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There is evidence that chemotherapy has a significant impact on women's reproductive function, ovarian failure and infertility being currently mentioned as specific side effects and depending, among other things, on the chemotherapeutic agent involved. Cyclophosphamide (CP) is an antineoplastic agent which generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), deeply influencing and affecting not only physiological, but also numerous pathologic processes. The controversial aspect of using antioxidants along with chemotherapy is still to be investigated; their correlation must be done not only to improve survival, but also to preserve fertility. Our study investigates the effects of a common antioxidant, vitamin E, on CP-induced oxidative stress in female rats. Material and methods: 24 female Wistar were randomly divided into 3 groups: a control group, injected with saline, CP group (150mg/kg by intraperitoneal injection) and CP-Vitamin E group (CP-150mg/kg, vitamin E-100mg/kg, orally). After 4 weeks, samples of ovarian and uterine tissue were fixed in buffered formaldehyde for histologic exam. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity were determined. Results: Compared to control group, whereas no significant alterations can be observed in uterine tissue, the ovarian failure is present as a result of CP administration; on the other hand, when vitamin E added, these ovarian alterations diminished. Conclusions: antioxidants as vitamin E may improve cancerrelated infertility, but further studies have to explore their complete effects and intractions with chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly vascularized and deeply involved in the protection of the eyeball and eyelids, conjunctiva seems to be a very sensitive structure to oxidative stress. Despite opinions that sustain oxidative imbalance does not interfere with conjunctiva profile and functions, we incline to consider that oxidative stress affects conjunctival components. Material and methods: 42 adult male Wistar rats were randomly distributed in 6 groups: control/light deprivation/continuous light exposure/induced diabetes mellitus/diabetes mellitus+light deprivation/diabetes mellitus+continuous light exposure, as forms of oxidative stress. After a month, blood for antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) assessment was taken, the rats were euthanasized and conjunctival samples were taken from all the rats used in experiment. The tissues were prepared for paraffin embedding and H&E staining. Results: The number of goblet cells dispersed among epithelial cells were sensible reduced in rat conjunctiva exposed to oxidative stress, sustained by significant alterations of specific biomarkers of oxidative stress, CAT and MDA. Conclusions: there is evidence on conjunctiva alterations in different forms of induced oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endometriosis is considered a benign condition, in which endometrial tissue can be observed outside the uterine cavity; the chronic pelvic pain is frequently associated with infertility and may cause significant reproductive functional disorders. Animal experimental models represent an alternative for clinical studies, as a useful resource in deciphering the pathogenic mechanisms of endometriosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 25 adult Wistar female rats were assigned to a control group and an experimental group. A laparatomy was performed to experimental group of rats, the uterine horns were exposed and fragments from left horn were prelevated and implanted in extraperitoneal space, as ectopic implants. RESULTS: We detected the viable implant, visible as an endometriotic cyst on the abdominal wall, multiple epiploic adhesions, neovascularization areas. CONCLUSIONS: Murine model can be used with benefits for experimental research and understanding of endometriosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]