Increased circulating trimethylamine N-oxide plays a contributory role in the development of endothelial dysfunction and hypertension in the RUPP rat model of preeclampsia

ABSTRACT

Objective: We examined whether trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) plays a role in endothelial dysfunction and hypertension in the reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) rat model of preeclampsia (PE). 

Methods: Normal pregnant rats and RUPP rats were treated without or with 3,3-Dimethyl-1-butanol (DMB, a TMAO inhibitor) from gestational day 14. 

Results: On day 19 of gestation, RUPP rats had higher plasma TMAO, impaired vasodilation and hypertension, decreased interleukin (IL)-10, increased superoxide production and proinflammatory cytokines in the aorta. All of which were reversed by DMD. 

Conclusion: Increased circulating TMAO downregulates IL-10 and promotes vascular inflammation and oxidative stress, contributing to endothelial dysfunction and hypertension in PE.

KEYWORDS:

• Preeclampsia
• trimethylamine N-oxide
• endothelial dysfunction
• hypertension
• interleukin-10

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The present study was supported by Jining Medical University and New and Old Energy Conversion Project of Jining City (2017ZDGH031).