Effects of hesperidin on formaldehyde-induced toxicity in pregnant rats

Abstract

This experimental study aimed to investigate the protective effect of a bioflavonoid, hesperidin (HP), on formal- dehyde (FA)-related pathophysiological and behavioral outcomes in pregnant rats and developmental aspects in their offspring. Female Wistar rats were subjected to perigestational exposure to FA (2 mg/kg/day per os) with a concomitant treatment with HP (50 mg/kg/day per os). Pregnant rats were weighed throughout gestation and tested in two behavioral paradigms (elevated plus-maze and open field) at gestational days (GD) 1, 10 and 19 to evaluate the anxiety-like behavior and locomotive alterations. Another subset of rats was decapitated at GD19 to determine the hematological profile along with cortisol, 17β-estradiol, and progesterone plasma levels. Reproductive and fetal measures and observations were also performed to check for developmental deformities. Significant body weight loss, hemato-immune decline, hormonal changes, anxiety and lethargy signs, locomotor disabilities, repro- ductive failure and fetal weight decrease were observed in FA-exposed rats. Treatment with HP alleviated the reproductive and fetal weight defects. Its behavioral benefits were only seen at GD1 and 10. This flavanone ame- liorated some hematological parameters, decreased cortisol levels and increased 17β-estradiol rates. A potential preventive impact of HP was found against FA toxicity in pregnant rats.