Ovarian Tissue Damage Research Articles

Spironolactone reversed hepato-ovarian triglyceride accumulation caused by letrozole-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome: tissue uric acid-a familiar foe.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disease among women of reproductive age and is one of the main causes of infertility. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most prominent chronic liver disease in adults, is characterized by excess hepatic triglyceride (TG) accumulation. PCOS women have increased risk of NAFLD and uric acid has been documented to have a positive correlation with subclinical tissue damage and might be the link in the cystic. Spironolactone (SPL) is a mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) blocker that has been in wide clinical use for some decades. In this research, we investigated the effects of SPL on ovarian and hepatic tissue damage in experimental PCOS rats induced by letrozole (LET). A total of eighteen adult female Wistar rats were used for this study and the animals divided into 3 groups are treated with vehicle, LET (1mg/kg), and LET+SPL (SPL; 0.25mg/kg), p.o. once daily respectively for 21 uninterrupted days. Results showed that LET treatment induced features of PCOS characterized by increased plasma testosterone (T) and luteinizing hormone (LH) together with increased body weight. Abnormal ovarian and hepatic histomorphological changes were also observed with elevated uric acid (UA) and TG accumulation in both tissues respectively. Treatment with SPL however attenuated the elevated testosterone in the LET-induced PCOS model accompanied with a reversal in the observed ovarian and hepatic UA, TG accumulation, and altered histomorphological changes. Taken together, spironolactone reversed the PCOS-induced ovarian and hepatic tissue damage by suppressing tissue UA and TG accumulation.

Comparison of Ovariohysterectomy, Ovarian Electrocautery, and Ovarian Blood Supply Ligation for Elective Sterilization of Bitches

The purpose of the present study was to investigate and evaluate ovariohysterectomy, electrocautery of ovaries, and ligation of ovarian blood supply as an alternative option for sterilization of bitches. The study was conducted on 12 adult mongrel bitches. Animals were equally divided into 3 groups; after laparotomy the following procedures were performed: group 1- Ovariohysterectomy: ovaries and uterine horns were excised using the standard method; group 2- electrocautery of ovaries: ovaries were thermally treated using forceps of electrocautery device to induce damage of ovarian tissue by deep heating; group 3- Ligation of ovarian blood supply: the ovarian pedicle was ligated using a circumferential ligature, animals in this group underwent laparotomy one month after ligation to examine the status of the reproductive tract. Blood samples were collected pre- and post-operative to measure level of estrogen and progesterone as indicator of ovarian function, and C-reactive protein as inflammatory marker. Results showed that duration of surgery was statistically equal in electrocautery and ligation groups recorded at 17.0± 0.41 and 15.7± 0.48 minutes respectively. Ovariohysterectomy required longer time (24 ± 0.71 minutes). Levels of estrogen and progesterone significantly declined over the period of 1-2 weeks after ovariohysterectomy and electrocautery, and continued in declining until it reached lowest levels at 3 weeks after the procedure. In the ovarian blood ligation group, estrogen and progesterone levels showed a temporal decline at weeks 1-2; however it increased again by the third week after surgery. Gross examination of ovaries in the 3rd group showed the presence of large growing follicles and edema in ovarian bursa. CRP increased significantly at 24 and 48 hours in all groups as compared to pre-operative stage. Although it declined in the ovariohysterectomy and ligation groups by week 2, CRP stayed significantly high in electrocautery group after 2 weeks of the procedure compared to pre-operative value and also compared to values in the other groups. Conclusion: findings indicate that ovariohysterectomy and electrocautery of ovaries are equally effective as a method for sterilization of bitches; electrocautery required shorter time and was less in handling of internal viscera, but its applicability is dependent on the availability of the device. Ligation of ovarian blood supply did not result in elimination of ovarian activity evidenced by high estrogen and progesterone levels and presence of follicular structures on ovaries.

