| خلاصه مقاله | Background and Aim : Infertility caused by oxidative stress impairs ovarian function, leading to
reduced fertility. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and melatonin, both with regenerative and
antioxidant properties, have shown potential in treating infertility. This study evaluated the
combined effect of bone marrow-derived MSCs and melatonin in a rat model. Specifically, it
assessed the impact on oxidative stress, hormonal levels, histopathology, and apoptosis markers,
with the goal of improving fertility in oxidative stress-induced infertility.
Methods : Adult female Wistar rats (200-250g) were used. Oxidative stress was induced by a
single intraperitoneal injection of 100 mg/kg cyclophosphamide (CP). After 5 days, following
confirmation of oxidative stress induction by ovarian tissue analysis, treatment with melatonin (10
mg/kg daily, IP) and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs, 1 × 10⁶ cells,
administered once IP) began. The rats were divided into four groups: 1) Control, 2) Melatonin, 3)
BMSCs, and 4) Combination group. BMSCs were isolated, cultured, and characterized. Melatonin
was administered for 14 days. Ovarian function was assessed by measuring hormonal levels,
oxidative stress markers, and histopathological evaluation. Apoptosis was assessed by BAX and
BCL-2 expression.
Results : Treatment with melatonin and BMSCs improved ovarian function in cyclophosphamideinduced
oxidative stress infertility in rats. Hormonal levels (FSH, LH, estradiol, AMH) increased,
with the combination group showing the best recovery. Oxidative stress markers changed
significantly: MDA decreased, while SOD, CAT, and GPx increased, especially in the
combination group. Histopathology showed less ovarian damage, fewer apoptotic signs, and better
tissue preservation. Apoptotic markers expression were regulated, BAX expression decreased,
while BCL-2 increased in treated groups.
Conclusion : The combination of melatonin and BMSCs effectively protected against oxidative
stress-induced infertility by reducing ovarian damage, restoring hormone levels, decreasing
apoptosis, and preserving tissue structure, showing superior therapeutic potential. |