Betaine protects cerebral microvascular endothelium and ameliorates hypertension-induced cognitive dysfunction via upregulation of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase/nitric monoxide signaling pathway.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Hypertension-induced endothelial damage in cerebral microvessels is a key factor contributing to vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). Endothelial function stabilization considerably depends on the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)/nitrogen monoxide (NO) pathway. Furthermore, the eNOS/NO signaling pathway plays a role in stabilizing the vascular endothelium. Although betaine (bet) has been shown to improve cognitive dysfunction, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether betaine protects cognitive function by regulating eNOS/NO activity.

Methods

Male 7-month-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were randomly assigned to four groups: SHR, Bet, Bet and N(G)-Nitroarginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME),

SUBMITTER: Sun J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12337935 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature