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Ramdin S, Baijnath S, Naicker T, Govender N. The Clinical Value of Rodent Models in Understanding Preeclampsia Development and Progression. Curr Hypertens Rep 2023; 25:77-89. [PMID: 37043097 PMCID: PMC10172248 DOI: 10.1007/s11906-023-01233-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Preeclampsia (PE) is a leading global cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. The heterogeneity of this disorder contributes to its elusive etiology. Due to the ethical constraints surrounding human studies, animal models provide a suitable alternative for investigation into PE pathogenesis and novel therapeutic strategies. The purpose of this review is to compare and contrast the various rodent models used to study PE, in order to demonstrate their value in investigating and identifying different characteristics of this disorder. RECENT FINDINGS Several approaches have been employed to create an appropriate animal model of PE, including surgical, genetic manipulation, and pharmacological methods in an attempt to mimic the maternal syndrome. Despite the absence of a model to completely model PE, these models have provided valuable information concerning various aspects of PE pathogenesis and novel therapeutic strategies and have led to the discovery of potential predictive markers of PE. Rodent and murine models have contributed significantly to the study of the pathology associated with specific aspects of the disorder. As a single fully encompassing animal model of PE remains absent, the use of a combination of models has potential value in understanding its etiology as well as in new treatment and management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sapna Ramdin
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sooraj Baijnath
- Integrated Molecular Physiology Research Initiative, School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Thajasvarie Naicker
- Optics and Imaging Centre, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nalini Govender
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa.
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Reddy R, Pillay V, Baijnath S, Singh SD, Ramdin S, Naicker T, Govender N. Mating success of timed pregnancies in Sprague Dawley rats: Considerations for execution. Reprod Biol 2022; 22:100682. [PMID: 35930886 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2022.100682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This study compares three different mating techniques in Sprague-Dawley rats, using the pregnancy rate as the main indicator of success. It provides recommendations for timed-pregnancy experiments to achieve an appropriate sample size for the study of human pregnancy disorders. The implementation of a preconditioning phase, determination of the estrous cycle, the use of two mating strategies (Lee-Boot and Whitten effect), female: male mating ratios, and cohabitation duration should be considered as they improve the mating success rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Reddy
- Dept of Basic Medical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
| | - Virushka Pillay
- Dept of Basic Medical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sooraj Baijnath
- School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sanil D Singh
- Biomedical Resource Unit, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sapna Ramdin
- Dept of Basic Medical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
| | - Thajasvarie Naicker
- Optics and Imaging Centre, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Nalini Govender
- Dept of Basic Medical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa.
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Ramdin S, Naicker T, Pillay V, Singh SD, Baijnath S, Mkhwanazi BN, Govender N. Physiological characterization of an arginine vasopressin rat model of preeclampsia. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2021; 68:55-69. [PMID: 34743622 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2021.1981486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Rodent models have contributed greatly to our understanding of preeclampsia (PE) progression in humans, however to-date no model has been able to effectively replicate the clinical presentation of the disease. This study aimed to provide a thorough physiological characterization of the arginine vasopressin (AVP)-induced rat model of PE to determine its applicability in studying the pathophysiology of PE. Female Sprague Dawley rats (n = 24) were separated into four groups (n = 6 per group) viz., pregnant AVP, pregnant saline, non-pregnant AVP, and non-pregnant saline. All animals received a continuous dose of either AVP (150 ng/h) or saline via subcutaneous mini osmotic pumps for 18 days. Full physiological characterization of the model included measuring systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and collecting urine and blood samples for biochemical analysis. AVP infusion significantly increased blood pressure and urinary protein levels in the pregnant rats (p < 0.05). Biochemical markers measured, differed significantly in the AVP-treated vs the pregnant saline groups (p < 0.05). Placental and individual pup weight decreased significantly in the pregnant AVP vs pregnant saline group (p < 0.05). The physiological and hematological data confirm the usefulness of this rat model in the study of PE, since AVP-induced vasoconstriction increases peripheral resistance and successfully mimics the pathological changes associated with PE development in humans.Abbreviations: PE: preeclampsia; AVP: arginine vasopressin; ISSHP: International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy; ACOG: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; RUPP: reduced uterine perfusion pressure; sFlt-1: soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase; VEGF: vascular endothelial growth factor; PlGF: placental growth factor; AVP: arginine vasopressin; PAVP: pregnant AVP-treated; PS: pregnant saline; GD: gestational day; ALT: alanine transaminase; NAVP: non-pregnant AVP-treated; NS: non-pregnant saline; AST: aspartate aminotransferase; HDL: high-density lipoprotein; RBC: red blood cell; RAAS: renin-angiotensin aldosterone system; HELLP: hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sapna Ramdin
