Effects of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Thymus schimperion Hematologic Profiles of Animal Models of Pre-eclampsia

Abstract

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy such as pre-eclampsia (PE) complicate pregnancy outcomes among women worldwide and are responsible for a high incidence of maternal and fetal mortalities. Complete blood count tests (CBC), including hematocrit (HCT) and red cell distribution width (RDW), are easy, inexpensive, routinely reported investigations, which might allowthe acquisition of significant diagnostic and prognostic information in patients with PE. They also help to evaluate the severity of the disorder.Low platelet count (Thrombocytopenia) is well recognized when PE is complicated by hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome. Objective: The aim of this study wasto determine the effects of aqueous leaf extract of Thymus schimperion the levels of some hematologic parameters among PE rat models induced by N (ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). Methods: A case-control experimental study was employed to evaluate hematologic variables. The red blood cell (RBC) indices were determined using hematology analyzer after blood sample obtained by cardiac puncture at gestation day 20. Results: There was a significant difference in RBC indices particularly hemoglobin (Hb), HCT, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and RDW of PE animal models compared to the normal pregnant controls. However, there was no significant difference in RBC count, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) among PE and normotensive pregnant rats. Oral administration of calculated doses of Thymus leaf extract to PE rat models have shown normalized levels of RBC indices compared to untreated PE cases. All PE rat models in the present study had lower count of platelets and higher count of leukocytes. The total leukocytes and platelets counts were regulated in those PE groups which received Thymus extract. Conclusion: AdministrationofThymus leaf extract to PE rat models might have regulating effects on hematologic parameters which are usually deranged in PE condition; hence plant extract might have potential therapeutic effects against PE.