The ability of the polysaccharide extract Cissus sicyoides L. leaves to maintain normal follicle structure in ovarian tissue culture.

The present study aimed to (1) evaluate the effects of different concentrations of the polysaccharide extract of Cissus sicyoides (PE-Cs) during in vitro culture of preantral follicles included in goat ovarian tissue on (i) follicular morphology and activation, (ii) ovarian stromal density, (iii) follicular and oocyte diameters, (iv) antioxidant enzymes activity (SOD, CAT, and GPx), (v) quantification of MDA, thiol, and nitrite levels; as well as to (2) measure the total antioxidant capacity of the extract. The ovarian cortex fragments were cultured at 39 °C in a humidified atmosphere with 5% CO for 6 d in alpha-modified minimum essential medium (αMEM) supplemented with insulin, transferrin, and selenium; hypoxanthine; glutamine; and bovine serum albumin, which was called αMEM alone or added of PE-Cs at 20, 40, or 80 µg/mL. At the end of the culture period, a reduction in the percentage of normal follicles in all treatments using PE-Cs compared to fresh control and αMEM. Moreover, 80 µg/mL of PE-Cs reduced stromal density and follicular diameter, as well as ultrastructural changes were observed in ovarian tissue. On the other hand, a decrease in MDA levels was observed in all treatments cultured with PE-Cs, although its antioxidant capacity was proven. In summary, supplementation of the culture medium with PE-Cs induced in vitro follicular degeneration. Thus, more studies are needed to evaluate the effect of Cissus sicyoides in reproductive cells and culture systems.