The effect of protocatechuic acid on ovarian histopathology and reserve in rat ovarian torsion model.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of Protocatechuic Acid (PCA), which is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic agent, on ovarian tissue and ovarian reserve against ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in a rat ovarian torsion model.

BACKGROUND

Reactive oxygen radicals cause histopathological changes in the ovarian tissue during the reperfusion phase. PCA may have protective effects on ovarian tissue and reserve due to its antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties.

METHODS

A total of 24 Wistar adult female rats were divided into 3 groups as the control (sham operation, n = 8), IR (Ischemia-Reperfusion, n = 8), and IR+PCA (Ischemia-Reperfusion + 80 mg/kg protocatechuic acid, n = 8). The IR and IR + PCA groups underwent 3 hours of ischemia followed by 3 hours of ovarian reperfusion. Protocatechuic acid (80 mg/kg) was administered to the IR+PCA group 30 minutes before reperfusion. After reperfusion, the ovaries were removed for histopathological and biochemical examination.

RESULTS

Histopathological score and TUNEL+ cell count were significantly lower and AMH expression level was significantly higher in the IR+PCA group when compared to the IR group (p <0.05). However, in the comparison of the follicle counts, there was no statistically significant difference between all groups. Due to the increase in antioxidant activity, the MDA levels were found to be significantly lower in the IR+PCA group compared to the IR group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Protocatechuic acid may be an effective antioxidant in protecting ovarian tissue and follicle reserve against IR injury of the ovary (Tab. 1, Fig. 4, Ref. 36).