Stable Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 in Rats Subjected to High Salt (30%) Diet for One Month Counteracts Hypertension and Compromised Optic Disc Head Circulation and Following Atrophy
Authors: Radevski Filip , Peraic Pavla , Dretar Vilim , Masek Tomislav , Starcevic Kristina , Pavlov Katarina Horvat , Drmic Domagoj , Kralj Tamara , Zlatar Mirna , Seiwerth Sven , Sikiric Predrag , Kokot Antonio 
Published: June 2021

We documented that stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 in rats subjected to high salt (30%) diet for one month counteracts hypertension and compromised optic disc head circulation and following atrophy. BPC 157 (LD1 not achieved) was implemented as an anti‐ulcer peptide in IBD trials and now in a multiple sclerosis trial (Curr Pharm Des 2018;24(18):1990–2001). Also, BPC 157 may regulate blood pressure, providing that it largely interacts with NO‐system, and it counteracts L‐NAME‐hypertension as well as L‐arginine‐hypertension. Likewise, beneficial effects of BPC 157 on ocular tissues (Eur J Pharmacol 2016;771:211–219; Exp Eye Res 2015;136:9–15; Coll Antropol 2005;29:321–325) are an especial argument. BPC 157 maintained corneal transparency, total debridement of corneal epithelium cured with no corneal neovascularization, perforating corneal incisions in rats successfully closed and no new vessels, providing a particular healing and vascular effect. Likewise, in rats with episcleral veins cauterization, glaucoma model, BPC 157 counteracts increased intraocular pressure (IOP), preserves retinal and optic nerve integrity (FASEB J, 2016; 30 (1 suppl), 1201.4.; FASEB J 2017; (1 suppl), 666.2). In the present study, at the end of the 1 month period of the high salt (30%) diet, in control rats (with main blood pressure ranging 132–150 mmHg), we documented very pale optic disc head with well‐defined outer borders. In addition, excavation noticed suggests compromised optic disc head circulation and following atrophy. Also, we documented very thin arteries and very thick and full of blood veins, providing arterial/vein diameter ratio about 1/4. In controls, there is also reduced background red reflex and brightness from the choroid. Thus, there is decreased blood flow and decreased choroidal blood filling. Contrarily, in rats that in addition to high salt (30%) diet, received BPC 157 in drinking water (10 ng/kg/rat/day) and presented with mean blood pressure ranging 111–125 mmHg for one month, all of this changes are less pronounced. Optic disc head looks more vivid and healthy without no so much compromised circulation. Also, arterial/vein diameter ratio is about 3/4 which looks more normal and physiological (Figure 1, control (right); BPC 157 (left). Choroid in rats drinking BPC 157 is much brighter with the most intense red color and reflex. In conclusion, BPC 157 therapy could be further considered in the therapy of hypertension. This may be particularly the case in the condition of the vascular obstruction providing its particular effect on endothelium integrity and reestablishing blood flow continuity (Vascul Pharmacol 2018;106:54–66; World J Gastroenterol 2017;23(48):8465–8488).Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by the Ministry of Science, Education and Sports, Republic of Croatia [grant number 108‐1083570‐3635].This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.