Background: Tobacco smoke has a global impact, particularly on pregnant women and their newborns. An emerging body of research suggests that passive tobacco smoking is a significant contributor to congenital cardiovascular disorders (CVDs).
Aim of the study: This study aimed to mimic the effects of passive tobacco smoke (PTS) on neonates exposed throughout the gestational period.
Methods: Female mice (DPC = 0) were exposed to PTS; 24 cigarettes/day with an interval of 10 min between each cigarette in a specialized smoke chamber from conception to birth. Histopathological analysis was employed to evaluate PTS-induced cardiac damage in neonates.
Results: The results revealed significant alterations in cell structure, namely, widened interstitial spaces, hemorrhage, pyknotic nuclei, inflammatory cell infiltration, collagen deposition, and fibrosis.
Conclusion: Maternal exposure to PTS during pregnancy may lead to neonatal myocardiopathy.
Keywords: cardiovascular disorders; histology; neonates; passive tobacco smoke; smoke chamber.
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