Omega-3 fatty acids differentially influences embryotoxicity in subtypes of preeclampsia.

Background: Early (EOP) and late onset (LOP) preeclampsia are two subtypes of preeclampsia. This study examines the effect of maternal omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E supplementation in a rat model of preeclampsia.Method: Pregnant Wistar rats were assigned to control; EOP; LOP; EOP+omega-3 fatty acid supplementation+vitamin E and LOP+omega-3 fatty acid supplementation+vitamin E. L-Nitroarginine methylester was used to induce preeclampsia. Blood Pressure (BP) was recorded during pregnancy and dams were dissected at d14 and d20 of gestation.Results: Animals from EOP and LOP groups demonstrated higher systolic and diastolic BP, lower weight gain, lower conceptuses size, lower conceptuses weight and fetal weight as compared to control. EOP and LOP groups showed higher percentage of fetal resorptions and embryotoxicity (deformities and hematomas).Conclusion: Supplementation reduced the diastolic BP, percentage of resorptions and embryotoxicity only in the LOP group, suggesting a need for differential supplementation regime for the two subtypes of preeclampsia.

Maternal omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E improve placental angiogenesis in late-onset but not early-onset preeclampsia.

Abnormal placental vasculature is associated with preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is of two types, i.e., early- and late-onset preeclampsia (LOP), both having different etiologies. We have earlier demonstrated low levels of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E in women with preeclampsia. The current study examines the effect of maternal omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E supplementation on angiogenic factors in a rat model of preeclampsia. Pregnant rats were divided into a total of five groups control, early-onset preeclampsia (EOP); LOP; EOP supplemented with omega-3 fatty acid and vitamin E and LOP supplemented with omega-3 fatty acid and vitamin E. Preeclampsia was induced by administering L-nitroarginine methylester (L-NAME) at the dose of 50 mg/kg body weight/day. The vascular endothelial growth factor gene expression and protein levels were lower (p < 0.01 for both) in animals from both EOP as well as LOP groups (p < 0.01). In the EOP group, the protein levels of VEGF receptor-1 were also lower (p < 0.01). Supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E to LOP improved the levels of VEGF and VEGF receptor-1 only in the LOP but not in the EOP group. In the EOP group, the gene expression of hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) in the placenta was higher (p < 0.05) and supplementation normalized these levels. Our findings indicate that maternal supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E has differential effect on preeclampsia subtypes.