Conference 2021 Poster Presentation

 

Project title

Gestational Effects of Palm Wine in First Trimester

 

Authors and Affiliations

Ofiroritse Ofulue1

1.Department of Human Physiology, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria

 

Abstract

Background

Over the years several drugs and chemicals are known to be teratogenic to the human embryo when administered during pregnancy, especially during the period of organogenesis. The evidence for their teratogenicity has been shown by human epidemiologic and clinical studies, as well as in studies carried out in animals such as rats, mice, rabbits and primates. Palm wine is generally referred to as a group of alcoholic beverages. It has gained a lot of cultural interest and, its consumption rate has been on the increase among educated, non-educated and pregnant women in our societies.

Methods

Twenty (20) female pregnant albino Wistar rats were used for this study. The rats were divided randomly into two (02) groups consisting of Ten (10) rats each. Group A served as the control while Group B served as treatment group, rats in this group were treated with 10ml/kg of Palm Wine during their first trimester of pregnancy (Day 1 to 7 of pregnancy). Both groups were subdivided into two subgroups of Five (05) rats each i.e. subgroup A1, A2 and subgroup B1, B2 ; Subgroup 1 in both Group A and B were pregnant rats allowed till parturition, while Subgroup 2 in both Groups were pregnant rats sacrificed on the 7th day of pregnancy. Body weight was measured weekly, Estrogen and Progesterone levels were analyzed, resorption and, implantation sites in the uterus, litter size and, pup weight were assessed.

Results

Data from this study showed that Palm wine reduced the rate of body weight increase in pregnant rats significantly (p<0.05), it also caused a non-significant decrease in estrogen level and a non-significant increase in the concentration of progesterone level. Result also showed that Palm Wine consumption decreased the implantation sites and 100% resorption occurred in the treatment groups. There were no litter size and pup weights in pregnant rats treated with palm wine.

Conclusions

Palm Wine caused a decrease in implantation sites and total resorption in pregnant female albino rats in their first trimester of pregnancy, hence this may be vital in endocrinology and reproductive physiology practices.