Effect of Pomegranate (Punica Granatum L.) Extract on Endothelial Dysfunction, Vascular, and Renal Damage in a Rat Model of Preeclampsia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48048/tis.2026.13261Keywords:
Preeclampsia, Pomegranate extract, Oxidative stress, Inflammation, Nitric oxide, NF-κB, MDA, KIM-1Abstract
Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy marked by elevated blood pressure, proteinuria, and involvement of multiple maternal organs, posing substantial risks to both mother and fetus. Existing therapeutic approaches mainly focus on symptom control and do not directly address the underlying pathophysiological disturbances. This study investigated the potential protective effects of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) extract in an L-NAME–induced rat model of preeclampsia. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated into 5 experimental groups: Normal pregnancy control, L-NAME–induced preeclampsia (75 mg/kgBW/day), preeclampsia treated with magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄), preeclampsia treated with pomegranate extract (500 mg/kgBW/day), and combination therapy. Biomarkers of oxidative stress (MDA), inflammatory activation (NF-κB), endothelial function (NO), placental vascular remodeling (spiral artery diameter), renal injury (KIM-1), as well as blood pressure, proteinuria, and fetal weight were evaluated. Administration of pomegranate extract significantly lowered NF-κB levels and enhanced nitric oxide availability compared with untreated preeclamptic rats, suggesting reduced inflammatory signaling and improved endothelial performance. Although MDA values tended to decrease in treated groups, this change did not reach statistical significance. The intervention was also associated with enlargement of spiral artery diameter, reduction in KIM-1 expression, slower progression of hypertension and proteinuria, and improved fetal growth. Combined treatment with magnesium sulfate showed additional benefits in several vascular and renal parameters. Overall, these findings indicate that pomegranate extract may exert broad protective effects in experimental preeclampsia by influencing interconnected inflammatory and endothelial pathways, supporting vascular remodeling and renal preservation. The results highlight its potential as an adjunct therapeutic candidate aimed at improving maternal vascular function and fetal development.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Pomegranate extract modulates oxidative stress markers in the preeclampsia model.
- Pomegranate extract attenuates inflammatory activation by reducing NF-κB levels in the preeclampsia rat model.
- Pomegranate extract increases nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, indicating improved endothelial function.
- The intervention improves spiral artery remodeling by increasing spiral artery diameter.
- Pomegranate extract reduces KIM-1 expression, suggesting renoprotective effects.
- Treatment moderates the progression of hypertension and proteinuria during gestation.
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