<scp>l</scp>-Citrulline supplementation during pregnancy improves perinatal and postpartum maternal vascular function in a mouse model of preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a spontaneously occurring pregnancy complication diagnosed by new-onset hypertension and end-organ dysfunction with or without proteinuria. This pregnancy-specific syndrome contributes to maternal morbidity mortality can have detrimental effects on fetal outcomes. also linked increased risk of cardiovascular disease throughout life. Despite intense investigation this disorder, few treatment options are available. The aim study was investigate the potential therapeutic l-citrulline supplementation vascular in male C57BL/6J × female C1q −/− preeclampsia-like mouse model. l-Citrulline nonessential amino acid that converted l-arginine promote smooth muscle blood vessel relaxation improve nitric oxide (NO)-mediated function. To model pregnancy, mice were mated mice, subset dams supplemented pregnancy. Blood pressure, systemic glycocalyx, ex vivo function investigated late postpartum at 6 10 mo age. Main findings show reduced glycocalyx volume, rescued ex-vivo gestation day 17.5 benefit extended postpartum, improved measures l-Citrulline-mediated improvements appear, part, attributable NO pathway signaling. Taken together, during appears beneficial health, which may translational implications for health.