ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of the use of local chewing tobacco in pregnancy and its effects on the weight of offsprings of mice
MATERIAL and METHODS: 20 female Swiss Albino mice were obtained and mated with male mice. After confirmation of pregnancy they were divided into two groups, group A experimental and B control. Group A was given tobacco 5 % mixed with normal diet ad libitum while group B, control was given normal diet. After birth of offsprings, 20 offsprings [10 male and 10 female] were selected randomly from group A and group B respectively. The weight of each baby mouse [offspring] was noted daily till two weeks
RESULTS: showed a significant decrease in the weight of the offsprings [both sexes] of the experimental group as compared to that of control group in both the initial [at birth] and final weight [at two weeks of age]
The mean initial weight of experimental male offsprings was found to be 1.17+/- 0.03 grams while in control group it was 1.48+/-0.05 grams. The final weight in experimental male offsprings was 8.61+/- 0.17 grams and in control group it was 11.47+/-0.08 grams. In female offsprings the mean initial weight of experimental female offsprings was found to be 1.09+/- 0.04 grams while in control group it was 1.37+/-0.05 grams. The final weight in experimental female offsprings was 7.87+/-0.06 grams, however in control group it was 11.04+/-0.18 grams. When both groups were compared statistically the difference of weight was found to be significant [p value <0.05] for both sexes. However there were no significant differences observed in gestational period and the litter size
CONCLUSION: The use of smokeless tobacco of local brand during pregnancy definitely has some adverse effects on the offsprings resulting in their low birth weight
ABSTRACT
Objective: To evaluate and compare the morphological changes occurring in the placentae of mothers who chewed tobacco and the normal placentae of non-tobacco users
Methodology: This case-control study was conducted at the Departments of Anatomy and Gynecology and Obstetrics at Isra University from June 2006 to June 2007. Sixty full-term placentae from chewing tobacco users [Group A], and non-tobacco using [Group B] subjects were divided into groups of 30 placentae. The features evaluated included shape, site of attachment of umbilical cord, weight, and central and peripheral thickness
Results: The mean weights were: Group A, 444.56 +/- 112 gm; and Group B, 437.8 +/- 61.94. The mean diameters of the placentae were: Group A, 17.50 +/- 1.8 cm; Group B, 17.94 +/-/-1.2 cm. The difference in the numbers of cotyledons seen in both groups was highly significant [p < 0.001]: in Group A, the mean number was 16.33 +/- 2.39 compared with Group B, 13.81 +/-1.36. The central thickness was 1.94 +/- 0.59 cm in Group A and 2.49 +/- 0.47 cm in Group B. The mean peripheral thickness of the placentae in Group A was 1.75 +/- 0.41 cm which is similar to that of Group B, 1.74 +/- 0.44cm
Conclusion: The non-smoked chewing form of tobacco produces significant changes in placental morphology, which may affect the outcome of the pregnancy; however, the changes are less significant than those seen in the placentae of smokers