Effect of hyperhomocysteinemia on fetal development of rats and the protective role of vitamin B- complex.

Abstract

The present study aims to examine the effects of hyperhomocysteinemia on fetal development, and on the induction of oxidative stress in brain homogenates of pregnant rats and their fetuses. Also, it aims to evaluate the role of vitamin B complex in preventing such defects. Pregnant rats were divided into four groups (10 rats each): group(C): control group received distilled water by gavage, group (B): rats administered orally vitamin B- complex (17mg/kg bwt) group (M): rats received methionine (1g/kg bwt) by gavage to induce maternal hyperhomocysteinemia, and group (M+B): animals administered both methionine and vitamin B-complex together in the same manner and dosages. Dosing occurred daily, from gestational day 1 to 19. The results indicated that methionine administration to pregnant rats induced significant elevation of serum homocysteine level and led to the formation of oxidative stress in the brain of mothers. The oxidative stress was indicated by a significant elevation of malondialdehyde level with a significant reduction of glutathione level and superoxide dismutase activity. The mean number of implantations, number of viable and resorbed fetuses, and the gravid uterine weight were not statistically different between groups. Also, no visible external or skeletal malformations were detected in control or any. However, fetuses maternally treated with methionine were characterized by lower body weight, higher malondialdehyde level and superoxide dismutase deficiency in the brain. Vitamin B- complex administration reduced serum homocysteine level, reversed the oxidative stress and normalized the activity of SOD and GSH level of the brain in hyperhomocysteinemic rats and their fetuses.