An investigation of the protective effects of Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in chemotherapatic Cyclophosphamide (CP) induced ovarian damage on rats

Objective: We aimed to investigate whether cyclophosphamide-induced damage to rat ovary can be prevented by DHEA.
 Material and Method: Group 1 (the control Group): no treatment was administered. Intact ovarian tissue was removed and blood samples were taken for anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) test. Group 2 (the Cyclophosphamide Group): Rats received Cyclophosphamide intraperitoneally at a single dose of 150 mg / kg. Group 3 (the Cyclophosphamide + DHEA Group): Rats received Cyclophosphamide intraperitoneally at a single dose of 150 mg / kg at baseline and DHEA subcutaneously for 10 days at a dose of 60 mg / kg daily. Rats in groups 2 and 3 were sacrificed at the end of 10 days, ovarian tissues were removed and blood samples were taken for AMH test.
 Results: While normal ovarian tissue damage scores were zero, cyclophosphamide showed significant damage and histopathological changes in all rats. Cyclophosphamide group had higher vascular congestion (p=0.004) and total damage scores (p=0.010) than normal ovarian group. Cyclophosphamide + DHEA group had higher edema (p<0.001), vascular congestion (p<0.001) and total damage scores (p<0.001). Cyclophosphamide group had a decrease in primordial (p = 0.001), primary (p = 0.043) and preantral follicles(p = 0.006). Cyclophosphamide + DHEA group showed a decrease in primordial (p = 0.001) and antral follicles(p = 0.018). AMH levels did not decrease in both groups.
 Conclusions: It was found that the use of DHEA to prevent Cyclophosphamide-induced ovarian damage in rats did not produce significant changes in antral follicle counts, ovarian volume, and AMH levels, which were important for clinical practice.

An investigation of the effects of metformin on ovarian ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

Damage to the ovaries or tissue torsion can significantly reduce the ovarian reserve and thus cause severe gynecological and hormonal deficiencies. The discovery of new agents is always needed in the treatment of this condition. Metformin (MET) has been shown to be beneficial in attenuating ovarian ischemia-reperfusion injury. Fifty-six female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into seven groups. Group 1 represented the control group (C), Group 2, the ischemia group (I), and Group 3, the ischemia/reperfusion group (I/R). Group 4, the ischemia (I)+250 group, and Group 5, the ischemia (I)+500 group, received 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg MET, respectively. Group 6, the ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)+250 group, and Group 7, the ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)+500 group, received 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg MET, respectively. Tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels in ovarian tissue increased following I/R, while estradiol (E2) levels decreased. Moreover, infiltration and diffuse edematous areas were observed in addition to diffuse vascular congestion and hemorrhage findings. Caspase-3 and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κβ) expression levels also increased. MDA and TNF-α concentrations decreased in the MET treatment groups, while GSH and E2 levels increased. The findings showed that I/R causes ovarian damage through the induction of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. However, MET application was effective in preventing damage in ovarian tissue by reducing levels of reactive oxygen species, proinflammatory cytokines, caspase-3 and NF-κβ.

Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Prevents Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Ovarian Injury in Rats: Evaluation of Histological and Biochemical Parameters.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a glycoprotein commonly used in the field of medicine to treat neutropenia. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor has also crucial roles in ameliorating the ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in particular tissues. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effect of G-CSF on ovarian damage in experimental ovarian I/R injury. Thirty adult female rats were used. Rats were separated randomly into 5 groups; Group 1: sham group (abdominal wall was opened and closed surgically), Group 2: torsion group with 3-hour ischemia using vascular clips. Group 3: torsion + G-CSF group with 3-hour ischemia 30 minutes after the administration intraperitoneal (i.p.) of 100 µg/kg of G-CSF. Group 4: torsion-detorsion group with 3 hour ischemia and 3 hour reperfusion. Group 5: torsion-detorsion + G-CSF group with 3 hour ischemia followed by 100 µg/kg of G-CSF i.p. administration 30 minutes prior to 3 hour of detorsion/reperfusion. Ovarian tissue damage was scored on histopathology. Ovarian tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured biochemically. In comparison with the sham group, both the torsion and torsion-detorsion groups had significantly higher scores for follicular degeneration, vascular congestion, edema, hemorrhage, and leukocyte infiltration (P < .05). When compared group torsion-detorsion + G-CSF to group torsion-detorsion, parameters aforementioned significantly decreased in group torsion-detorsion + G-CSF (P < .05). Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor has also decreased MDA levels notably both in the torsion + G-CSF and torsion-detorsion + G-CSF groups (P < .05, P < .01). Our experimental study suggests that G-CSF can be a novel agent for the treatment of ovarian I/R injury.

