The potential role of anti tumor necrosis factor-alpha antibodies on some renal functions and vasoregulatory factors in preeclamptic pregnant Wistar rats

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential role of anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) antibodies on some renal functions and release of vasoregulatory peptides using nitric oxide synthase deprived pregnant rats.

METHODS: This study was carried out at King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from December 2011 to November 2012. Forty female Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups (10 rats each); Group I - included virgin non-pregnant rats. Group II - included pregnant rats that received saline, Group III - received NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), and Group IV - received both L-NAME and anti TNF-alpha antibodies. Mean arterial blood pressure, urine volume, creatinine clearance and 24 hours urinary albumin excretion were measured on day 20 of gestation. Blood samples were taken on day 20 of gestation for measurement of plasma endothelin-1 (ET-1), angiotensin II (Ag II) and serum levels of total nitric oxide (NO) products, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM-1). Viable pups were also weighed.

RESULTS: Anti TNF-alpha antibodies reversed hypertension, improved renal function, decreased release of vasoactive substances and increased pup weight.

CONCLUSION: Preeclampsia is associated with disturbed renal function, overproduction of cytokines and vasoregulatory factors, and fetal growth restriction. Treatment of pregnant rats with anti TNF-alpha antibodies, restored urine volume, creatinine clearance, plasma ET-1, serum IL-6 and sVCAM-1 to normal levels. Hence, anti TNF-alpha antibodies may have beneficial effects in preeclampsia. Additional studies are warranted to confirm these results.