Adverse Effects of Furan on Fetal Development, Growth Plate Integrity, and Placental Functioning in Wistar Rats

ABSTRACT This study examined the adverse impacts of furan, a pervasive environmental toxin, on fetal development in Wistar rats. Twenty‐eight pregnant rats (seven animals per group) were orally administered different doses of furan (18 and 28 mg/kg), distilled water, or corn oil as vehicles from gestation days 6–12, and their progeny at gestation day 20 were assessed for developmental anomalies, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and placental impairment. The findings indicated substantial decreases in fetal weight, length, and survival rates after furan exposure. Histopathological analyses revealed damage to the placenta and fetal liver, marked by necrosis and cellular degeneration. Additionally, the growth plat\es of fetal tibiae exhibited histopathological alterations. Exposure to furan also impaired oxidative homeostasis, as demonstrated by increased oxidative stress indicators and decreased antioxidant enzyme activity in placental and fetal tissues. Apoptosis was markedly increased in the placenta, as evidenced by increased caspase‐3 and Bax levels and reduced expression of Bcl‐2. Moreover, furan exposure modified the expression of placental growth factors, potentially \affecting fetal development. The comet assay validated furan's genotoxic properties, causing DNA damage in fetal liver tissue. These findings underscore the risks associated with fetal exposure to furan during gestation and emphasize the need for further research to better understand its adverse effects on embryonic development. This knowledge is crucial for developing effective prevention and mitigation strategies to protect maternal and fetal health.