45 EXOME SEQUENCING OF 25,000 SCHIZOPHRENIA CASES IMPLICATES 10 RISK GENES, AND PROVIDES INSIGHT INTO SHARED AND DISTINCT GENETIC RISK AND BIOLOGY WITH OTHER NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS

Damage to the ovaries or tissue torsion can significantly reduce the ovarian reserve and thus cause severe gynecological and hormonal deficiencies. The discovery of new agents is always needed in the treatment of this condition. Metformin (MET) has been shown to be beneficial in attenuating ovarian ischemia-reperfusion injury. Fifty-six female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into seven groups. Group 1 represented the control group (C), Group 2, the ischemia group (I), and Group 3, the ischemia/reperfusion group (I/R). Group 4, the ischemia (I)+250 group, and Group 5, the ischemia (I)+500 group, received 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg MET, respectively. Group 6, the ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)+250 group, and Group 7, the ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)+500 group, received 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg MET, respectively. Tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels in ovarian tissue increased following I/R, while estradiol (E2) levels decreased. Moreover, infiltration and diffuse edematous areas were observed in addition to diffuse vascular congestion and hemorrhage findings. Caspase-3 and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κβ) expression levels also increased. MDA and TNF-α concentrations decreased in the MET treatment groups, while GSH and E2 levels increased. The findings showed that I/R causes ovarian damage through the induction of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. However, MET application was effective in preventing damage in ovarian tissue by reducing levels of reactive oxygen species, proinflammatory cytokines, caspase-3 and NF-κβ.

M30 ASSOCIATION STUDY OF MITOCHONDRIAL DNA VARIANTS AND SLEEP DISTURBANCES IN MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

Damage to the ovaries or tissue torsion can significantly reduce the ovarian reserve and thus cause severe gynecological and hormonal deficiencies. The discovery of new agents is always needed in the treatment of this condition. Metformin (MET) has been shown to be beneficial in attenuating ovarian ischemia-reperfusion injury. Fifty-six female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into seven groups. Group 1 represented the control group (C), Group 2, the ischemia group (I), and Group 3, the ischemia/reperfusion group (I/R). Group 4, the ischemia (I)+250 group, and Group 5, the ischemia (I)+500 group, received 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg MET, respectively. Group 6, the ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)+250 group, and Group 7, the ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)+500 group, received 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg MET, respectively. Tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels in ovarian tissue increased following I/R, while estradiol (E2) levels decreased. Moreover, infiltration and diffuse edematous areas were observed in addition to diffuse vascular congestion and hemorrhage findings. Caspase-3 and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κβ) expression levels also increased. MDA and TNF-α concentrations decreased in the MET treatment groups, while GSH and E2 levels increased. The findings showed that I/R causes ovarian damage through the induction of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. However, MET application was effective in preventing damage in ovarian tissue by reducing levels of reactive oxygen species, proinflammatory cytokines, caspase-3 and NF-κβ.

Steroids and miRNAs in assessment of ovarian tissue damage following cryopreservation.

Ovarian cortical tissue cryopreservation is a relatively novel approach to preserving fertility in women diagnosed with cancer. However, the effects of freezing-thawing are not fully understood, mainly due to the lack of suitable methods to assess tissue's survival after thawing. Disparities in steroid production have been associated with ovarian failure by disrupting folliculogenesis, ovulation and oocyte apoptosis. Moreover, specific microRNAs, identified in human ovarian follicles, are thought to play a fundamental role in folliculogenesis. In this study, we investigated the possible interplay between the ovarian steroidal production and microRNA expression patterns in spent culture media, as potential non-invasive markers for ovarian tissue damage after cryopreservation. Cryopreservation of ovarian cortical tissue decreased (P<0.05) both steroid production (oestradiol and progesterone) and expression of microRNA-193b and 320A in spent culture media over 5 days, however, expression of microRNA-24 increased (P<0.05). The number of primordial follicles were also reduced (P<0.05) in fresh-cultured and cryopreserved-cultured cortical tissues when compared with fresh tissues. Downregulation of microRNA-193b and microRNA-320A together with upregulation of microRNA-24 could have a synergistic role in cell apoptosis, and consequently leading to reduced oestradiol and progesterone production. Thus, there appears to be an interplay between these microRNAs, ovarian steroid production and cell damage, which can be further explored as novel non-invasive markers of cell damage following cryopreservation.

