used throughout the world, its metabolites can cross the placenta and cause change on its structure. Ginger is a plant used in the treatment of vomiting during pregnancy. Its extracts were reported to have an antioxidant action.
Aim of the Work: Assessing the histopathological and the teratogenic effect of Aspartame on the placenta and fetuses of albino rat and study the possible protective effect of Ginger.
Materials and Methods: Fifty female albino rats were divided into four groups: Control group: received distilled water. Aspartame group received 265 mg/kg body weight (b.w) Aspartame, Ginger group received 200 mg/kg b.w Ginger extract and Aspartame-Ginger group received 265mg/kg b.w Aspartame then 200 mg/kg b.w Ginger extract by orogastric tube on gestational days from one to 18. Placenta weighted and processed for histological examination and immunohistochemical staining to detect vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. Fetuses were weighted and examined for anomalies.
Results: Aspartame group showed a significant decrease in the mean maternal weight gain, placental weight, fetal weight and length. Additionally, a decreased basal zone and an increased labyrinth zone thickness were detected. Moreover, this group showed placental structure alternations on the light and the electron microscopic level, an increase in the interhemal membrane thickness and a significant increase in the VEGF expression in the labyrinth zone. Ginger improved all fetal and maternal parameters and ameliorated the Aspartame induced effect on the placenta.
Conclusion: Aspartame has a deleterious effect on albino rat's placenta and fetus, adding Ginger ameliorate this impact.