Follicles Of Rats Research Articles

Impact of Chronic Noise Stress on Thyroid Health: A Comparative Histomorphological and Endocrine Study in Adult Male and Female Rats.

To compare the effect of varying durations of noise exposure on the histomorphological and endocrine profile of the thyroid gland in male and female adult rats. An experimental study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Anatomy, Army Medical College, Rawalpindi / NUMS, from January to December 2020. Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats (15 males and 15 females) were divided into three groups each having 10 rats with equal male- to-female ratio. Group A was the control group. Group B and Group C were exposed to 100 dB noise for 4 hours daily and 100 dB noise for 6 hours daily for 4 months, respectively. Thyroid histomorphological parameters such as follicular epithelial cells' height, follicular diameter, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were evaluated at the end of the study. Both male and female rats exposed to noise stress exhibited reduced follicular diameter (p <0.001) and increased epithelial cells' height (p <0.001) as compared to the control group. The experimental groups showed significantly higher TSH levels compared to the control group (p <0.001) among female rats, while no significant difference was observed among male rats (p 0.47). No significant differences in histological and serum parameters were noted between the experimental groups (Group B and C). Chronic noise exposure induces hyperactivity of thyroid follicles in both male and female adult rats as evidenced by the thyroid histology, whereas only female rats showed raised TSH levels, suggesting a potential disruption in the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis. Thyroid gland, Chronic noise stress, Follicular epithelial cells, Thyroid stimulating hormone, Thyroid follicles.

Fisetin ameliorates polycystic ovary syndrome in rats via a mechanistic modulation of AMP-activated protein kinase and SIRT1 molecular pathway.

Fisetin, a polyphenolic flavonoid, exhibits numerous pharmacological activities against metabolic syndromes. The present research aims to explore the therapeutic efficacy of fisetin in experimental polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Female Sprague-Dawley rats were administered mifepristone (20mg/kg/day) to induce PCOS. PCOS rats were treated with fisetin (20mg/kg and 40mg/kg) and further compared with metformin HCl, the conventional drug for PCOS. The mechanism of fisetin was explored using dorsomorphin (an AMPK inhibitor). Then, rats were sacrificed for further analysis of biochemical and histological parameters. PCOS rats exhibited irregular estrous cycles, increased serum testosterone (4.72 ± 0.139ng/ml), estradiol (750.2 ± 16.56pg/ml), LH (30.33 ± 1.563 mIU/ml), HOMA-IR (1.115 ± 0.049), TNF-α (86.59 ± 3.93pg/ml), IL-6 (55.34 ± 4.432pg/ml), and TBARS (3.867 ± 0.193µmol/mg) along with declined progesterone (11.67 ± 1.54ng/ml), FSH (13.33 ± 1.256 mIU/ml), GSH (33.47 ± 1.348µmol/mg) levels, and SOD (2.163 ± 0.298 U/mg) activity as compared to normal control group. Fisetin high dose significantly lowers testosterone (3.014 ± 0.234ng/ml), estradiol (533.7 ± 15.39pg/ml), LH (16.67 ± 1.62 mIU/ml), HOMA-IR (0.339 ± 0.20), TNF-α (46.02 ± 2.66pg/ml), IL-6 (31.77 ± 3.47pg/ml), and TBARS (1.747 ± 0.185µmol/mg) and enhances progesterone (33.17 ± 1.447ng/ml), FSH (27.17 ± 1.42 mIU/ml), GSH (60.35 ± 1.1.102µmol/mg) levels, and SOD (4.513 ± 0.607 U/mg) activity. The histology of ovarian tissues shows a significant increase in cystic follicles in PCOS rats compared with the normal control group. These alterations were attenuated with fisetin treatment. Administration of dorsomorphin with fisetin can reverse the beneficial effects of fisetin in PCOS rats. Altogether, these present findings highlight the potential of fisetin as a promising therapeutic intervention for the management of PCOS by modulating AMPK/SIRT1 signaling in rats.