Gallic acid reduces inflammatory cytokines and markers of oxidative damage in a rat model of estradiol-induced polycystic ovary

Hormonal disorders, oxidative stress, and inflammation in ovarian tissue cause ovulation failure in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Considering the antioxidant properties of gallic acid (GA), the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of GA on pro-inflammatory cytokines, antioxidant enzyme activity, and DNA oxidative damage of ovarian tissue in a rat model of estradiol-induced polycystic ovary (PCO). In this experimental study, 32 female Wistar rats were divided into four groups. These included control (saline solution, orally), PCO+saline (estradiol valerate + saline solution, orally), PCO+GA50, and PCO+GA100 (estradiol valerate +50 and 100 mg/kg gallic acid, orally), respectively. The PCO model was induced by a single intramuscular injection of estradiol valerate (EV, 4 mg/kg). Twenty-four days after PCO modeling, tissue concentration of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and also the activity level of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), malondialdehyde (MDA), and 8-oxo-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in ovarian tissue were measured through ELISA technique. Compared with the PCO+saline, in the GA-treated group, the concentration of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in a dose-dependent manner significantly decreased (p > 0.05). In addition, the activity level of SOD, CAT, and GPX enzymes significantly increased (p 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. GA is an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant polyphenol which reduces the concentration of inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and DNA oxidative damage of ovarian tissue in a rat’s model of PCO.

Protective effect of Vaccinium myrtillus on ischemia- reperfusion injury in rat ovary

ObjectiveIt is aimed to evaluate the protective effect of bilberry on I/R injury in rat ovary. Materials and methodsA total 48 female Wistar–Albino rats were utilized to form five groups: Group 1 (control group) (n = 8), neither drug was given and nor procedure was performed. Group 2 (bilberry control group) (n = 10), single dose 200 mg/kg bilberry was administered by gavage and no procedure was performed. Group 3 (I/R group) (n = 10), no drug was given, 1-h ischemia and 2-h reperfusion was performed. Group 4 (bilberry before I/R group) (n = 10), single dose 200 mg/kg bilberry was administered by gavage before ischemia. Then 1-h ischemia and 2-h reperfusion was performed. Group 5 (bilberry after I/R group) (n = 10), first 1-h ischemia was performed. Single dose 200 mg/kg bilberry was administered by gavage and then 2-h reperfusion was performed. Right ovaries were surgically extirpated in all groups. In ovarian tissue samples, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) were studied. In ovarian tissue samples, DNA damage and apoptosis were assessed by using TUNEL method. Histopathologic examination was performed by light microscopic findings. ResultsWhen group 3 was compared with another groups, MDA levels were significantly higher, enzymatic activities of SOD and CAT were found to be as significantly lower in ovarian tissue and blood (p < 0.001). In histopathologic examination, ovarian tissue damage in the group 3 were significantly higher than other groups (p < 0.001). Also, DNA damage and apoptosis were significantly higher in group 3 than other groups (p < 0.001). ConclusionBiochemical findings were lower and histopathologic damage was less especially in bilberry before I/R group (group 4). In conclusion, bilberry seems to be effective in prevention of ovarian I/R injury and short-term treatment.

The role of melatonin in preventing ovarian tissue damage in rats exposed to magnetic fields

Objectives: We observed the efficacy of melatonin in preventing ovarian tissue damage in rats exposed to magnetic fields. Materials and methods: Forty rats were divided into four treatment groups: Group 1, control group (n = 10); Group 2, melatonin administration only (n = 10); Group 3, magnetic field exposure only (n = 10); Group 4, magnetic field exposure with melatonin administration (n = 10). The magnetic field was applied at a dose of 20 μT for 30 min/day for 10 days. Melatonin was orally administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg. We evaluated follicle count, degree of fibrosis, amount of adhesion, amount of apoptosis, ovarian dimensions, and follicular degeneration by dissecting the ovaries of the rats on day 11, and differences among the groups were evaluated. Results: Group 3 had an increased amount of follicle degeneration, more fibrosis, and more adhesion than Group 4, but these findings were not statistically significant. The apoptosis scores in Groups 1 and 2 were significantly lower than in the other groups. Ovarian dimensions were significantly decreased in Group 3. Follicular degeneration was significantly increased in Group 3. Conclusion: Exogenously administered melatonin, if used at much higher doses orally, may be a noncytotoxic, antiapoptotic agent and may also have a protective effect on ovarian tissue damage that radiation can cause at the level of fine structure.

