Journal Awards for the Year 2023

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effects of relaxin (RLX) on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and fetal growth restriction (FGR) using a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor-induced HDP murine model. Methods: Pregnant C57BL/6NCrSlc mice were divided into three groups at 6 days post coitum (dpc).The control group (control) received saline by subcutaneous injection at 6 -10 dpc.The NOS inhibitor group (L-NAME) received 50 mg/kg/day L-NG-nitro arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) by subcutaneous injection at 6-10 dpc.The RLX combination group (L-NAME + RLX) received the same dose of L-NAME plus 0.5 μg/g/day human relaxin-2 by subcutaneous injection at 6 -10 dpc.Maternal systolic blood pressure (SBP) and urinary protein were assessed at 16 dpc.At 17 dpc, fetal weight was recorded, and placentas, maternal serum, and kidneys were collected.Results: Maternal SBP and fetal weight were improved in L-NAME + RLX mice compared with L-NAME mice.No significant differences were observed in abortion rate, urinary protein, placental weight, serum placental growth factor concentration, and glomerular open capillary area.Conclusion: RLX improved maternal SBP and FGR, suggesting that RLX may be a candidate drug for prophylaxis of HDP with FGR.