Effect of Extra Virgin Olive Oil on the Apoptosis Index and the Number of Antral Ovarian Follicles in Rats Exposed to Cigarette Smoke

Infertility is a global problem. Risk factors for infertility are cigarette smoke. Cigarette smoke contains harmful substances that can have adverse effects on follicle development. Oxidative stress due to cigarette smoke can activate proinflammatory cytokines in ovarian blood. Alternative natural treatments are needed that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Extra virgin olive oil is pure oil from olives rich in antioxidants. Its polyphenol content has been proven to be high in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study aims to determine the effect of extra virgin olive oil on the apoptosis index and the number of antral ovarian follicles in mice exposed to cigarette smoke. The design of this study was a true experiment with a post-test-only control group design. The experimental animals used white mice aged 2-3 months, weighing 150-250 grams.

Huyang Yangkun formula regulates the mitochondria pathway of ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis through FTO/m6A-P53 pathway.

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) presents a significant challenge to female reproductive health. The Huyang Yangkun Formula (HYF), a traditional Chinese medicinal formulation, has been utilized in clinical settings for the treatment of POI for over a decade. Nevertheless, the therapeutic application of HYF is considerably constrained by the lack of clarity regarding its underlying mechanism of action. The experimental procedures entailed administering VCD to female Sprague-Dawley rats at a dosage of 160mg/kg/day over a period of 15 days, succeeded by a 100-day treatment with HYF. Blood serum samples were collected and analyzed using ELISA to quantify the concentrations of Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), and Estradiol (E2). The levels of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) were assessed through Dot blot analysis and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Western blotting was employed to validate the differential expression of m6A-related catalytic enzymes and apoptosis-related regulators, including BCL-2, BCL-XL, and MCL-1, which may be implicated in the effects of HYF. Certain shRNA-COV434 cell line was constructed for the exploration of molecular mechanism, and then the potential targets were finally verified by MeRIP-qPCR. HYF has been identified as having a significant influence on the development of residual ovarian follicles in rats with POI, especially during the initial stages. It was observed that HYF facilitates the progression of escaping antral follicles to full maturation. Additionally, HYF exhibited the capacity to enhance the proliferation of COV434, a human ovarian granulosa cell line, while concurrently inhibiting apoptosis within these cells. Notably, HYF treatment resulted in the downregulation of apoptotic proteins, including BCL-XL, cleaved-caspase 9, cleaved-caspase 3, and Bcl-2. Concurrently, m6A modification is implicated in the regulation of HYF. Both in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that FTO may play a role in the anti-apoptotic mechanisms mediated by m6A in ovarian granulosa cells influenced by HYF. Moreover, employing qPCR and MeRIP-qPCR techniques, P53 has been identified as the target gene for m6A modification mediated by FTO. These findings suggest that HYF holds promise as a potential treatment for POI and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanism by which HYF operates, specifically its ability to prevent the BCL-2 mitochondrial apoptosis pathway mediated by P53 in ovarian granulosa cells of POI rats by regulating FTO/m6A-Tp53.

Response of lymphoid organs to immunization with Fc fragments of IgG carrying epitopes specific to regulatory rheumatoid factor

Previously, we identified a new factor of autoimmunity downregulation, called regulatory rheumatoid factor (regRF). The production of regRF was associated with the resistance of animals to the experimental autoimmune diseases or with the remission in animals that are sensitive to the autoimmune diseases. The action of regulatory rheumatoid factor is based on the killing of activated CD4 T lymphocytes expressing PD-1, which makes it possible to restrain the expansion of lymphocytes, including autoreactive ones. RegRF-specific epitopes (regRF epitopes) can be induced on IgG Fc fragments. Immunization of rats with homologous IgG Fc fragments bearing regRF epitopes suppresses symptoms, lymphocytic infiltration and target tissue damage in several experimental models of autoimmune diseases. An in vitro study of the mechanisms of regRF-producing lymphocytes activation by IgG Fc fragments carrying regRF epitopes showed that IgG Fc fragments carrying regRF epitopes are T cell-independent antigens type 2. The reactions of the immune system, in particular in lymphoid organs, to T cell-independent antigens type 2, especially having a protein nature, are poorly studied. The purpose of this work is to study the reactions of the spleen and lymph nodes of rats to immunization with IgG Fc fragments carrying regRF epitopes. Wistar rats were immunized subcutaneously with 500 μg of homologous IgG Fc fragments carrying regRF epitopes. Control animals received an injection of phosphate-buffered saline. Immunization with IgG Fc fragments carrying regRF epitopes caused a transient increase of regulatory rheumatoid factor blood level with a maximum on day 7 after immunization. It was found that immunization with IgG Fc fragments carrying regRF epitopes does not cause a reaction in the regional and distal lymph nodes of rats, but induces the development of secondary follicles in spleen that exist for at least 28 days. On day 49, the number of follicles with germinal centers in the spleen of rats immunized with IgG Fc fragments carrying regRF epitopes was lower than in control rats. Consequently, the reaction of splenic follicles in rats immunized with IgG Fc fragments carrying regRF epitopes is transient. No changes were detected in the periarteriolar lymphoid sheaths (splenic T cell zone) in rats immunized with IgG Fc fragments carrying regRF epitopes. Thus, IgG Fc fragments carrying regRF epitopes, being a T cell-independent antigens type 2, do not cause a reaction in the lymph nodes, but induce the development of germinal centers in the spleen that exist for several weeks.

