The Role (S) of Vitamin E in Reduction of Fetal Malformation in Diabetic Mice

Purpose: Maternal type-1 diabetes during pregnancy causes an increased rate of malformation in fetuses.Many studies have demonstrated that an increase in the plasma level of free 02 radicals may increase the rate of abnormalities in the offspring of diabetic mothers. Because vitamin E is an active antioxidant, it may be able to decrease free 02 radicals and protect fetuses against congenital malformations in diabetic mothers. In light of the aforementioned data, this study sought to investigate the role(s) of vitamin E in the prevention of fetal malformation in diabetic mice. Materials and Methods: 36 (12 normal and 24 alloxan-induced diabetic) virgin female balb/c mice were mated, and the vaginal plug was assigned day 0 of gestation. In the next phase, the pregnant diabetic mice were divided into 2groups (experimental 1 and 2) and received standard food diet and drinking water as did the control group. Experimental group 1 was treated daily by 150 mg/kg of vitamin E for 15 days, and group 2 received the same volume of distilled water. On day 18 th of gestation, all the pregnant mice were sacrificed by cervical dislocation, and gross malformation in their fetuses was evaluated. Results: Our findings showed a significant difference between the average live fetuses and fetal weight and the crown rump length in group 1 as well as control as opposed to that in group 2. In addition, the rate of malformations (spina bifida, limb defects and skeletal defects) in group 1 (vitamin E treated) and control decreased significantly in contrast to that in the other group. Conclusion: Based on our data, it can be argued that vitamin E, by diminishing oxygen radical-related tissue damage, decreases the fetal malformation rate in diabetic mice.