Preventive Effect Of Folic Acid Against Preeclampsia In Rats Induced By Homocysteine

Objective:To investigate the preventive effect and mechanism of folic acid agains preeclampsia in rats induced by homocysteine.Methods:Adult pregnant Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups(n=10 in each group),including model group,prevention group,control group.In addition to the control group,rats in other two groups were injected intraperitoneally with homocysteine2ml(Hcy,200mg/kg/d)daily during 10th-19 th days of pregnancy to establish the model of preeclampsis.At the same time of establishing model,rats in control group were injected intraperitoneally with the same dose of normal saline daily,and rats in prevention group were given intragastric administration with 2ml foIic acid dissolved in same dose of normal saline daily during 8th-19 th days of pregnancy,folic acid was given at 10mg/kg/d.During pregnancy,the successful model of preeclampsia rat was quantified by measuring the blood pressure changes and testing 24-hour urine protein of each group.On the 19 th day of pregnancy,the number of rat pups and stillbirths were recorded and the weight of rat pups and the length of rat pups and the wet weight of placentas were measured by taking the uterus.At the same time,the abnormal changes of rat placenta and liver and kidney tissues were observed,and histopathological examination was performed.Results:The difference in the blood pressure and 24-hour urine protein among the three groups had no statistical significance before establishing model.Compared with control group,the blood pressure and 24-hour urine protein in the model group were significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with model group,the blood pressure and24-hour urine protein in the prevention group were significantly decreased after modeling(P<0.05).Compared with control group and prevention group,the number of rat pups were reduced,the stillbirth rate was increased,the weight of rat pups and the length of rat pups and the wet weight of placentas were decreased(P<0.05).There were abnormal changes in liver,kidney and placenta of rat in model group.Conclusion:Folic acid can prevent the occurrence of preeclampsia,and its mechanism maybe related to the involvement of folic acid in regulating the metabolism of homocysteine.