Investigating the teratogenic potential of diclofenac sodium on chick embryos: A warning for pregnant women

Area of Science:

• Developmental toxicology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like diclofenac sodium (DS) are widely used.
• Understanding the developmental toxicity of DS is crucial for public health.
• Chick embryos serve as a valuable model for studying early vertebrate development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the teratogenic and embryotoxic effects of diclofenac sodium (DS) on chick embryos.
• To assess the impact of different DS doses on various developmental parameters.
• To evaluate the relevance of chick embryo findings to human pregnancy.

Main Methods:

• Four trials involving different doses of DS administered to chick embryos.
• Monitoring of mortality rate and hatching success.
• Measurement of morphological parameters, organ weights, and somatic indices (e.g., kidney somatic index, cardiac somatic index, hepato somatic index).

Main Results:

• DS administration led to statistically significant differences in body weight, body length, and limb lengths compared to controls.
• Increased DS dosage correlated with higher mortality rates and affected hatching.
• Specific organ weights and indices showed significant alterations, though some parameters like beak size and kidney weight were not significantly affected.

Conclusions:

• Diclofenac sodium exhibits teratogenic and embryotoxic effects on developing chick embryos.
• The findings suggest potential risks to early human development, particularly during the first trimester of pregnancy.
• DS should be used with caution in pregnant individuals.