Regulation of Curcumin on Follicle Initiation Rate in Diminished Ovarian Reserve.

To study the mechanism by which curcumin regulates ovarian primordial follicle initiation in rats with triptolide-induced diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). An in vitro gelatin sponge culture was performed on 3-day-old rat ovaries. After the establishment of the DOR model with triptolide, curcumin was administered for 3 days. Histological analysis and follicle counts were performed using H&E staining. ELISA detection of ovarian hormones in the culture medium (E2, FSH and LH), western blotting and Q-PCR for protein and mRNA expression (LTCONS-00011173, TGF-β1, Smad1, AMH, PTEN and GDF-9). Ovarian primordial and growing follicles increased significantly after curcumin intervention (p < 0.05), FSH/LH and E2 levels were increased significantly (p < 0.05). Curcumin also significantly decreased the expression of LTCONS-00011173. Meanwhile, curcumin increased the expression of TGF-β, AMH, and GDF-9 (p < 0.05). In addition, curcumin increased Smad1 gene expression and protein phosphorylation in the ovary on the one hand (p < 0.05), but inhibited Smad1 and p-Smad1 protein expression on the other hand (p < 0.05). Moreover, curcumin decreased PTEN protein and mRNA expression (p < 0.05). Curcumin activates primordial follicles in DOR model rats through TGF-β1 and downstream AMH signaling pathways and may limit follicle exhaustion through LncRNA.

Exploring the Mechanism of Yiwei Decoction in the Intervention of a Premature Ovarian Insufficiency Rat Based on Network Pharmacology and the miRNA-mRNA Regulatory Network.

our aim is to explore the mechanism of action of Yiwei decoction (YWD) in addressing premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) through a combination of transcriptomics and network pharmacology. By doing so, we hope to identify important pathways of action, key targets, and active components that contribute to the efficacy of YWD. group A comprised of the model + traditional Chinese medicine group, while group B was the model control group and group C was the normal control group. After gavage, serum AMH and E2 levels were measured by using ELISA. HE staining was used to study the impact of YWD on ovarian follicle recovery in POI rats. Additionally, RNA-seq sequencing technology was employed to analyze the transcription levels of mRNAs and miRNAs in the ovarian tissues of each group, and the resulting data were examined using R. YWD used UPLC-Q-TOF-HRMS to analyze its active ingredients. Upon obtaining the sequencing results, the miRWalk database was utilized to forecast the targets of DEmiRNAs. Network pharmacology was then applied to predict the targets of active ingredients present in YWD, ultimately constructing a regulatory network consisting of active ingredients-mRNA-miRNA. The coexpression relationship between mRNAs and miRNAs was calculated using the Pearson correlation coefficient, and high correlation coefficients between miRNA-mRNA were confirmed through miRanda sequence combination. the application of YWD resulted in improved serum levels of AMH and E2, as well as an increased number of ovarian follicles in rats with POI. However, there was a minimal impact on the infiltration of ovarian lymphocytes. Through GSEA pathway enrichment analysis, we found that YWD may have a regulatory effect on PI3K-Akt, ovarian steroidogenesis, and protein digestion and absorption, which could aid in the treatment of POI. Additionally, our research discovered a total of 6 DEmiRNAs between groups A and B, including 2 new DEmiRNAs. YWD contains 111 active compounds, and our analysis of the active component-mRNA regulatory network revealed 27 active components and 73 mRNAs. Furthermore, the coexpression network included 5 miRNAs and 18 mRNAs. Our verification of MiRanda binding demonstrated that 12 of the sequence binding sites were stable. our research has uncovered the regulatory network mechanism of active ingredients, mRNA, and miRNA in YWD POI treatment. However, further research is needed to determine the effect of the active ingredients on key miRNAs and mRNAs.

