Publication: Effects of vitamin c on the endothelium of rem sleep deprived animal model: a preliminary study
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Date
2019-12
Authors
Faris, Asma Nadia Ahmad
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Abstract
REM sleep deprivation is associated with endothelial dysfunction, a key event in the initiation of the cardiovascular disease process. The functions of the endothelium impair when damage occurs to its structures. To date, the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction in REM sleep deprivation remains poorly understood. This study aimed to determine the relationship between REM sleep deprivation and endothelial damage. The role of antioxidant vitamin C was also evaluated. Sixteen (16) Sprague-Dawley (SD) male rats were divided equally into four groups: free moving control rats (FMC), REM sleep deprived rats for 72 hours (REMsd), sleep recovery for 72 hours after 72 hours of REM sleep deprivation (SR), and REM sleep deprived rats for 72 hours (REMsd) that pretreated with vitamin C (RVC). Rats were deprived from REM sleep using the inverted flowerpot technique. Vitamin C (1 OOmg/kg) was administered orally for 4 weeks before the adaptation period. There was a significant reduction of body weight gain despite a significant increase in food consumption in the REMsd during the experiment when compared to the adaptation period. The systolic blood pressure also increased significantly in the REMsd group as compared to other groups. Histologically, the endothelium of REMsd rat had a features of endothelial damage. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the aorta were significantly higher in REMsd group suggestive oflipid peroxidation. Whereas, the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were significantly lower in the REMsd group when compared to others. The changes following REM sleep deprivation revert with sleep recovery. In conclusion, the above findings provide convincing evidence that REM sleep deprivation induced oxidative stress that caused endothelial damage. Supplementation of vitamin C has beneficial effects in reducing the adverse effects following REM sleep deprivation.