The effect of in utero and lactational exposure to Gunnera perpensa aqueous root extract on blood pressure in offspring of pregnant rats Mungamba Muhau Muhulo1, Tata Charlotte Mungho2, Engwa Godwill Azeh3, Sewani-Rusike Constance Rufaro1,* 1Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, 5117, South Africa 2Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon 3Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, 5117, South Africa *Corresponding author e-mail: consewa@gmail.com, crusike@wsu.ac.za
Online published on 26 December, 2023. Abstract Gunnera perpensa is used traditionally in South Africa during pregnancy as it is believed to promote fetal health and increase breast milk production. We investigated the in utero and lactational exposure to G. perpensa aqueous root extract on blood pressure in offspring of pregnant rats. Twelve female rats were treated orally once daily throughout pregnancy and lactation with aqueous G. perpensa root extract at 10 mg/kg and the control group received distilled water. The offspring were weighed on days 1, 4, 10 and 21 postpartum. On weaning, they were randomly grouped into 6 females and 6 males per maternal treatment group. Urine was collected during week 5 and week 10 postpartum and blood pressure was measured at week 10. Urea, creatinine, sodium and potassium ion concentration in urine as well as total antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation in some tissues were measured. Offspring exposed to G. perpensa showed an increase in body weights from birth to week 11 postpartum and exposed males had higher levels of total cholesterol. G. perpensa exposed female offspring had increased systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial blood pressure. Exposed male offspring had increased water intake while exposed female offspring had increased urine output and increased creatinine and sodium concentration in their urine. The malondialdehyde level in exposed offspring was comparable to that of the control while higher total antioxidant capacity was observed in exposed female offspring. In conclusion, in utero and lactational exposure to G. perpensa resulted in fetal programmed elevated blood pressure in offspring. This might have resulted from reduced renal function in response to fetal insult by G. perpensa. Although G. perpensa had potential antioxidant activity, it may not be suitable for use during pregnancy and lactation as it may lead to hypertension in offspring. Top Keywords Fetal programming, Oxidative stress, Sexual dimorphism. Top |