The influence of indole propionic acid on molecular markers of steroidogenesis, ER stress, and apoptosis in rat granulosa cells exposed to high glucose conditions

Hyperglycemia is known as one of the main causes of infertility in human societies. Indole propionic acid (IPA) is produced by intestinal microbiota and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aims to investigate the effects of IPA on molecular indices of steroidogenesis, ER stress, and apoptosis induced by high glucose (HG) in granulosa cells. Primary GCs, isolated from ovarian follicles of Rats were cultured in 5 mM (control) and 30 mM (HG) of glucose and in the presence of 10 and 20 µM of IPA for 24 h. The cell viability was assessed by MTT. The gene expression of P450SCC, 3βHSD, CYP19A, BAX, BCL2, and STAR was evaluated by Real-Time PCR. Protein expression of ATF6, PERK, GRP78, and CHOP determined by western blot. Progesterone, estradiol, IL-1β, and TNF-α were measured by ELISA. HG decreased the viability, and expression of P450SCC, 3βHSD, CYP19A, BCL2, STAR, and increased BAX. 10 and 20 µM of IPA increased cell viability, expression of P450SCC, 3βHSD, CYP19A, BCL2 and STAR and decreased BAX compared to the HG group. The expression of ATF6, PERK, GRP78, and CHOP proteins increased by HG and IPA decreased the expression of these proteins compared to the HG group. Also, HG decreased progesterone and estradiol levels and increased IL-1β and TNF-α. IPA significantly increased progesterone and estradiol and decreased IL-1β and TNF-α compared to the HG group. IPA can improve the side effects of HG in GCs of rats, as responsible cells for fertility, by improving steroidogenesis, regulation of ER-stress pathway, suppression of inflammation, and apoptosis.

&lt;b&gt;Effect of curcumin nanoparticles on the number of preantral and antral follicles of white rats (&lt;i&gt;Rattus norvegicus&lt;/i&gt;) exposed to carbon black&lt;/b&gt;

Background: Continuous exposure to carbon black could affect the reproductive health of female animals, especially in the process of folliculogenesis. Curcumin nanoparticles are expected to maintain reproductive organ fertility through exposure to pollution containing carbon. Aim: The purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of curcumin nanoparticles on the number of preantral and antral ovarian follicles in white rats (Rattus norvegicus) exposed to carbon black. Methods: This study used 30 female rats divided into five groups. The negative (K-) and positive (K+) control groups were given aquades + Na-CMC 0.5% orally, while the treatment group received different doses of curcumin nanoparticles, namely in the P1 (50 mg/kgBB), P2 (100 mg/kgBB), and P3 (150 mg/kgBB) groups, respectively, via oral administration. After that, K+, P1, P2, and P3 were exposed to carbon black with a concentration of 1064 mg/m3 for 6 hours a day for 30 days. The ovarian organ would then be made histopathological preparations to examine the number of preantral and antral follicles with HE staining. Results: The results showed a significant difference (p&lt;0.05). The average number of preantral follicles in the K- group (27.17 ± 6.37), K+ (10.33 ± 6.22), P1 (26.17 ± 5.98), P2 (19.17 ± 3.71), and P3 (23.50 ± 10.36) (p &lt; 0.05) along with the average number of antral follicles in the K- group (18.50 ± 8.89), K+ (9.17 ± 2.14), P1 (17.67 ± 7.45), P2 (16.00 ± 5.30), and P3 (9.50 ± 5.09). Conclusion: The conclusion of this study shows that curcumin nanoparticles with different doses could affect and maintain preantral and antral ovarian follicles in white rats exposed to carbon black. It was also found that the dose of the P1 group (50 mg/kgBB) had the highest effectiveness in maintaining the number of ovarian follicles. The results of this study demonstrate therapeutic potential of curcumin nanoparticles as an affordable drug.

