Pharmacotherapy during pregnancy and its association with genome instability in mother and fetus

Abstract

Pregnancy is a special physiological condition, where drug treatment presents a special concern. The use of drugs during pregnancy is increasing. Micronuclei, chromosomal aberrations, and sister chromatid exchanges are biomarkers of early biological effects which play an important role in assessing the genetic integrity of both individuals and populations. The aim of this review is to make a cross-section of previously conducted studies on the detections of genotoxic effects of drugs on human peripheral blood lymphocytes, after therapeutic exposure during the second and third trimester of pregnancy, as well as in umbilical blood lymphocytes of newborns whose mothers received the same therapy. Previous studies have shown that the cells of pregnant women and newborns are very sensitive to the effects of genotoxins, and cytogenetic biomarkers are associated with the risk of developing numerous diseases, including cancer in adults. Altogether, the administration of various doses and times of use of medications should be performed with caution.