S-Allyl Cysteine Mitigates Kidney Dysfunctions in the Rat Models of Preeclampsia and Eclampsia: The Possible Role of TNF-α and IL1-β

Background Objective: Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy complication with the signs of kidney damage. The effect of S-Allyl-cysteine (SAC) on inflammatory cytokines was evaluated to prevent PE-induced renal complications. Materials Methods: Wistar rats were divided into seven groups: 1) control, 2) PE, 3) EC, 4) PE+SAC50, 5) PE+SAC200, 6) EC+SAC50, and 7) EC+SAC200. In Groups 1-3, the rats received saline by gavage for 9 consecutive days, starting on the day 11 of gestation (G11). In Groups 4-7, the rats received SAC (50 or 200mg/kg) by gavage for 9 days, starting on G11. The rats in PE and EC groups were injected with Lipopolysaccharides on G14. The rats in EC groups were injected with pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) on G16 and G18. On G20, urine, blood, and kidney samples were collected for biochemical analysis. Results: In PE and EC groups, creatinine clearance, urine protein/creatinine ratio and proteinuria significantly increased compared to the control rats. Administration of SAC significantly reduced protein excretion and the protein/creatinine ratio in the urine specimen of all treated groups. The results showed significant increase in the renal concentration of IL-1β and TNF-α in the PE and EC rats. Administration of 200 mg/kg SAC significantly decreased IL-1β and TNF-α in all treated groups. SAC (200mg/kg) significantly decreased malondialdehyde and ameliorated histological changes in PE and EC groups; it also mitigated kidney dysfunctions in experimental PE and EC. Conclusion: The ameliorative effect of SAC may be mediated by its antioxidant and modulatory effects on cytokines, such as IL-1β and TNF-α.