Effect of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa Hassk. on HIF1α and VEGF expressions on hypertension placental

Abstract

Context: HIF1α and VEGF are proteins marker oxidative stress and a decrease in placental growth factor (PlGF). Decreasing of HIF1α and VEGF in rats displayed poor trophoblast differentiation, placental abnormalities, and fetal mortality. Rhodomyrtus tomentosa is a flowering plant in the Myrtaceae family that has the potential to be a source of health-promoting chemicals. Aims: To analyze HIF1α and VEGF in serum and hypertension placental tissue after giving Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (RHO) leaves extract. Methods: Six treatments were given to the rats that were identified as being pregnant and pregnant rats with hypertension were given RHO with three doses: (a) normal pregnant rats (control); (b) hypertensive rats; (c) hypertensive rats + 100 mg/kg BW of RHO; (d) hypertensive rats +200 mg/kg BW of RHO; and (e) hypertensive rats + 400 mg/kg BW of RHO and (f) hypertensive rats + nifedipine. Under ketamine anesthesia, pregnant rats were removed on their 20th day of gestation. Immunohistochemistry and ELISA were used to assess HIF1α and VEGF protein expression. Results: There was a significant difference (p<0.01) in the expression of HIF1α and VEGF in the labyrinthine zone and yolk sac of the rat placenta between the normal (C-) and hypertensive (C+) groups. HIF1α and VEGF expression decreased when RHO was administered at doses ranging from 100 to 400 mg/kg BW. However, there was no significant change (p>0.05) in VEGF expression in the basal zone of the rat placenta across all groups. Conclusions: Rhodomyrtus tomentosa leaves extract decreases HIF1α and VEGF expressions in serum and repairs the tissue of the placenta's labyrinth, basal, and yolk sacs.