Administration of Oral Contraceptives Could Alleviate Age-Related Fertility Decline Possibly by Preventing Ovarian Damage in a Mouse Model.

Age-related fertility decline is hypothesized to occur mainly by the spontaneous exhaustion and deterioration of the ovarian follicle, and the accumulation of ovarian tissue damage resulting from the ovulation cycle may play roles in the process. In this study, we hypothesized that suppressing ovulation would exert protective effects against age-related fertility decline. To test this hypothesis, we established a mouse model in which oral contraceptives (OCs) were administered daily. Female C57BL/6N mice were administered OCs daily from the age of 2 months to 12 months as an ovulation suppression mouse model. Mouse fecundity was investigated by counting oocyte number after ovarian stimulation and by examining live fetuses after mating. We found that compared with control mice administered vehicle alone, 12-month-old mice administered 2-fold dose OCs used for treating humans exhibited a significantly greater average oocyte number after ovarian stimulation (8.5 ± 0.6 vs 5.9 ± 0.6, P < .01). In addition, spontaneous conception with living fetuses after mating was strikingly increased in 12-month-old mice administered OCs relative to controls (6.0 ± 1.2 vs 0.4 ± 0.3, P < .01). In the histological examination of mouse ovarian tissues, we did not detect a significant difference in ovarian follicle number, but reduced amount of brownish foamy fibrous tissues, which might reflect ovarian tissue damage, was detected in aged mice administered OCs. These results suggest the possibility that long-term OC administration might alleviate age-related fertility decline, and the improvement mechanism could be attributed to the prevention of ovarian tissue damage by suppressing ovulation.

The protective effect of Gingko biloba in a rat model of ovarian ischemia/reperfusion injury: Improvement in histological and biochemical parameters.

Ovarian torsion is one of the most common gynecological emergencies, which especially affects women of reproductive age. We aimed to evaluate the effect of Ginkgo biloba (GB) supplementation in ovarian ischemia/ reperfusion injury in an experimental torsion/de-torsion rat model. This study was carried out in the Ege University Faculty of Medicine in Izmir, Turkey. Thirty mature female Sprague-Dawley albino rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: in Group 1 (control), the abdominal wall was only opened and closed; in the torsion group (Group 2), ischemia was induced for 3 h, using atraumatic vascular clips to create a torsion model; in the torsion/GB group (Group 3), the rats were given 80 mg/kg (oral gavage) of GB 30 min before torsion was induced and the torsion model was formed; in the torsion/de-torsion group (Group 4), the rats underwent 3 h of ischemia and then the vascular clips were removed and reperfusion took place for 3 h; in the torsion/de-torsion/GB group (Group 5), the rats underwent 3 h of ischemia followed by GB (oral gavage) 30 min prior to a 3-h reperfusion period. Ovarian tissue damage was evaluated by a histopathological scoring system. Ovarian tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and plasma pentraxin-3 were measured. In comparison with the sham group, both the torsion and torsion/de-torsion groups had significantly higher scores for follicular degeneration, vascular congestion, edema, hemorrhage, and leukocyte infiltration. Ginkgo biloba significantly decreased these scores in both groups. Ovarian malondialdehyde and plasma pentraxin 3 were significantly higher both in the torsion and torsion/de-torsion groups compared with the sham group. Ginkgo biloba decreased these levels significantly both in the torsion/GB and torsion/de-torsion/GB groups. Supplementing GB during a surgical procedure decreases ischemia/reperfusion injury to an ovary in an experimental rat model based on histopathological parameters, tissue malondialdehyde, and plasma pentraxin-3 levels.

