ABSTRACT:Among the glucocorticoids, betamethasone has become very popular, being more commonly used for several diseases, to promote organ maturation and to prevent preterm delivery. This work aimed to examining the possible morphological and skeletal malformations induced by betamethasone in foetuses of albino rats an d the role of curcumin as antioxidant against these adverse effects. Administration of betamethasone during the organogenesis phase at a dose equivalent to its human counterpart led to severe intrauterine growth retardation relative to the control group as it affected the growth parameters of the foetuses including reduction in length and weight. In addition, various malformations were detected in the skin, head, trunk, limbs and tail. Exencephaly, mandibular hypoplasia, and retarded ossification were the m ost evident endo-skeletal malformations observed in the foetuses maternally injected with betamethasone. A marked improvement in foetal growth in terms of shape, length, weight, and skeleton was recorded in foetuses maternally injected with betamethasone followed by curcumin.
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