Effect of Coffee-Corn Mix on Hypertensive Mice on Biomarkers of Nitric Oxide, eNOS, Sodium, and ACE Serum Levels

Hypertension is a major determinant of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Hypertension is the most common cause of death in Southeast Asia. The pathophysiology of hypertension is complex and not fully understood. Increased oxidative stress is considered one of the main mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction leading to hypertension. Therefore, antioxidant therapy can be an alternative option to prevent endothelial damage and hypertension. Robusta coffee and corn are high sources of antioxidants. This study aimed to analyze the effect of the coffee-corn mixture on NO, eNOS, sodium, and ACE serum levels in hypertensive rats. This research is an experimental laboratory study with a post-test only control group design. Robusta coffee and yellow corn samples were roasted at 180°C for 10 minutes. Rats were induced by DOCA salt and given a mixture of coffee-corn in a ratio of 75%: 25% and 50%: 50% for two weeks. After treatment, the levels of NO, eNOS, ACE, and F2-isoprostane from blood serum were measured. The results showed that there was no significant difference in serum Nitric Oxide levels in the negative, positive control group and the treatment group after treatment. There was a significant increase in eNOS levels and a significant decrease in serum sodium, ACE, and F2-isoprostane levels in the negative, positive, and treatment groups. In the path analysis, it was found that the administration of the coffee-corn mixture (50%:50%) can reduce blood pressure through two pathways, namely a decrease in the level of F2-isoprostane, which causes a decrease in sodium levels and a direct decrease in sodium levels.