Comparison of bevacizumab and cabergoline in the treatment of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in a rat model

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of bevacizumab in a rat model of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and compare with cabergoline. The study was performed with 24 rats in four main groups (one non-stimulated control and three OHSS treatment groups; bevacizumab, cabergoline and placebo). The rats were randomly assigned to four experimental groups (six rats per group). Efficacy of treatment was assessed on 29th day by measuring weight gain, number of eggs, presence of ascites and ovarian weight. Peritoneal fluid levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Ovarian weights were significantly higher in the OHSS groups than the control group. Ovarian weights in OHSS placebo group were found to be higher than those in OHSS-treatment groups (p = 0.002). VEGF levels were found increased in the OHSS-placebo group compared with the control group (p < 0.05). This increase was not seen in the OHSS groups treated with either bevacizumab or cabergoline. We demonstrate in this study that bevacizumab can lower VEGF production and ovarian weight in rats treated with gonadotropins.