Impact of dietary salicylates on angiogenic factors and biochemical parameters in a rat model of preeclampsia

Background
The pathophysiology of preeclampsia involves impaired cytotrophoblastic invasion, placental ischemia, inflammation, and angiogenic imbalance. Prophylactic
low-dose aspirin can reduce the risk of preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction
in high-risk women. This study evaluated the effect of dietary salicylates on the
development of preeclampsia in rats treated with L-NAME (NG-nitro-L-argininemethyl ester).
Methodology
Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to six groups and treated
with dietary salicylates at two dose levels (1 and 10mg/kg diet) or aspirin (doses
adjusted to dietary salicylates). Preeclampsia was induced by administering L-NAME
in drinking water from gestational days 6–19.
Results
Neither dietary salicylates nor aspirin, at either dose, affected blood pressure in
L-NAME-treated rats. The lower dose of dietary salicylates significantly reduced urinary albumin levels. Both interventions prevented an increase in the sFlt/PLGF ratio
and mitigated histopathological placental changes in preeclamptic rats. The higher
dose of aspirin reduced placental VEGFR2 protein levels.
Conclusion
Dietary salicylate supplementation does not provide clear preventive effects against
preeclampsia.