Involvement of PI 3 K/Akt/mTOR Signaling in Protective Effects of Moxibustion for Premature Ovarian Failure in Rats

To study the protective effect of moxibustion for tripterygium-induced premature ovarian failure (POF) and its underlying mechanisms in rats. Forty-five female SD rats were randomly divided into normal control, POF model and moxibustion groups (n＝15/group). The POF model was induced by intragastric administration of Triptolide (40 mg/kg), once daily for 6 weeks. From the 4th week after modeling, moxibustion was given at "Guanyuan" (CV 4) and bilateral "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) for 10 min, once daily for 3 weeks. Pathological changes of ovary tissues were determined by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The serum estradiol (E2), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1 β (IL-1 β) contents were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression levels of phosphatidyl inositol 3- kinase (PI 3 K), protein kinase B (Akt) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) proteins of the ovarian tissue were detected by Western blot. After modeling, HE staining showed that the numbers of ovarian follicles and follicular granulocytes and corpora luteum layers were decreased, and the number of corpora atretica was increased in the model group. The content of serum E2 was markedly decreased and those of serum LH, FSH, IL-6 and IL-1 β were markedly increased in the model group (P<0.01), and the expression levels of ovarian p-PI 3 K, p-Akt and p-mTOR were markedly increased after modeling relevant to the control group (P<0.01). Following moxibustion, the pathological damage of ovarian tissue was improved, the contents of serum LH, FSH, IL-6, IL-1 β, and the levels of p-PI 3 K, p-Akt and p-mTOR proteins in the ovarian tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the content of serum E2 was markedly increased (P<0.05) in comparison with the model group. Moxibustion can improve POF in POF rats, which may be related to its actions in inhibiting PI 3 K/Akt/mTOR signaling, down-regulating serum IL-6, IL-1 β, and regulating serum hormones.

The consequence of NAC on sodium arsenite-induced uterine oxidative stress.

Arsenic consumption through drinking water is a worldwide major health problem. Management of arsenic intoxication with invasive, painful therapy using metal chelators is usually used as a conventional treatment strategy in human. In this present study, we examined the efficacy of oral administration of N-acetyl l-cysteine (NAC) in limiting arsenic-mediated female reproductive disorders and oxidative stress in female Wistar rats. The treatment was continued for 8 days (2 estrus cycles) on rats with sodium arsenite (10 mg/Kg body weight) orally. We examined the electrozymographic imprint of three different enzymatic antioxidants in uterine tissue. Rats fed with sodium arsenite exhibited a significant lessening in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Uterine DNA breakage, necrosis, ovarian and uterine tissue damage, disruption in steroidogenesis were also found in arsenic treated rats. Co-administration of NAC at different doses (50 mg/kg body weight, 100 mg/kg body weight, respectively) significantly reversed the action of uterine oxidative stress markers like malondialdehyde (MDA), conjugated dienes (CD) and non protein soluble thiol (NPSH); and noticeably improved antioxidant status of the arsenic fed rats. This ultimately resulted in the uterine tissue repairing followed by improvement of ovarian steroidogenesis. However, this effective function of NAC might be crucial for the restoration of arsenic-induced female reproductive organ damage in rats.

Effects of Apigenin on Experimental Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in the Rat Ovary.

Background:Apigenin is a plant-derived compound belonging to the flavone class, which possess antioxidant, free-radical-scavenging and anti-inflammatory properties.Aims:To address the effects of apigenin on serum anti-mullerian hormone levels, tissue oxidative stress parameters and histopathological changes in ovarian ischemia/reperfusion injury.Study Design:Animal experiment.Methods:Twenty-eight female Wistar albino rats were randomly separated into four sections: Sham operation (group 1), ischemia/reperfusion plus saline (group 2), ischemia/reperfusion plus dimethyl sulfoxide (group 3) and ischemia/reperfusion plus apigenin (group 4). In all ischemia/reperfusion groups, a bilateral adnexal 3-h period of ischemia was performed, followed by 3-h of reperfusion. A single dose of 15 mg/kg apigenin was given intraperitoneally 60 min before reperfusion in group 4. After 3-h of reperfusion, both ovaries were removed, and blood samples were collected. The main outcome measures were serum anti-mullerian hormone levels, ovarian tissue malondialdehyde, total nitric oxide, Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione levels and histopathological damage scores.Results:The ovarian tissue nitric oxide level was significantly lower, and the glutathione level was significantly higher in group 4 compared with groups 2 and 3. There was no significant difference in anti-mullerian hormone levels among the three ischemia/reperfusion groups. The histopathological damage score was lower in group 4 than in groups 2 and 3 (p>0.05).Conclusion:Administration of apigenin has no significant protective effect on ovarian reserve and tissue damage in ovarian ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Effects of chronic exposure to waterborne copper and nickel in binary mixture on tissue-specific metal accumulation and reproduction in fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas)

