Preeclampsia (PE), a severe hypertensive disorder that affects about 3-8% of pregnant women, is known to have long-term effects on the maternal vascular system. Women with a historical PE face a higher risk of developing conditions such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia and even cognitive disorders of early onset later in life. Since Re causes extensive endothelial dysfunction, one about the outcome is its ability to increase the risk of developing serious cerebrovascular complications, including the stroke, during the postpartum period. However, the way Re affects the cerebral vascular system after childbirth remains unclear.
Previous studies in animal hypertension models have shown that impaired brain vascular circulation exacerbates the effects of the stroke. However, it remains uncertain whether similar traffic lesions continue to remain after childbirth in people with a historical PE and if they could lead to more severe stroke -related lesions.
To tackle this gap, a team of researchers led by Professor Marilyn J. Cipolla from the University of Vermond, USA, caused an experimental PE on rat models and studied the effects of a transitional obstruction of the brain artery (or stroke). Their findings were published in the magazine Neuroprotection On April 13, 2025.
“In the present study, we have sought to determine whether a PE history prevents intake and aggravates the effects of ischemic stroke. ” Professor Cipolla explains. The group used sprague-dawley female rats, they accidentally divide them into two groups: one group fed a normal diet during pregnancy (NORMP-PP), while the other received high cholesterol diet to cause PE (EPE-PP). The stroke was caused in both groups 4 to 9 months after delivery to examine the results of the previous Re. In addition, a separate set of rats was examined after childbirth by each group that did not undergo a stroke to assess the differences in brave vans.
The study revealed that rats with a historical PE (EPE-PP) had significantly worse stroke effects compared to their Normp-PP counterparts. This included increased infarction size and brain edema. Further analysis showed that the severity of the emphasis on the EPE-PP group was closerly linked to reductions in blood hematopoiesis, indicating higher sensitivity to brain ischemia. Professor Cipolla explains, “The PE is associated with high levels of circulating oxidative stress marks, which may remain after childbirth. Thus, we have determined if there were oxidative stress indicators in the PP period in response to the stroke and if these indicators increased in EPE-PP rats.” According to their case, EPE-PP rats showed significantly elevated levels of oxidative stress indicators in the blood was significantly higher in the EPE-PP group than in the Normp-PP group, suggesting that persistent oxidative stress can contribute to worse strokes in people with a historic PE.
The researchers also analyzed the behavior of the small arteries on the surface of the brain known as pumpkins, which can provide alternative blood flow paths in the event of a stroke. They found that these vessels showed greater contraction caused by pressure (myogonic tone) in EPE-PP rats. In addition, the diameters of the vessels in this group were particularly smaller in their active (conventional) state compared to the passive (loose) state in various pressure conditions-an abnormal response not observed in the Normp-PP rats.
Overall, the findings show that RE has long -term adverse effects on the brain’s vascular network, even months after pregnancy. EPE-PP rats not only showed more severe strokes, but also showed increased vulnerability to ischemia and prolonged oxidative stress, along with abnormal reactions to basic blood vessels involved in side circulation. “Understanding the underlying mechanisms of the PE effects on the brainwax, both during the pregnancy of the index and the months up to the years after childbirth, can lead to the development of stroke prevention and the improvement of cardiovascular effects.” Professor Cipolla ends.
With further research on PE’s prolonged impact on mother’s brain health, scientists may be able to reveal new ways to reduce stroke injury and enhance long -term prosperity for women affected by this situation.
Source:
Magazine report:
Kropf, A., et al. (2025). The history of preeclampsia adversely affects the childbirth of the stroke in rats. Neuroprotection. Doi.org/10.1002/NEP3.70002.