Pharmacological Appraisal of Aqueous Ethanolic Extract of Cuminum cyminum (Cumin Seeds) in Obesity and Endocrinopathies Associated With Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Animal Models

A multidisciplinary endocrinopathy affecting women in their reproductive years, polycystic ovarian syndrome, causes insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, cardiovascular issues, obesity, and menstrual difficulties. Cuminum cyminum (cumin seed) is a famous spice traditionally used for various ailments such as indigestion, headache, diarrhea, obesity, and gynecological disorders. This study explored the pharmacological potential of aqueous ethanolic extract of Cuminum cyminum (AECC) in letrozole‐induced PCOS animals, which were also obese. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, hydroxybenzoic acid (HB acid), caffeic acid, vanillic acid, kaempferol, sinapic acid, ferulic acid, salicylic acid, coumarin, quercetin, benzoic acid, rutin, and p‐coumaric acid. Thirty adult female rats were divided into six groups (5 animals in each group). PCOS was induced by using letrozole (1 mg/kg). The groups were normal control, diseased control, standard (metformin, 20 mg/kg), and AECC (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg). Vaginal smear cytology was used to confirm the PCOS. The animals were euthanized after 12 weeks, and blood was drawn for hormonal and biochemical study. We used isoflurane 5% for euthanasia in a closed chamber. The ovaries were removed for histopathology. Ovarian histopathology showed abnormalities with cystic follicles in PCOS female rats. It also produced hyperinsulinemia, LH surge, lower FSH, perturbed LH/FSH ratio, and higher levels of testosterone and weight gain. Moreover, it also produced oxidative stress with ROS (reactive oxygen species) production. Meanwhile, AECC treatment converted cystic follicles into primary, secondary, and differentiating follicles with healthy granulosa cells and corpus luteum with significant (p &lt; 0.001) weight loss. AECC significantly (p &lt; 0.001) reduced serum insulin levels and normalized LH/FSH ratio, with improved FSH levels and control of LH surge. AECC also reduced oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation with significant (p &lt; 0.001) improvement of antioxidant markers. It has been concluded that AEEC can alleviate PCOS symptoms by improving insulin resistance, reducing weight, addressing hyperandrogenism, regulating the LH/FSH ratio, and overcoming oxidative stress and ROS production.

The effect of Norethisterone Acetate (NETA) on the ovarian follicles of albino rats: Histological Study.

The effect of Norethisterone Acetate (NETA) on the ovarian follicles of albino rats: Histological Study.

Pulsed Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (LIFU) Activation of Ovarian Follicles.

Objective: A biological system's internal morphological structure or function can be changed as a result of the mechanical effect of focused ultrasound. Pulsed low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) has mechanical effects that might induce follicle development with less damage to ovarian tissue. The potential development of LIFU as a non-invasive method for the treatment of female infertility is being considered, and this study sought to explore and confirm that LIFU can activate ovarian follicles. Results: We found a 50% increase in ovarian weight and in the number of mature follicles on the ultrasound-stimulated side with pulsed LIFU and intraperitoneal injection of 10 IU PMSG in 10-day-old rats. After ultrasound stimulation, the PCOS-like rats had a decrease in androgen levels, restoration of regular estrous cycle and increase in the number of mature follicles and corpora lutea, and the ratio of M1 and M2 type macrophages was altered in antral follicles of PCOS-like rats, consequently promoting further development and maturation of antral follicles. Conclusion: LIFU treatment could trigger actin changes in ovarian cells, which might disrupt the Hippo signal pathway to promote follicle formation, and the mechanical impact on the ovaries of PCOS-like rats improved antral follicle development.

Expression of luteinizing hormone receptor during development of bovine fetal ovary.