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
| | - Thajasvarie Naicker
- Optics and Imaging Centre, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Virushka Pillay
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sanil D Singh
- Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sooraj Baijnath
- Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Blessing N Mkhwanazi
- Discipline of Dietetics and Nutrition, College of Agriculture, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nalini Govender
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
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Govender N, Ramdin S, Naicker T, Reddy P. Midgestational characterization of cytokine profiles in black south African pregnant women. Niger J Physiol Sci 2021; 36:1-9. [PMID: 34987245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy is thus characterized by an anti-inflammatory milieu in the second trimester despite a pro-inflammatory response in the first and third trimesters. Nonetheless a disproportionate inflammatory response is risky in pregnancy. This retrospective study evaluated the mid-gestational expression of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in HIV infected pregnant women at their first antenatal visit. Archived serum samples were collected from seventy (n=70) black pregnant women, attending a primary health care centre in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The demographic and clinical profiles were procured from patient medical records and cytokine levels were measured in all samples. A statistical significance (p<0.05) was noted for IP-10 between the HIV positive and HIV negative groups for the inflammatory, anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines when stratified by HIV status. Likewise, IL-7 was statistically different when the HIV population was stratified based on ART usuage. Significant correlations were noted between IL-7 and birthweight (r=0.35, p<0.05); IFN-δ and maternal age (r=-0.27, p<0.05); TNF-α and gestational age (r=0.26, p<0.05); VEGF and systolic blood pressure (r=0.40, p<0.05); IL-4 and gestational age (r=-0.30, p<0.05). A positive correlation was noted for inflammatory IL-1b with anti-inflammatory IL-5, IL-5 and FGF basic; inflammatory IL-2 with anti-inflammatory IL-5, IL-10 as well as FGF basic. A negative correlation between the inflammatory IL-12 with anti-inflammatory IL-1ra and Il-4 as well as that between IL-17A with IL-10 was noted. This study reveals midgestational variation in serum inflammatory and anti-inflammatory immunologic profile of pregnant women, irrespective of the use of antiretroviral therapy. This disparity in the susceptible HIV infected women will affect progression of pregnancy and encourage fetal morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sapna Ramdin
- Dept of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa.
| | - Thajasvarie Naicker
- Discipline of Optics and Imaging, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa..
| | - Poovendhree Reddy
- Department of Community Health Studies, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa.
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Govender N, Ramdin S, Reddy R, Naicker T. Transforming growth factor-beta and liver injury in an arginine vasopressin-induced pregnant rat model. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2021; 48:124-131. [PMID: 34024085 PMCID: PMC8176156 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2020.04035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Approximately 30% of preeclamptic pregnancies exhibit abnormal liver function tests. We assessed liver injury-associated enzyme levels and circulating transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) levels in an arginine vasopressin (AVP)-induced pregnant Sprague-Dawley rat model. Methods Pregnant and non-pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats (n=24) received AVP (150 ng/hr) subcutaneously via mini-osmotic pumps for 18 days. Blood pressure was measured, urine samples were collected, and all animals were euthanized via isoflurane. Blood was collected to measure circulating levels of TGF-β1-3 isomers and liver injury enzymes in pregnant AVP (PAVP), pregnant saline (PS), non-pregnant AVP (NAVP), and non-pregnant saline (NS) rats. Results The PAVP group showed significantly higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure than both saline-treated groups. The weight per pup was significantly lower in the AVP-treated group than in the saline group (p<0.05). Circulating TGF-β1-3 isomer levels were significantly higher in the PAVP rats than in the NS rats. However, similar TGF-β1 and TGF-β3 levels were noted in the PS and PAVP rats, while TGF-β2 levels were significantly higher in the PAVP rats. Circulating liver-type arginase-1 and 5'-nucleotidase levels were higher in the PAVP rats than in the saline group. Conclusion This is the first study to demonstrate higher levels of TGF-β2, arginase, and 5'-nucleotidase activity in PAVP than in PS rats. AVP may cause vasoconstriction and increase peripheral resistance and blood pressure, thereby elevating TGF-β and inducing the preeclampsia-associated inflammatory response. Future studies should explore the mechanisms through which AVP dysregulates liver injury enzymes and TGF-β in pregnant rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nalini Govender
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sapna Ramdin
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
| | - Rebecca Reddy
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
| | - Thajasvarie Naicker
- Discipline of Optics and Imaging, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Govender N, Ramdin S, Pillay V, Mkhwanazi BN, Singh S, Baijnath S. The development of an arginine vasopressin rodent model for the study of preeclampsia. Placenta 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2019.06.231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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