Low-molecular-weight heparin protects kidney through an anti-apoptotic mechanism in a rat pre-eclamptic model

Objective: To investigate the effect of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) for the treatment of pre-eclampsia (PE) and the underlying mechanism. Study design: PE was established in a rat model using L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester CL-NAME). The effect of LMWH was examined by measuring various physiological parameters known to be associated with PE. Results: Blood pressure, urinary protein, blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine were higher in L-NAME-treated rats compared with control rats. In addition, the number of fetuses, and the weight of fetuses and placentas was lower in L-NAME-treated rats, indicating the establishment of PE conditions. Apoptosis was found in kidney tissue in L-NAME-treated rats. LMWH treatment restored the PE-associated disorders, and inhibited apoptosis in kidney tissue in these rats. Conclusions: LMWH can control PE conditions, protect renal function and improve fetal health. The mechanism of renal protection is likely to be related to the inhibitory effect of LMWH on apoptosis in kidney tissue. This study provides evidence that LMWH can potentially be used as a safe and effective anti-PE drug to improve PE conditions and protect renal function by inhibiting PE-induced apoptosis. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.