Evaluation of teratogenic and pathological effect of salicylates [aspirin] in albino rats: possible protective effect of VIT. C

ABSTRACT

Salicylates are drugs that are commonly used in treatment of many rheumatic disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome, low back ache and headache which usually occur in females during childbearing age. Also aspirin in low dose is used as anti thrombolic and prophylactic drug in pre-eclampsia. This experimental study was carried out to investigate the facial adverse effect of aspirin when used during pregnancy and the possible protective effect of Vit. C versus aspirin, beside a histopatbological study. This work was conducted on 50 pregnant female rats divided into 5 groups. Group I [control group] pregnant rats given saline orally by gastric tube for 20 days [whole period of gestation]. Group II pregnant rats given aspirin orally by gastric tube daily starting from 1[st] day of gestation till twentieth day [whole period of gestation] Group III pregnant rats given aspirin orally versus ascorbic acid [Vit C] Orally from 1[st], day of gestation till 20[th], day. Group IV pregnant rats were given aspirin orally daily starting from 9[th], day of gestation till 20[th], day. Group V. pregnant rats were given aspirin orally daily together with ascorbic acid [Vit. C] from 9[th] day of gestation till 20[th], day. The results showed that the pregnant rats which were treated with aspirin from start of gestation showed significant prolongation in duraton of pregnancy up to 35 significant decrease in number of living new borns and multiple skeletal anomalies plus abnormal tail torsion and absence of forelimb buds. When ascorbic acid [Vit. C] was given together with aspirin the result showed fewer number of faetal mortality and there was a significant decrease in incidence of malformation White rats treated with aspirin after 9[th], day of gestation showed no abnormalities histopathological examination of the aspirin treated group showed interstitial haemorrhages in organs [lung, liver, kidneys and intestine] while the group treated with aspirin + Vit C there is no interstitial haemorrhages in organs It was concluded that aspirin ingestion in the 1st. half of pregnancy has a teratogic effect and it is possible that co-administration of natural free radical scavengers as vitamin c may be of benefit to pregnant women on aspirin therapy