Dioscorea prehensilis ameliorates the features of preeclampsia in L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME) preeclamptic model

Abstract

Preeclampsia is a major cause of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. Sadly, effective therapeutic strategies do not exist up to now for preeclampsia but antiplatelet agents, low dose aspirin in particular is considered as primary prevention in high risk patients. Dioscorea prehensilis (DP) belonging to the family Dioscoreaceae is used among locals in the treatment of severe inflammatory conditions. This study is aimed at studying the effect of DP on the components of preeclamptic syndrome in a rat model. The rhizome of DP was extracted by maceration in 80% methanol. Preeclampsia was induced by chronic inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis by L-NAME (50 mg/kg/day, orally) in pregnant rats. DP was administered at a dose of 500 mg/kg/day orally. Systolic blood pressure was measured using tail cuff method on day 20. Albumin/creatinine ratio in spot urine was assessed using standard protocol on day 19; plasma nitric oxide was quantified using commercially available kits on day 20 while histological analysis was done using standard procedures. The extract reduced the systolic blood pressure significantly when compared to the preeclamptic control (130.38±4.43 versus 92.28±23.33mmHg) and not significantly different from the normal control (108±3.41 mmHg). The mean albumin/creatinine ratio was also reduced compared to the preeclamptic control though not significantly. Histological examination of the placenta shows that the extract reduced the severity of hypoplastic villi and intervillus congestion compared to the untreated group. In conclusion, DP ameliorates preeclampsia and may serve as a source of bioactive agents for the management of preeclampsia.