Steroids and gonadotrophins are essential for the regulation of late stages of preantral development and antral follicular development. Although the luteinizing hormone receptor (LHCGR) has been detected in the preantral follicles of rats, rabbits, and pigs, its expression, in bovine fetal ovary, has not been demonstrated. Based on this, we aimed to investigate the expression of the LHCGR and LHCGR mRNA binding protein (LRBP), as well as, to quantify bta-miR-222 (a regulatory microRNA of the LHCGR gene) during the development of bovine fetal ovary. In summary, LHCGR expression was observed in the preantral follicle in bovine fetal ovary, from oogonias to primordial, primary and secondary stages, and the mRNA abundance was lower on day 150 than day 60. However, the mRNA abundance of LRBP followed the opposite pattern. Similar to LRBP, the abundance of bta-miR-222 was higher on day 150 than day 60 or 90 of gestation. The LHCGR protein was detected in oogonia, primordial, primary, and secondary follicles. Moreover, both oocytes and granulosa cells showed positive immunostaining for LHCGR. In conclusion, we suggest the involvement of LHCGR/LRBP/bta-mir222 with mechanisms related to the development of preantral follicles in cattle.

Biodegradable calcium carbonate carriers for the topical delivery of clobetasol propionate.

Inflammatory dermatoses represent a global problem with increasing prevalence and recurrence among the world population. Topical glucocorticoids (GCs) are the most commonly used anti-inflammatory drugs in dermatology due to a wide range of their therapeutic actions, which, however, have numerous local and systemic side effects. Hence, there is a growing need to create new delivery systems for GCs, ensuring the drug localization in the pathological site, thus increasing the effectiveness of therapy and lowering the risk of side effects. Here, we propose a novel topical particulate formulation for the GC clobetasol propionate (CP), based on the use of porous calcium carbonate (CaCO3) carriers in the vaterite crystalline form. The designed carriers contain a substantially higher CP amount than conventional dosage forms used in clinics (4.5% w/w vs. 0.05% w/w) and displayed a good biocompatibility and effective cellular uptake when studied in fibroblasts in vitro. Hair follicles represent an important reservoir for the GC accumulation in skin and house the targets for its action. In this study, we demonstrated successful delivery of the CP-loaded carriers (CP-CaCO3) into the hair follicles of rats in vivo using optical coherent tomography (OCT). Importantly, the OCT monitoring revealed the gradual intrafollicular degradation of the carriers within 168 h with the most abundant follicle filling occurring within the first 48 h. Biodegradability makes the proposed system especially promising when searching for new CP formulations with improved safety and release profile. Our findings evidenced the great potential of the CaCO3 carriers in improving the dermal bioavailability of this poorly water-soluble GC.

Histomorphological and histomorphometric evaluation of the therapeutic role of sulforaphane on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis in polycystic ovary syndrome rats via its potential anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance. Sulforaphane (SFN) is a widely distributed isothiocyanate found in cruciferous vegetables. This study investigated the role of SFN on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis in PCOS rats. Twenty-four female rats randomized into group A control received 2 ml of normal saline. Group B received 4 mg/kg body weight (bwt) I.P of estradiol valerate (EV) on the first day, groups C received 100 mg/kg bwt of SFN orally, and Group D received I.P 4 mg/kg bwt of EV follow by 100 mg/kg bwt of SFN orally. All administrations were done once daily for 30 days. Final body weight, estrous cycle, ovarian weight, blood glucose, serum sex hormones levels, serum lipid profile, ovarian antioxidants assay, ovarian inflammatory cytokines, and ovary and pituitary histology were assessed.The PCOS rats exhibited the characteristic features of PCOS. Disturbed ovarian cyclicity, histopathological alterations, decreased the number of healthy follicles and corpora lutea and increased degenerated and cystic follicles were detected by light microscopic studies. A significant increase in final body weight, ovarian weight, blood glucose, sex steroids hormone levels, and antioxidant assays in PCOS rats. Sulforaphane reduces the elevated level of serum sex steroids hormone, lipid profile, ovarian diameter, and cysts and restores healthy follicles in PCOS rats. SFN reduces the upraised levels of ovarian oxidant and inflammatory cytokines and increases the suppressed antioxidant enzymes.Sulforaphane thus ameliorates the disturbed hormonal levels, lipid profile, and antioxidant status in PCOS rats through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity.

