The Protective Role Of Silymarin Against The Effects Of Dioxin On Some Physiological And Histological Parameters In Female Albino Rats And Their Fetuses

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the protective role of the plant-derived compound silymarin, extracted from Silybum marianum, against the toxic physiological and histological effects of dioxin in pregnant female albino rats and their fetuses. The experiment was conducted in the animal house of the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tikrit, under controlled laboratory conditions with adequate food and water provided. A total of 24 female albino rats, aged between 18–20 weeks and weighing between 200–250 grams, were randomly divided into five groups, with six rats in each group: Group 1 (Control): Healthy females administered distilled water daily for 30 days. Group 2: Treated with a low dose of dioxin at 4 µg/kg body weight. Group 3: Treated with a high dose of dioxin at 40 µg/kg body weight. Group 4: Treated with a low dose of dioxin (4 µg/kg) combined with silymarin. Group 5: Treated with a high dose of dioxin (40 µg/kg) combined with silymarin. The treatment period lasted for 30 days. After this period, three females from each group were allowed to mate with healthy males, while the other three females were sampled. Blood samples were collected from the heart and organs with dioxin and silymarin exposure, especially the liver, were harvested for analysis. After marriage, the presence of a cervical plug was considered a sign of early pregnancy. Pregnant women ​​were sampled the day before parturition for blood and placental collection.