The Effects of Quercetin and Retinoic acid on Skeletal System of Rat Embryos in Prenatal Period

Background: prenatal rat embryo exposure to retinoid induces some malformations in various organs, the most active and teratogenic metablolite is all-trans-retinoic acid (atra). the teratogenic effects of some drugs can be prevented by the application of antioxidant drugs and stimulation of the maternal immune system. also, quercetin, a naturally occurring flavonoid has excellent antioxidant properties. therefore, in this study, the prophylactic effect of quercetin on teratogenic effects of atra was evaluated.materials and methods: in this experimental study, 40 pregnant rats were divided into 7 groups. control group received normal saline and test groups received dimethylsulfoxide (dmso), quercetin (75 mg/kg), quercetin (200 mg/kg), atra (25 mg/kg), atra (25 mg/kg) plus quercetin (75 mg/kg) and atra (25 mg/kg) plus quercetin (200 mg/kg), intraperitoneally at 8-10th days of gestation. fetuses were collected at 20th day of gestation and after determination of weight and length; they were stained by alizarin red-alcian blue method.results: cleft palate, exencephaly and spina bifida incidence were 30.76%, 61.53% and 30.76% range in group which received only atra. cleft palate, exencephaly and spina bifida incidence were 11.11%, 16.66% and 5.55% in group which received atra plus quercetin (75 mg/kg). however, cleft palate, exencephaly and spina bifida incidence were 10.52%, 10.52% and 0% in group which received atra plus quercetin (200 mg/kg). the means of weight and length of fetuses from rat that received atra plus quercetin (75 mg/kg) were significantly greater than those received only atra.conclusion: it is concluded that quercetin decreased teratogenicity induced by atra, but this subject needs more detailed evaluation.