Lipid ratios in adriamycin-induced pre-eclamptic Wistar rats exposed to methanolic plant extracts

Abstract

The study accessed the lipid ratios in preeclamptic Wistar rats exposed to methanolic leaf extracts of Jatropha cacus, Alchonnea cordifolia, and Secamone afzelii. Plant samples (leaves) were washed severally with distilled water, air-dried, and crushed to powder and were filtered, then soaked in 200ml of methanol for 12 hours. The LD50 was determined to ascertain the safety of the plant extracts for use. Female Wistar rats, aged 3 days apart, used in the study, were acclimatized for one week. Peeclampsia was induced used the Adriamycin Model. Results showed that there was elevation of blood pressure (bp) due to preeclampsia. At 3^rd trimester, systolic bp (177 mmHg) was higher than at postpartum (160 mmHg). The administration of plant extracts caused a significant reduction in systolic (127 – 150 mmHg) and diastolic (86 – 103 mmHg) bp during the 3^rd trimester.  Proteinuria was reduced to trace levels when Alchonnea cordifolia was used. Total cholesterol levels were higher in the third trimester (71.6 mg/dl) and postpartum (74.3 mg/dl), respectively. Preeclampsia was linked to similar increases in triglycerides, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol; with a reduction in high density lipoprotein cholesterol. The treatment with the various plant extracts lowered the incidence of arteriosclerotic cardiovascular events during preeclampsia. Although the extracts had a negative effect on systolic blood pressure and proteinuria during the third trimester, indicating that they were beneficial in reducing preeclampsia outcomes, there was no effect on blood pressure or proteinuria during the postpartum period.