Supplementation of maternal omega-3 fatty acids to pregnancy induced hypertension Wistar rats improves IL10 and VEGF levels

Objectives: Our recent study demonstrates the beneficial effect of a combined supplementation of vitamin B-12, folic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid in reducing the severity of pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH). It is also known to be associated with angiogenic imbalance and inflammation. The current study examines whether the individual/combined supplementation of folic acid, vitamin B-12 and omega 3 fatty acid during pregnancy can ameliorate the inflammatory markers and restore the angiogenic balance in a rat model of PIH. Materials and methods: There were total of six groups, control and five treatment groups: PIH Induced; PIH+vitamin B-12; PIH+folic acid; PIH+Omega-3 fatty acids and PIH+combined micronutrient supplementation (vitamin B-12+ folic acid+omega-3 fatty acids). Hypertension during pregnancy was induced using L- Nitroarginine methylester (L-NAME; 50 mg/kg body weight/day). Dams were dissected at d20 of gestation and placental tissues were collected for further analysis. Results: Animals from the PIH induced group demonstrated lower (p < 0.01 for both) IL-10 and VEGF levels as compared to control. However, PIH induction did not alter the protein levels of eNOS, IL-6, Flt and mRNA levels of VEGF and VEGFR-1/ Flt-1. Individual micronutrient supplementation of vitamin B-12 and folate did not offer benefit. In contrast individual omega-3 fatty acid as well as combined micro nutrient supplementation showed IL-10 and VEGF levels comparable to that of control. Conclusion: Omega 3 fatty acid supplementation plays a key role in reducing inflammation in pregnancy induced hypertension. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.