Heavy Metals in Indigenous Preparations Used for Sex Selection During Pregnancy in India

Characteristics of the transfer of mercury and other trace elements between dam and fetus in a relatively high‑mercury content species, the small Indian mongoose (Urva auropunctata)

We provide the first data regarding the maternal-to-fetal transfer of toxic trace elements (total Hg (THg) and organic Hg (OHg), As, Cd, and Pb) and seven essential minerals (Mg, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Se) in the tissues of 29 pairs of small Indian mongoose that were naturally exposed to metals. The fetal mass negatively correlated with the fetal liver O/THg ratio, suggesting that mineralization of Hg from the organic form might occur during fetal growth. The maternal THg and OHg concentrations and THg/Se molar ratios in whole blood and the fetal whole blood (FB)/maternal whole blood (MB) ratios of the OHg and THg concentrations significantly correlated with the fetal hepatic and cerebral Hg levels, indicating that the maternal blood THg and OHg concentrations and the THg/Se and FB/MB ratios may be useful biomarkers of the Hg contents of fetal organs. It was noted that the fetal THg and OHg levels in the liver and whole blood tended to be lower when the dams were exposed to high levels of Hg, suggesting that the placental barrier mechanism may be activated when mongooses are exposed to high levels of Hg. Analysis of the differences in trace element concentrations between maternal blood containing high (>0.044 ppm) and low (<0.044 ppm) Hg exposure showed that fetuses with high maternal Hg exposure may be at higher risk of Pb exposure and Zn depletion than those with dams exposed to low levels of Hg.

Evidence of prenatal toxicity of herbal based indigenous formulations for sex selection in rat models

Indigenous preparations(IPs) for a male child is reported from some parts of India. The present study aims to explore the effects of IPs for sex selection or sex selection drugs (SSDs) on pregnancy outcomes in rat models. SSDs contain Bryonia laciniosa, Quercus infectoria and Putranjiva roxburghii along with other ingredients.

Methods

An experimental design with successfully mated female rats were randomized into control and treatment groups. Phase 1 had 2 interventional arms while phase 2 had 3 interventional arms (12 rats/arm) besides control arm. In phase-1, pregnant females were dosed two SSDs(1000 mg/kg) on gestation days 1–5 whereas, in phase-2, on gestation days 6–19 to correlate the effect of the SSDs (500/1000/1500 mg/kg) consumption during different stages of pregnancy. Pregnant females were observed for clinical signs following treatment. The rats were sacrificed one day before expected day of delivery for evaluation. Pregnancy rate, gestation index, number of corpora lutea, and litter size were assessed. Foetuses were examined for sex, skeletal and soft tissue alterations.

Discussion and conclusion

In phase 1, no appreciable findings were there with SSD exposure. In phase 2, intrauterine growth and survival of foetuses were affected when SSDs were administered during organogenesis period. Decreased number of live foetuses and increased incidence of early and late resorption, reduced fetal growth with significant alteration in skeleton and viscera were found in treatment groups in a dose-dependent manner. This correlates well with findings from observational studies in pregnant women. However, such treatment at any dose did not effect sex differentiation.

•

Indigenous preparations for sex selection consumed during organogenesis period of pregnancy lead to fetal resorptions.

•

Such preparations are likely to cause skeletal and visceral malformations in babies.

•

These have no impact on sex ratio.