L-Arginine Protective Effect on Systemic Blood Pressure and Placental Expression of Endoglin, Transforming Growth Factor-β1 in the Preeclampsia Mice Model

Objectives: Research on understanding the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and its alternative management is still not optimal, resulting in high morbidity and mortality, especially in developing countries. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the L-arginine effect on placental endoglin, transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) expression and blood pressure in preeclampsia. Materials and Methods: Using a post-test control group design, this randomized experimental study was carried out on an anti-Qa2 preeclampsia mice model, in which the treatment group (n=9) was given L-arginine orally. Blood pressure was measured on day 15 and mice were terminated at day 16 to evaluate endoglin and TGF-ß1 placenta expression through immunohistochemistry. Results: Based on the results, lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure (P < 0.05) and significantly lower endoglin and higher TGF-ß1 placental expression were found in the L-arginine treatment group compared with the control (the preeclampsia mice model) group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: In general, L-arginine can ameliorate systemic blood pressure and locally in the placenta by providing lower expression of endoglin while higher TGF-ß1 in the preeclampsia mice model.