Influence of prenatal protein malnutrition and low doses caffeine administration on pregnancy outcome and on growth and development of albino rat fetuses

Abstract EN

Background: Protein malnutrition and caffeine ingestion In the form of tea and coffe are common among wide range of population in the developing countries.

Objectives: The purpose of the present study Is to investigate the independent and combined effects of prenatal protein malnutrition and caffeine administration on the outcome of pregnancy and on the growth and development of the 20-day albino rat fetuses.

Material and Methods: Twenty-four pregnant albino rats were divided equally into 4 groups: ا ) Control group (20% protein), 2) Caffeine group (20% protein + caffeine), 3) Protein malnourished group (6% protein) and 4) Combined group (6% protein + caffeine).

Protein malnutrition started from the first day of gestation while low dose caffeine (25 mg/kg BW,]G).was given daily from day6-12 of gestation.

Fetuses were collected by caesarian section at the ^Oth day of gestation.

External examination was done before and after their fixation in Bouin's solution.

Internal examination was done using Wilson's hand razor blade technique.

Results: The results revealed that prenatal protein malnutrition alone increased pre-implantation loss decrease placental weight, delayed growth of the fetuses leading to intra uterine growth retardation (IUGR) as revealed from the reduction in fetal weight, crown rump length, head length and biparietal diameter.

It also led to high incidence of internal hematomas in the fetuses.

These findings became more pronounced in the fetuses of the combined group that showed also some abnormal findings like loss of the wrinkled skin, mild micrognathia, presence of small cranial subcutaneous hematomas and kinky tail.

However low doses caffeine administration in the caffeine group produced mild suppressive effects on fetal growth and reduction in placental weight.

Conclusion: the combination of protein malnutrition and caffeine administration during pregnancy affected markly pregnancy outcome and led to IUGR and increased tendency for bleeding in the fetuses.