Caulis Spatholobi Ameliorates Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension in Mice by Regulating Hepcidin Expression and Iron Homeostasis

Abstract

Background and Purpose: To study the pharmacodynamic effect and potential mechanism of Caulis Spatholobi on pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), providing an experimental basis for the clinical application of Caulis Spatholobi. Methods: Serum samples of 30 normal pregnant women and 30 PIH pregnant women were collected to detect hepcidin mRNA (messager ribonucleic acid) level and serum iron content. Then, a PIH mice model was established by the intraperitoneal injection of homocysteine, and different doses of Caulis Spatholobi alcohol extract were administered by gavage. The systolic blood pressure (SBP), angiotensin, vasodilation converting enzyme (VCE) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-6, IL-10, reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin (ET) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were determined by the ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent) assay. The hepcidin mRNA levels were measured through RT-qPCR (quantitative reverse transcription PCR) analysis. The divalent metal ion transporter 1 (DMT1) and ferroportin 1 (FPN1) expression were assessed by immunofluorescence analysis, and serum iron content was measured with the full-automatic deepening analyzer. Results: Compared with normal pregnant women, the level of hepcidin mRNA in PIH women increased significantly, but serum iron content decreased (p < 0.05). The optimal dosage of Caulis Spatholobi was 15 g/kg. Compared with the control group, SBP, angiotensin, VCE, urinary protein, hepcidin mRNA, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-6, ROS, and ET in the PIH group increased significantly, accompanied by a significant decrease in the levels of DMT1, FPN1, serum iron, IL-10, SOD, and NO (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Caulis Spatholobi improved the pathological symptoms of PIH mice by regulating the expression of hepcidin and iron homeostasis.