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The Effect of Kraussianone‐2 (Kr2), a Natural Pyrano‐isoflavone from Eriosema kraussianum , in an L‐NAME‐ induced Pre‐eclamptic Rat Model
Author(s) -
Ramesar S. V.,
Drewes S. E.,
Gathiram P.,
Moodley J.,
Mackraj I.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
phytotherapy research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.019
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1099-1573
pISSN - 0951-418X
DOI - 10.1002/ptr.3697
Subject(s) - fetus , medicine , gestation , uterine artery , placenta , traditional medicine , pharmacology , endocrinology , pregnancy , biology , genetics
This study aimed to investigate the effects of Kraussianone‐2 (Kr2), a pyrano‐isoflavone isolated from the roots of Eriosema kraussianum N. E. Br. (Fabaceae) on various fetal and physiological parameters in pregnant, L‐NAME treated Sprague–Dawley rats. Twenty‐four pregnant Sprague–Dawley dams were divided into three groups ( n = 8), i.e. the control group (CON), the experimental control group (PRE), where the pre‐eclampsia‐like symptoms were induced using L‐NAME, and the experimental group (EK2), where the pre‐eclampsia‐like symptoms were once again induced using L‐NAME, however, these animals were treated with Kr2. On gestation day 20 the animals were sacrificed, at which time a laparotomy was performed and the number of live pups were counted and their corresponding birth and placental weights were recorded. Blood was also collected in heparin‐coated tubes and the plasma samples were then analysed for specific variables using commercially available kits for rats. Kraussianone‐2 administration decreased fetal mortality and demonstrated a trend toward increasing birth and placental weights in this model. Furthermore, Kr2 administration also reduced blood pressure amplification and decreased the plasma concentrations of two antiangiogenic factors, soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase1 (sFlt‐1) and soluble endoglin (sEng). We speculate that Kr2, by improving uterine artery blood flow, results in improved fetal outcomes and decreased antiangiogenic factors in pregnant, L‐NAME treated, Sprague–Dawley rats. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.