The Possible Protective Role of Quercetin and Selenium alone versus in combination on carbamazepine-induced teratogenicity in albino rats: A morphological and histopathological study

Carbamazepine (CBZ) is a medication that is commonly used to treat trigeminal neuralgia, affective disorders, and primarily as an anticonvulsant, particularly by fertile women who need to use CBZ continuously throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding. CBZ can affect pregnancy and embryonic development since it crosses the placenta. A major challenge is finding a protective agent against CBZ-induced teratogenicity that is effective, affordable, and has few adverse effects. The aim of the study is to assess the possible effect of Quercetin and Selenium alone and in combination on the prevention of CBZ-induced teratogenicity in adult albino rats.Materials and methods: The present study was conducted on adult female albino rats (n=30) Mating with adult male albino rats (n=15) in standard caging conditions. The female rats were randomly divided into five groups: (Control group, CBZ-treated group, CBZ-Quercetin-treated group, CBZ-Se-treated group, and CBZ-Combined QC & Se-treated group). Pregnant rats were subjected to ultrasound examinations to assess their pregnancy status. Sacrifaction and removal of uterine horns were carried on GD18. The mortality rate was calculated, and the external morphology of embryos was examined under the dissecting microscope. A double staining technique for the skeleton of the embryos was used. Each embryo skeleton was examined by dissecting microscope and photomicrographs documenting the results were taken.Results: CBZ-treated groups showed morphological and skeletal anomalies. The CBZ-Quercetin-treated group and CBZ-Combined QC & Se-treated group showed decreased incidence of both morphological and skeletal anomalies.Conclusion: Quercetin seems to have protective effects against CBZ-induced teratogenicity.Keywords: Epilepsy, pregnancy, carbamazepine, Quercetin, Selenium, teratogenicity, congenital malformation.