Protective effect of [6]-gingerol on the ethanol-induced teratogenesis of cultured mouse embryos.
Excessive ethanol consumption during pregnancy causes fetal alcohol syndrome. We investigated the effect of [6]-gingerol on ethanol-induced embryotoxicity using a whole embryo culture system. The morphological changes of embryos and the gene expression patterns of the antioxidant enzymes cytosolic glutathione peroxidase (cGPx), cytoplasmic Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1), and Mn-SOD (SOD2), and SOD activity were examined in the cultured mouse embryos exposed to ethanol (5 μL/3 mL) and/or [6]-gingerol (1×10(-8) or 1×10(-7) μg/mL) for 2 days. In ethanol-exposed embryos, the standard morphological score of embryos was significantly decreased compared with those of the control (vehicle) group. However, cotreatment of embryos with [6]-gingerol and ethanol significantly improved all of the developmental parameters except crownrump length and head length, compared with those of the ethanol alone group. The mRNA expression levels of cGPx and SOD2, not SOD1, were decreased consistently, SOD activity were significantly decreased compared with the control group. However, the decreases in mRNA levels of antioxidant enzymes and SOD activity were significantly restored to the control levels by [6]-gingerol supplement. These results indicate that [6]-gingerol has a protective effect against ethanol-induced teratogenicity during mouse embryogenesis.
College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 361-763, Korea.
Jung-Min
JM
Yon
In-Jeoung
IJ
Baek
Se-Ra
SR
Lee
Mi-Ra
MR
Kim
Jin Tae
JT
Hong
Hwanyul
H
Yong
Beom Jun
BJ
Lee
Young Won
YW
Yun
Sang-Yoon
SY
Nam
D000818:Animals; D002396:Catechols / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D019610:Cytoprotection / Q000187:drug effects*; D046149:Embryo Culture Techniques; D047108:Embryonic Development / Q000187:drug effects*; D000431:Ethanol / Q000633:toxicity*; D005233:Fatty Alcohols / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008813:Mice, Inbred ICR; D011247:Pregnancy; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D013723:Teratogens
D002396:Catechols; D005233:Fatty Alcohols; D013723:Teratogens; D000431:Ethanol; C007845:gingerol