Evaluation of hepato-renal pathophysiology in a preeclampsia-induced model of rats and the consequent complications on their fetal development

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the hazardous effects of Preeclampsia (PE) on mothers and their fetal development. Thirty pregnant rats were divided into two groups: the control and the PE-treated groups. N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) was used to induce PE model in rats from day 6 to day 20 of gestation. The blood samples were collected and the liver and kidneys were removed from mothers at gestational day 21(GD 21). L-NAME induced obvious congenital anomalies like kyphosis and hemorrhage in some fetuses. L-NAME caused a noticeable disruption of liver and renal functions, as manifested by a significant elevation in serum ALT, AST, and ALP, as well as urine protein and creatinine. Also, PE induced oxidative stress on the liver and kidney tissues, as indicated by a noticeable decrease of antioxidants (SOD, CAT, and GSH) while a significant increase in MDA. Additionally, the platelet counts significantly declined compared to the control, while the count of WBCs and RBCs significantly increased. Furthermore, the liver and kidneys showed histopathological and deleterious ultrastructural changes, alongside with remarkable apoptosis as manifested over-expression of caspase-9. The rat’s preeclampsia model showed impaired liver and kidney structure and functions in mothers, and also harmed their fetuses.