study on the teratogenic effects of biphenyl dimethyl dicarboxylate [DDB] in rats

ABSTRACT

Schizandrin C is one of the components isolated from fructus schizandrae. Biphenyl dimethyl dicarboxilate [DDB] is a synthetic analogue of schizandrin C. It has been widely prescribed for improvement of liver function especially in hepatitis C infection. The present study is undertaken to investigate the effect of DDB on the pregnant rats and their fetuses. It was administered as a suspension using 2% tween80. DDB was administered in two dose levels [4.05 and 40.5mg/kg body weight]. Each of the two dose levels was daily administered along two different periods of gestation, namely from day I to 20 and from day 8 to 16. The outcome of pregnancy was examined for growth parameters and gross anomalies. The results showed a slight change in mothers body weight with a slightly decrease in appetite. The obtained results showed significant decreases in fetal body weight following administration of the high dose level through the two utilizing periods of gestation. The fetal body weight of groups treated with the small dose level was lowered, but non-significantly Dose-dependent incidences of external and skeletal malformations were obtained