Ferulic acid alleviates symptoms of preeclampsia in rats by upregulating vascular endothelial growth factor

Summary Preeclampsia is a complication affecting pregnant women worldwide, which leads to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of ferulic acid ( FA ) on an N ω ‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L‐ NAME ) induced rat model of preeclampsia. L‐ NAME was administered to pregnant rats to induce preeclampsia. 48 rats were divided into three experimental groups (n=16 each): control group, preeclampsia group and preeclampsia with FA treatment (preeclampsia+ FA ). Physiological characteristics such as urine volume, total urine protein and blood pressure were assessed. Expressions levels of urinary nephrin and podocin mRNA s were analyzed by RT ‐ PCR . Levels of renal vascular endothelial growth factor ( VEGF ), renal soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 ( sF lt‐1) and serum placenta growth factor (Pl GF ) were also examined. Urine volume, total urine protein and blood pressure were markedly increased in preeclampsia group rats compared to control ( P <.05), which were then significantly reduced in preeclampsia+ FA group ( P <.05). Expressions of urinary nephrin and podocin mRNA s, levels of VEGF , sF lt‐1 and Pl GF were also reversed in preeclampsia+ FA group compared to preeclampsia rats ( P <.05). We hereby report for the first time, FA alleviates preeclampsia symptoms in a rat preeclampsia model, supporting its potential value in treating preeclampsia.