Zinc and α-tocopherol protect the antral follicles and endogenous antioxidants of female albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) against lead toxicity

BackgroundLead impairs female reproductive health because it can induce oxidative stress. Zinc as an antioxidant produces an enzyme system that helps neutralize free radicals. α-Tocopherol has an antagonistic effect that reduces oxidative stress. This study aimed to demonstrate the effects of zinc (Zn) and α-tocopherol on the ovarian endogenous antioxidants and antral follicles of albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) exposed to lead acetate (Pb(C2H3O2)2). MethodsTwenty-five female Wistar rats were divided into five groups, namely groups K (control), P0, P1, P2, and P3. Following exposure and treatment for 21 days with different combinations, the albino rats were necropsied, and their ovaries were removed for subsequent histopathological preparations and endogenous antioxidant analysis. Observations were made on the ovary, including an antral follicle count and diameter calculations. Analysis of the superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels (560 nm wavelength) and malondialdehyde MDA-TBA (532 nm wavelength) were performed by a spectrophotometer. The data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA and least significant difference (LSD) test with the SPSS V24 software. ResultsThe highest SOD enzyme expression in the albino rat ovaries was in P0 (17.23 ± 5.34), and the lowest was in P3 (4.21 ± 0.76). The lowest MDA level was observed in the control group (K) and P3 compared to the other groups. The highest average antral follicle count and diameter were found in the albino rats exposed to 1.5 mg/kg BW lead acetate, and treated with 0.54 mg/kg BW zinc sulfate and 100 mg/kg BW α-tocopherol (group P3) compared to the other groups. The mechanisms of action of zinc and α-tocopherol work synergistically to decrease free radicals and ovarian damage. ConclusionThe results showed that a combination of 0.54 mg/kg BW zinc (Zn) and 100 mg/kg BW α-tocopherol can maintain the number and diameter of the antral follicles and reduce ovarian SOD expression and MDA levels in albino rats exposed to lead acetate.

Chemical Characterization and Ameliorating Effect of Centratherum anthelminticum Extract against Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Wistar Rats.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in females is an endocrine pathological condition of reproductive age which is usually caused by insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, and oxidative stress. This research was aimed at evaluating the therapeutic effect of the Centratherum anthelminticum seed extract (CA) against PCOS in rodents as it is traditionally used to treat diabetes, inflammation, and gynecological problems. The CA was chemically characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). For the induction of PCOS, a high-fat diet (HFD) was given to all female Wistar rats for nine weeks except the normal control group, which was given a normal chow diet. Estradiol valerate was given to all rats except normal control. After the induction of PCOS, oral metformin (300 mg/kg) was given to the standard group, while CA was orally administered to diseased rats at 250, 500, and 750 mg/kg/day for 28 days. HPLC-DAD analysis revealed that kaempferol-3-pcoumaroylglucoside was present in the highest amount (146.8 ± 1.8 mg/g) of the extract followed by ferulic acid and malvidin-3-(6-caffeoyl)-glucoside. The in vivo results revealed a marked reduction in cholesterol and triglyceride levels in CA treatment groups. A significant rise was observed in progesterone and follicle stimulating hormone with a decrease in luteinizing hormone in the treatment groups as compared to disease control, which indicated normalization of the estrus cycle. The decrease in insulin resistance was characterized by low serum insulin levels in treatment groups. Treatment with CA also reduced inflammatory markers, such as IL-6 and NF-κB in PCOS rats. NrF2 and oxidative stress markers such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, and reduced glutathione were also improved by CA in the ovary of diseased rats. Histopathological examination showed the different developmental stages of normal follicles in CA-treated diseased rats which were indicative of a normal fertile estrous cycle. Overall, the results confirmed the efficacy of CA against PCOS in treating estradiol-HFD-induced PCOS due to its antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antihyperlipidemic, and antioxidant properties.

The Suppression Effects of Fat Mass and Obesity Associated Gene on the Hair Follicle-Derived Neural Crest Stem Cells Differentiating into Melanocyte by N6-Methyladenosine Modifying Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor.

