Grape skin extract has a protective effect in experimental preeclampsia. - GreenMedInfo Summary

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to determine the protective effects of a vinifera grape skins extract (GSE, 200 mg/kg/day) on the deleterious effect observed in experimental preeclampsia, a condition where reduced nitric oxide production and increase in oxidative stress are present. METHODS: A condition similar to preeclampsia was induced by chronic inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis by L-NAME (60 mg/kg/day, orally) in pregnant rats. Blood pressure (systolic, mean and diastolic) was measured with the tail cuff method on day 20 of pregnant control rats; pregnant rats treated with L-NAME, L-NAME plus GSE or GSE from day 13 to day 20 of pregnancy. Glucose was infused in anesthetized pregnant rats at day 20 and blood glucose and insulin were estimated at time zero, 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes after beginning of glucose infusion. The number of fetus alive was also estimated at day 20 of pregnancy. In parallel, blood pressure was measured in non-pregnant and in non-pregnant rats treated with L-NAME during 7 days. RESULTS: Increase in arterial pressure, reduction of alive fetus at the end of pregnancy and increase in insulin resistance was observed in pregnant L-NAME rats but not in pregnant L-NAME plus GSE rats or in pregnant GSE rats. Increase in arterial pressure was also observed in non-pregnant L-NAME rats. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated a protective effect of GSE in experimental preeclampsia since the deleterious effect induced by L-NAME that is, increased in stillbirth, hypertension and insulin resistance were significantly reduced by oral treatment with the extract. Probably an endothelium-dependent vasodilator effect and an antioxidant action play an important role on the effects of GSE in experimental preeclampsia.