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Dietary vitamin E prophylaxis and diabetic embryopathy: morphologic and biochemical analysis
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|October 1, 1996
Summary
Dietary vitamin E supplementation significantly reduced neural tube defects and resorption rates in a rat model of diabetic embryopathy. This antioxidant may serve as a future dietary prophylaxis against pregnancy complications in diabetic individuals.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Endocrinology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Diabetic embryopathy is a serious complication of diabetes during pregnancy.
- Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic embryopathy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effect of dietary vitamin E supplementation against diabetic embryopathy in an in vivo rat model.
- To determine if vitamin E can reduce malformations and embryonic resorption rates in diabetic rats.
Main Methods:
- Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control and diabetic groups.
- Diabetic groups were induced with streptozotocin.
- Vitamin E (440 mg/day) was administered to one control and one diabetic group.
- Embryos were assessed for malformations, resorption rates, and enzyme activity.
Main Results:
- Diabetic rats exhibited significantly higher blood glucose levels compared to controls.
- Vitamin E supplementation in diabetic rats led to a significant reduction in neural tube defects (21.48% to 6.92%) and resorption rates (21.37% to 2.17%).
- Maternal serum and embryonic vitamin E levels were significantly increased in supplemented groups.
Conclusions:
- Dietary vitamin E supplementation provides a significant protective effect against diabetic embryopathy.
- Vitamin E may serve as a future dietary prophylaxis for preventing diabetic embryopathy.
- The protective effect is likely mediated by a reduction in oxidative stress caused by hyperglycemia.