Teratogenic effect

Teratogenic effect refers to the ability of a substance, organism, or physical agent to cause malformations in an embryo or fetus. Teratogens may have a physical or chemical nature. The term "teratogenic" is derived from the Greek words "teras" (monster) and "gennan" (to produce).

Teratogenic Agents

Teratogenic agents are substances or factors that can cause congenital anomalies or increase the incidence of a particular anomaly in the population. These agents can be classified into three main categories: physical agents, chemical agents, and biological agents.

Physical Agents

Physical agents that can cause teratogenic effects include radiation, hyperthermia, and mechanical forces. Radiation can cause DNA damage, leading to mutations and malformations. Hyperthermia, or high body temperature, can disrupt normal embryonic development. Mechanical forces, such as pressure or tension, can also lead to malformations.

Chemical Agents

Chemical agents include drugs, alcohol, and environmental chemicals. Certain drugs taken during pregnancy can cause birth defects. For example, thalidomide, a drug used to treat morning sickness, was found to cause limb defects in babies. Alcohol is a well-known teratogen that can cause a range of birth defects, collectively known as fetal alcohol syndrome. Environmental chemicals, such as lead and mercury, can also have teratogenic effects.

Biological Agents

Biological agents include viruses, bacteria, and other infectious organisms. For example, the rubella virus can cause a range of birth defects, including deafness, cataracts, and heart defects, if a woman is infected during early pregnancy.

Mechanisms of Teratogenesis

The mechanisms by which teratogens cause birth defects are complex and not fully understood. However, it is known that teratogens can interfere with cell division, cell differentiation, and genetic expression. They can also cause physical damage to the developing embryo or fetus.

Prevention of Teratogenic Effects

Prevention of teratogenic effects involves avoiding exposure to known teratogens during pregnancy. This includes not taking certain drugs, not drinking alcohol, avoiding exposure to harmful environmental chemicals, and preventing infections that can cause birth defects.

See Also

• Congenital anomalies
• Fetal alcohol syndrome
• Rubella