both groups. Supplementation with vitamins C+E resulted in decreased OS and increased fluidity and PUFA proportion in the membrane, both of which positively modulate (Na,K)-ATPase activity, accounting for the blood pressure reduction. The research suggests that oxidative stress (linked to changes in the cell membrane fatty acid composition and fluidity) plays a key role in the pathophysiology of essential hypertension and can be improved with vitamins C and E.