The current study evaluated the interactive effects of chronic waterborne copper (Cu) and nickel (Ni) exposure on tissue-specific metal accumulation and reproductive performance in fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas). Fish trios (1 male: 2 female; n = 5–6) were exposed for 21 days to: (i) control (no added Cu or Ni), (ii) waterborne Cu (45 μg/L), (iii) waterborne Ni (270 μg/L), and (iv) binary mixture of waterborne Cu and Ni (45 and 270 μg/L, respectively). Fish fecundity (cumulative egg production) was found to be the most sensitive reproductive endpoint, and the interaction of Cu and Ni elicited an additive effect on egg production. Tissue-specific accumulation of both metals was not influenced by the interaction of Cu and Ni, except an increased Cu and Ni burden in the carcass and ovary, respectively, were recorded. The expressions of hepatic estrogen receptor genes (ER-α and ER-β) and the circulating estradiol level in females were also not affected by the metal-mixture treatment. However, co-exposure to waterborne Cu and Ni resulted in a significant downregulation of the hepatic vitellogenin gene in females, which was associated with the maximum upregulation of the hepatic metallothionein gene. In addition, a significant alteration of ovarian histopathology (decreased abundance of post-vitellogenic follicles, and increased follicular atresia) was also observed only in females exposed to Cu and Ni in mixture. Collectively, these observations suggest that chronic waterborne exposure to Cu and Ni in binary mixture may impair fish reproductive capacity by inducing histopathological damage in ovarian tissue, and disrupting of energy homeostasis in fish.

Effect of Catechin on Serum Levels of Inflammatory Cytokines, Antioxidant Enzymes Activity and DNA Oxidative Damage of Ovarian Tissue in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Rat Model

Effect of Catechin on Serum Levels of Inflammatory Cytokines, Antioxidant Enzymes Activity and DNA Oxidative Damage of Ovarian Tissue in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Rat Model

The effect of dexpanthenol on experimentally induced ovarian ischaemia/reperfusion injury: a biochemical and histopathological evaluation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two different doses of dexpanthenol (Dxp) onexperimentally induced ovarian ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury ina rat model. Forty female rats were randomly divided into fivegroups: Group 1: sham operation; Group 2: 3-h ischaemia; Groups 3: 3-h ischaemia, 3-h reperfusion (I/R); Group 4: I/R + 300mg/kg Dxp intraperitoneally (i.p) Group 5: I /R + 500mg/kg Dxpi.p. Total anti-oxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and activities of glutathione peroxidase and catalase were calculated. Ovarian tissue damage was assessed using a histopathological scoring system. The TOS and OSI values were significantly lower in Group 5, as compared to Groups 2 and 3 (p < 0.05). The MDA levels in Group 1 and Group 5 were significantly lower than those in Group 3 (p < 0.05). CAT and GSH-Px activity was higher in Group 5 than in Group 2 and Group 3 (p = 0.00). Tissue damage scores were elevated in all the groups compared with sham group, but the treatment with the different doses of Dxp before reperfusion ameliorated the tissue damage scores. The results showed that Dxp reduced ovarian I/R injury.

The role of fertility preservation in patients with endometriosis.

Patients affected with severe endometriosis are at significant risk for ovarian tissue damage, which may lead to infertility, reduced response to ovarian stimulation, and occasionally, premature ovarian failure. The risk for a compromised ovarian reserve in young patients is especially high following repeated surgical intervention and in the presence of bilateral endometriomas. In many cases, enhanced loss of ovarian reserve may also result from the damaging effect of the pathologic process on follicle reservoir even without surgical interventions. Women diagnosed with severe endometriosis and those designated for extensive ovarian surgical intervention are frequently not planning to conceive. In light of recent advances in fertility preservation techniques (FPT), such as oocytes and ovarian tissue freezing, as well as their increasing success rates, we critically evaluate the options for FPT in patients suffering from endometriosis. Personalized counseling should be offered to all patients with endometriosis taking into account age, extent of ovarian involvement, current ovarian reserve, previous and impending surgeries for endometriosis, along with current success rates and possible risks associated with FPT.