Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction contributes to endothelial dysfunction in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense, Camb), a native Brazilian fruit, is rich in polyphenolic antioxidants. We investigated whether its ethanolic bark extract modulates ROS levels and promotes proliferation in human coronary artery endothelial cells from patients with diabetes (D-HCAECs). Cells were treated with pequi extract under normoxic, hypoxic, or H(2)O(2)-induced oxidative stress conditions. Cytosolic and mitochondrial ROS levels, cell proliferation, and the expression of antioxidant proteins (Nrf2, HO-1, SOD1, SOD2, catalase, and GPx1) were assessed. Pequi significantly reduced cytosolic ROS under normoxia and both cytosolic and mitochondrial ROS under stress. It also upregulated antioxidant enzymes through the Nrf2 pathway and enhanced D-HCAEC proliferation under all tested conditions. These results suggest that pequi's antioxidant effects may be mediated by the increased expression of endogenous enzymes, leading to improved redox balance and endothelial function in diabetic coronary vasculature.