Melanocyte (MC), derived from neural crest stem cell (NCSC), are involved in the production of melanin. The mechanism by which NCSC differentiates to MC remains unclear. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification was applied to discuss the potential mechanism. NCSCs were isolated from hair follicles of rats, and were obtained for differentiation. Cell viability, tyrosinase secretion and activity, and transcription factors were combined to evaluated the MC differentiation. RT-qPCR was applied to determine mRNA levels, and western blot were used for protein expression detection. Total m6A level was measured using methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP) assay, and RNA immunoprecipitation was used to access the protein binding relationship. In current work, NCSCs were successfully differentiated into MCs. Fat mass and obesity associated gene (FTO) was aberrant downregulated in MCs, and elevated FTO suppressed the differentiation progress of NCSCs into MCs. Furthermore, microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (Mitf), a key gene involved in MC synthesis, was enriched by FTO in a m6A modification manner and degraded by FTO. Meanwhile, the suppression functions of FTO in the differentiation of NCSCs into MCs were reversed by elevated Mitf. In short, FTO suppressed the differentiating ability of hair follicle-derived NCSCs into MCs by m6A modifying Mitf.

Mature Wistar Rats' Spleen and Liver Histomorphological Changes Related to the Duration of Atrazine Exposure

Background: Spleen and liver is secondary lymphoid organ that is highly sensitive to different chemicals. Widespread use of pesticides in agriculture has always been a matter of concern. And surprisingly, atrazine distinguishes out for being used more frequently among numerous harmful pesticides. As a result, long term exposure to atrazine and other pesticides is thought to produce metabolic abnormalities; however, little is known about how atrazine affects the spleen and liver and how this relates to its histo-achitectural structure.&#x0D; Aim: The histopathology of the spleen and liver from rats exposed to atrazine was the subject of our investigation.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Twenty male wistar rats ranging from 150-200g were acclimated to laboratory conditions for 14 days, following which they were randomly assigned into 4 groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 of 5 animals each based on average body weight. Groups (2-4) were administered atrazine via oral route corresponding to 1237 mg/kg (20/5 LD50), 618 mg/kg (10/5 LD50) and 309 mg/Kg/body weight (1/10 LD50) for 7, 14 and 30 days, while group I (control) received distilled water orally using orogastric canula for 30 days . The liver and spleen from each group of rats were harvested, weighed, and fixed in 10% buffered formal saline fixative before being taken for histological examination 24 hours following the experimental periods of oral administration of the extract.&#x0D; Results: At the end of the experiment, the histological findings showed increased and numerous area of the white pulp of spleen from rats exposed to atrazine as compared to that from the control. The relative area of germinal centre in the structure of the splenic lymph follicles of rats exposed to atrazine also revealed increased. Also, Histo-pathologically, the liver showed necrotic hepatic cells and congested central vein, with the highest atrazine concentration causing the most adverse effects.&#x0D; Conclusion: Our data demonstrated that rats exposed to high-dose of atrazine led to hypertrophy of white pulp of the spleen and hepatic cell damage with liver. From this we concluded that both organ are highly sensitive to the debilitating effects of atrazine.

The Effect of Tamoxifen Citrate on Granulosa Cells of Ovarian Follicles in Adult Female Rats: Light Microscopic Study.

Tamoxifen is a drug that has been used extensively as a chemotherapeutic agent for breast cancer. It should be taken for a long period, from few weeks up to many years, so it can induce gynecological and nongynecological complications. Present study was conducted to clarify the histopathological effects of tamoxifen intake on the ovarian follicles of rats and evaluate the promising recovery after drug withdrawal. Adult female albino rats (n = 24) were randomly divided into four groups. Group I: Control rats without treatment. Group II: Rats received olive oil vehicle. Group III: Rats received 5 mg/kg daily of tamoxifen dissolved in olive oil by oral administration for 4 weeks. Group IV: Rats received tamoxifen as in Group III then will be kept for another 4 weeks without treatment for recovery. Then, the rats were anaesthetized and the ovaries were removed and prepared for histological assessment by light microscope. The ovarian histological findings in the ovary of Group III revealed an increase in atretic ovarian follicles, appearance of cystic ovarian follicles, and cystic corpus luteum. The granulosa cells of ovarian follicles were disorganized with vacuolation of their cytoplasm, increased number of pyknotic nuclei, fragmented nuclei, and apoptotic bodies. After the withdrawal of drug, the ovarian tissue showed slight improvement with the appearance of some atretic follicles with degenerated oocyte and stromal hyperplasia. Based on the results, tamoxifen induced marked histological changes in the ovary. If tamoxifen is mandatory for the prevention of breast cancer, frequent gynecological examination should be carried out to detect any side effects.