Dr. Lerrie Ann Ipulan-Colet
University of the Philippines Diliman

Teratogens are substances or exposures that can negatively affect normal development. Understanding the signaling pathways involved in teratogenic mechanisms may help alleviate their effects and aid in predicting possible outcomes during exposure. In addition to determining teratogenic effects, some supplements or substances may be beneficial during pregnancy. It is therefore imperative that research focusing on gestational effects study substances with ameliorative or positive effects on embryonic development. These types of experiments can only be conducted using animal models. 

My presentation aims to highlight various teratogenic studies conducted using animal models such as mice and zebrafish. Additionally, substances with positive effects on embryos during gestation are also explored. 

In my research, we have employed zebrafish, through the Danio rerio teratogenic assay (DarT), to identify teratogenic effects of various water samples and specific pollutants such as chromium and retinoic acid on the development of abnormalities in zebrafish larvae. The ameliorative effect of a specific antioxidant against teratogens is also being investigated using the DarT assay. In mice, we have examined the ameliorative effects of a plant extract and whey protein on general embryonic development and their positive effects on muscle development, respectively, when administered at specific embryonic stages and with appropriate dosing. 

Our study shows that zebrafish and mice can be used in gestational research with certain attention to the timing and dose of teratogens or anti-oxidant/-teratogen administration.

These studies demonstrate that a range of investigations conducted during the gestational stage can offer benefits for both human health and industry practices.