The protective influence of Astragalus on rat models of preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE) is a high-risk hypertensive syndrome of pregnancy that occurs in the middle to late stages of pregnancy (after 20 weeks) and has become a major risk factor for maternal and fetal health and safety. Studies have shown that some components of Astragalus possess antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties, which are beneficial in various diseases. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Astragalus on preeclampsia-like symptoms in a rat model that was induced using NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). Pregnant rats were evaluated for blood pressure, 24-hour urinary protein excretion, the number of surviving and resorbed fetuses, placental diameter and weight, as well as fetal body length and weight. Placental growth factor (PLGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) in serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Placental and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrite, as well as serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, were measured. The expression of mRNA B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), and caspase-3 were examined using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), and proteins expression were assessed using Western blot analysis. The results showed that Astragalus treatment can effectively improve the symptoms and adverse pregnancy outcomes in a PE rat model. Meanwhile, it has no adverse effects on normal pregnant rats and fetuses. Furthermore, the observed effects of Astragalus were associated with a reduction in oxidative damage, improved vascular endothelial function, and inhibition of the Bcl-2/Bax/caspase-3 apoptosis pathway. This research indicate that Astragalus could serve as a promising candidate for treating PE.