Volume 28, Issue 2 (Iran South Med J 2025)
Iran South Med J 2025, 28(2): 576-589 |
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Daneshfard M, Morovati sharifabad M, Salehi E, Dehestani ardakani M, Rezai-golmishe A. Histomorphological Changes in the Fetal Rat Liver Following Exposure to Valacyclo-vir. Iran South Med J 2025; 28 (2) :576-589
URL: http://ismj.bpums.ac.ir/article-1-2269-en.html
URL: http://ismj.bpums.ac.ir/article-1-2269-en.html
Mansureh Daneshfard1 
, Majid Morovati sharifabad *2 , Elham Salehi1 , Mahin Dehestani ardakani3 , Ali Rezai-golmishe1
, Majid Morovati sharifabad *2 , Elham Salehi1 , Mahin Dehestani ardakani3 , Ali Rezai-golmishe1
1- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Ardakan University, Ardakan, Iran
2- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Ardakan University, Ardakan, Iran ,mmorovati@ardakan.ac.ir
3- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Tehran University, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Ardakan University, Ardakan, Iran ,
3- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Tehran University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract: (180 Views)
Background: Herpesviruses, a family of DNA viruses, cause various infections in humans and animals, affecting the skin and internal organs. Valacyclovir, a prodrug of acyclovir, is an effective antiviral drug widely used to treat diseases caused by herpesviruses. Importantly, valacyclovir can easily cross the placental barrier during pregnancy. This raises concerns about potential harmful effects on fetal development. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of valacyclovir on the development of fetal liver tissue in pregnant rats.
Materials and Methods: Twenty-four pregnant Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of six. The control group received no treatment. The experimental groups were given oral valacyclovir daily at doses of 100, 200, or 300 mg/kg during pregnancy. Maternal weights were recorded at the start and end of the study. On day 20 of gestation, rats were euthanized. Blood samples were collected for biochemical tests, including ALT, AST, ALP, MDA, and TAC. Fetal livers were fixed for histological studies.
Results: High doses of valacyclovir caused a decrease in maternal weight and number of fetuses. Serum ALT and MDA levels increased significantly, while TAC decreased. Histology showed structural damage in fetal liver at higher doses.
Conclusion: Valacyclovir exposure during pregnancy may negatively affect fetal liver development. Thus, its use during gestation requires caution and careful monitoring.
Materials and Methods: Twenty-four pregnant Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of six. The control group received no treatment. The experimental groups were given oral valacyclovir daily at doses of 100, 200, or 300 mg/kg during pregnancy. Maternal weights were recorded at the start and end of the study. On day 20 of gestation, rats were euthanized. Blood samples were collected for biochemical tests, including ALT, AST, ALP, MDA, and TAC. Fetal livers were fixed for histological studies.
Results: High doses of valacyclovir caused a decrease in maternal weight and number of fetuses. Serum ALT and MDA levels increased significantly, while TAC decreased. Histology showed structural damage in fetal liver at higher doses.
Conclusion: Valacyclovir exposure during pregnancy may negatively affect fetal liver development. Thus, its use during gestation requires caution and careful monitoring.
Keywords: Valacyclovir, Acyclovir, Fetal liver, Pregnant rats, Histopathology, Liver histomorphology
Type of Study: Original |
Subject:
Histology - Anatomy
Received: 2025/05/21 | Accepted: 2025/08/31 | Published: 2025/11/22
Received: 2025/05/21 | Accepted: 2025/08/31 | Published: 2025/11/22
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