| Objective: To evaluate the impact of Olea (O.) europaea extract on markers of oxidative stress and
apoptosis of ovarian tissues in a rat model of torsion/detorsion-induced ovarian damage.
Methods: A total of 28 Wistar female rats were randomly assigned into 4 groups, with 7 rats in
each group. The sham group received a 2.5 cm longitudinal incision in the midline part of the
abdomen which was then sutured with 5-0 nylon thread; the torsion/detorsion group underwent
torsion induction for 3 h followed by reperfusion for 10 days; the torsion/detorsion+O. europaea
group received 300 mg/kg hydro-alcoholic extract of O. europaea 30 min before detorsion, followed
by reperfusion for 10 days; and the O. europaea group only received 300 mg/kg hydro-alcoholic
extract of O. europaea for 10 days. After the treatment period, blood samples were taken; the levels
of estrogen, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde were assayed.
The histological changes, as well as the rate of apoptosis in ovarian tissues, were also carried out by
histomorphometric analysis at day 10 post-procedure.
Results: Histological comparisons demonstrated a significant detrimental change in the torsion/
detorsion group as compared with other groups. The number of pre-antral and antral follicles
and corpus luteum was significantly decreased in the torsion/detorsion group compared with
the sham group, while treatment with O. europaea could enhance their numbers (P<0.05). The
index of apoptosis and the number of atretic body in the ovarian tissue were significantly higher
in the torsion/detorsion group compared with the sham group (P<0.05). The concentrations of
glutathione peroxidase, estrogen, and superoxide dismutase as well as the mRNA expression of
Bcl-2 were considerably diminished in the torsion/detorsion group while they were elevated in the
torsion/detorsion+O. europaea group (P<0.05) compared with the torsion/detorsion group. The
serum malondialdehyde level and the mRNA expression of Bax were markedly increased during
ischemia, while treatment with O. europaea significantly diminished the increased concentrations
of malondialdehyde and Bax level in the torsion/detorsion+O. europaea group (P<0.05).
Conclusions: O. europaea extract can reduce the degree of tissue damage induced by oxidative
stress and apoptosis in the ovary following ovarian ischemia/reperfusion. |