The protective effect of folic acid against valproate-induced neurological and skeletal congenital anomalies in mice

Abstract

Background: Valproate is a broad spectrum anti-convulsant drug used to control all types of seizures. Inspite of its effectiveness in the management of epilepsy, valproate induces skeletal and neurological malformations when used by the pregnant women. Folic acid is an essential nutrient required for normal cell development and metabolism. We aimed in our work to evaluate the possible protective role of folic acid against the valproate-induced skeletal and neurological congenital malformations. Methods: This experiment was done in the animal house in the Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University using ninety adult mice "Sixty females and thirty males''. The histopathological procedures were done in Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University. Results: Valpeoate produced numerous neurological and skeletal congenital anomalies in mice fetuses when given to the pregnant females. The concomitant administration of folic acid ameliorated the teratogenic effects of valproate. Conclusions: Folic acid is effective in prevention of the neurological and skeletal congenital malformations induced by valproate.