Kefir peptides mitigate L-NAME-induced preeclampsia in rats through modulating hypertension and endothelial...

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology
• Maternal-fetal medicine
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Preeclampsia is a significant global cause of maternal and neonatal mortality.
• Kefir peptides (KPs), derived from fermented milk, are explored for therapeutic properties.
• A preeclampsia-like condition was induced in spontaneously hypertensive stroke-prone (SHRSP) rats using L-NAME.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the therapeutic effects of kefir peptides (KPs) in a rat model of preeclampsia.
• To assess the impact of KPs on hypertension, proteinuria, and placental health.
• To evaluate KPs' effect on angiogenesis in a preeclampsia context.

Main Methods:

• SHRSP rats were divided into five groups, including control, L-NAME induced, and L-NAME with varying doses of KPs.
• The study involved a 20-day treatment period with KPs administered orally.
• An ex vivo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay was used to study angiogenesis.

Main Results:

• L-NAME induced severe hypertension, proteinuria, placental damage, and embryo resorption in rats.
• KPs administration significantly reduced hypertension, proteinuria, and endothelial dysfunction.
• KPs treatment improved placental health, decreased inflammatory markers, and promoted angiogenesis in CAM assays.

Conclusions:

• Kefir peptides demonstrate a protective effect against renal lesions and parenchyma damage in preeclampsia.
• KPs help to restore endothelial function and balance angiogenic dysfunction in both maternal and fetal tissues.
• These findings suggest KPs as a potential therapeutic agent for managing preeclampsia.