| Cyclophosphamide (CTX) has been broadly used in the clinic for the treatment of
autoimmune disorders and ovarian cancer. The process of chemotherapy has
significant toxicity in the reproductive system as it has detrimental effects on
folliculogenesis, which leads to an irreversible premature ovarian failure (POF).
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has positive impacts on the reproductive system due to its
antioxidant properties, protecting the cells from free‐radical oxidative damage and
apoptosis. However, little is known about the possible synergistic effect of CTX and
CoQ10 on the expression of genes involved in folliculogenesis, such as proliferation
cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and follicle‐stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR). A total
of 32 NMRI mice were applied and divided into four groups, including healthy control,
CTX, CTX + CoQ10, and CoQ10 groups. The effects of CoQ10 on CTX‐induced
ovarian injury and folliculogenesis were examined by histopathological and real‐time
quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction analyses. The rates of
fertilization (in vitro fertilization), embryo development, as well as the level of
reactive oxygen species (ROS) in metaphase II (MII) mouse oocytes after PMSG/HCC
treatment were also assessed. Results showed that the treatment with CTX
decreased the mRNA expression of PCNA and FSHR, IVF rate, and embryo
development whereas the application of CoQ10 successfully reversed those factors.
CoQ10 administration significantly enhanced histological morphology and decreased ROS levels and the number of atretic follicles in the ovary of CTX‐treated mice. In
conclusion, it seems that the protective effect of CoQ10 is exerted via the antioxidant
and proliferative properties of this substance on CTX‐induced ovarian damage. |