Low Birth Weight and Maternal and Neonatal Deaths are Complications of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Pregnant Pristane Induced Lupus Mice

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the relationship between systemic lupus erythematosus and pregnancy in pristane induced lupus mice model, including the pregnancy outcome for mothers and neonates. Materials and methods: Sixteen female Balb/c mice 6-8 week-old were separated into two groups: pristane induced lupus (PIL) mice group that received a single intraperitoneal injection of 0.5 ml of pristane and healthy control (HC) group that received phosphate-buffered saline injection. At one month after injection, all mice were mated with 8-10 week-old male Balb/c mice. All mice from both groups were observed for body weight and survival. On the day of births; number of neonates born, birth weight, and length of neonates were calculated. Neonates were also monitored for survival rate and their ages along the study. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in body weight before and after delivery, survival rate during pregnancy, number of neonates born, and gestational ages of mothers from both groups. Mothers began to die in the postpartum period. On third day after delivery, 0% of mothers from PIL group survived whereas 100% mothers from HC group survived (p=0.000). Of neonates born from PIL group, 15% survived at the end of fifth day after birth whereas 100% of neonates from HC group still survived (p=0.000). Neonates from PIL group also had significantly lower body weight and body length at birth compared to HC group (p=0.000 and p=0.000, respectively). Conclusion: Maternal and neonatal death, low birth weight, and low birth length are complications of systemic lupus erythematosus at pregnancy in pristane induced lupus mice model.

The role of T helper subsets in the pregnancy outcomes of a pregnant pristane-induced lupus mouse model

“…Like in our previous report [4], the foetal outcomes found in this study were low birth weight and length, increased foetal resorption and a low number of viable foetuses. Foetal outcomes from mothers with SLE are highly correlated with maternal conditions [16].…”

“…However, SLE patients still carry a high risk of complications for both mother and child. The risks of maternal and foetal complications are still high in certain populations, including a higher risk of lupus flares, preeclampsia, hypertension, higher rates of preterm delivery and the presence of anti-phospholipid antibodies [3,4]. Yet, the pathogenesis of complications related to SLE during pregnancy is still poorly understood.SLE is considered a T helper 2 (Th2)-driven disease due to overexpression of Th2 cytokines and increased Th2 polarisation [5].…”

Relationship of TNF-α levels in the Placenta with Blood Pressure, Urinary Albumin, and Fetal Weight Balb/c Strain Mice in Pregnant SLE Models

“…[2] Pregnant women with SLE can increase the risk of complications and worsen their pregnancy condition, and complications can occur in the mother and fetus related to immune mechanisms. Complications that can occur in pregnant women with SLE include preeclampsia, prematurity, abortion, impaired fetal growth, and fetal death [3,4].…”

Outcome of Pregnancy in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

“…9 Neonates from an SLE mother has higher risk to develop neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE) that could result in cardiac, dermatologic, hepatic disorders, and hematologic abnormalities. 10 Congenital heart block is also one of the major complications which is occured in 2% of neonates from SLE mother. Congenital heart block is an irreversible condition which causes the scarring of the cardiac tissue and eventually affects the functionality of the heart.…”