Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a cessation of ovarian function in women less than 40
years old. The atrophy of the ovary leads to decreased follicle storage, which leads to
irregular of the menstrual cycle, dysfunction of the ovary and causes infertility. The current
study was conducted to investigate the effects of curcumin (CRC) and hesperidin (HSP) on
POF in a female rat. POF was Caused by intraperitoneal (i. p.) injection of cyclophosphamide
(200 mg/kg b. wt.) at the first day and then (8 mg/kg b. wt./day) for the next 14 days. The
treatment with CRC (100 mg/kg b. wt./day, i. p) and / or HSP (80 mg/kg b. wt./day, i. p.)
were started and continued for 14 days after two weeks for POF induction. Ninety female rats
were classified into six groups. Group 1 (Control), Group 2 (POF-induced), Group 3 (POF+
CRC), Group 4 (POF+HSP), Group 5 (POF+CRC+HSP) and Group 6 (Normal+CRC+HSP).
Serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and ovarian tissues malondialdehyde (MDA)
concentrations significantly increased, while serum estradiol (E2) level, ovarian tissues
reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) markedly decreased in POF
group as compared with the control group. However, the 3rd , the 4th and the 5th treated
groups had a significant increase in serum E2, ovarian tissues SOD activity and GSH level
and marked decrease in FSH and MDA concentrations compared with the POF group. The
histopathological changes in the three treated groups improved toward control group.
Conclusively, Hesperidin superior to curcumin in the alleviation of oxidative stress and
hormonal alterations in a rat model of cyclophosphamide-induced premature ovarian failure. |
