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Objective: In humans, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an androgen-dependent ovarian disorder. Aberrant gene expression in folliculogenesis can arrest the transition of preantral to antral follicles, leading to PCOS. We explored the possible role of altered gene expression in preantral follicles of estradiol valerate (EV) induced polycystic ovaries (PCO) in a mouse model. Methods: Twenty female balb/c mice (8 weeks, 20.0±1.5 g) were grouped into control and PCO groups. PCO was induced by intramuscular EV injection. After 8 weeks, the animals were killed by cervical dislocation. Blood serum (for hormonal assessments using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique) was aspirated, and ovaries (the right ovary for histological examinations and the left for quantitative real-time polymerase) were dissected. Results: Compared to the control group, the PCO group showed significantly lower values for the mean body weight, number of preantral and antral follicles, serum levels of estradiol, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and follicle-stimulating hormone, and gene expression of TGFB1, GDF9 and BMPR2 (p<0.05). Serum progesterone levels were significantly higher in the PCO animals than in the control group (p<0.05). No significant between-group differences (p>0.05) were found in BMP6 or BMP15 expression. Conclusion: In animals with EV-induced PCO, the preantral follicles did not develop into antral follicles. In this mouse model, the gene expression of TGFB1, GDF9, and BMPR2 was lower in preantral follicles, which is probably related to the pathologic conditions of PCO. Hypoandrogenism was also detected in this EV-induced murine PCO model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Panax ginseng is a popular traditional herb that has been used in complementary and alternative medicine in eastern Asia, and it possesses pharmacologically active compounds like ginsenosides (GSs). This study aimed to investigate the impact of Panax ginseng extract (PGE) at different concentrations on in vitro follicular function and development in a three-dimensional (3D) culture system fabricated using sodium alginate after 12 days of culture. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, preantral follicles (n=661) were mechanically isolated from the ovaries of 14-day-old female NMRI mice using 29-gauge insulin syringes. Follicles were individually capsulated within sodium alginate, and divided into four groups including control and experimental groups 1, 2, and 3. Then, they were cultured for 12 days in the medium supplemented with different concentrations of PGE (0, 50, 100, and 500 μg/ mL, for control groups and groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively). At the end of the culture period, the mean diameter and maturation of follicles, follicular steroid production, mRNA expression level of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSH-R), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in collected metaphase-II (MII) oocytes were determined. Results: The mean diameter of follicles in group 2 was significantly increased as compared to other groups (P<0.001). The percentages of the survival and maturation rate and levels of secreted hormones were higher in group 2 than the other groups (P<0.05). Follicles cultured in the presence of PGE 100 μg/mL had higher levels of proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSH-R) mRNA expression in comparison to other groups (P<0.05). Moreover, oocytes collected from groups 2 and 3 had lower levels of ROS as compared to other groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: Our results suggest that PGE at the concentration of 100 μg/mL induces higher follicular function and development in the 3D culture system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of vitamin E and selenium (Se) on some liver enzymes, some oxidative stress markers, and the liver structure of mice using light and transmission electron microscope (TEM) following long-term electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight female Balb/c mice were randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 8) as follows: control, EMF, EMF plus vitamin E, EMF plus Se, EMF plus vitamin E and Se, and vitamin E and Se groups. Mice in EMF group were exposed to EMF (3 mT and 50 Hz), 4 hours a day for 2 months. Treated mice received 0.1 mg/kg Se and/or 1.35 mg/kg vitamin E for 2 months intraperitoneally and daily. Anesthesia in mice were induced by ketamine/xylazine (10/2 mg/kg) and after taking blood samples for investigating some liver enzymes, mice were killed by cervical dislocation and their liver were removed by light and TEM for morphological studies and also evaluating some oxidative stress factors. Results: The level of malondialdehyde (MDA) increased in the liver of mice under EMF while the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) decreased (P < 0.05). Treated EMF groups by vitamin E plus Se and vitamin E alone significantly improved the levels of SOD, GPx, and TAC (P < 0.05) while treatment with Se did not result in a significant effect. Histopathological analysis revealed that the livers of the mice' that received vitamin E plus Se and vitamin E had fewer morphological changes compared to those of EMF groups. Moreover, some liver enzymes such as serum aminotransferase (AST), serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) significantly increased in the EMF group in comparison with those of other groups except for the EMF group treated with Se. Conclusions: The results of the study indicated that although Se had no significant effects per se, vitamin E and vitamin E + Se significantly reduced oxidative stress and some liver enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Electromagnetic fields (EMF) due to increased oxidative stress impact on body systems including female reproductive system and reduce fertility. The use of antioxidants decreases the amount of damage through the oxidative stress reduction. The present research studies the effect of vitamin E and selenium on oxidative stress factors level resulting from EMF in immature mice ovarian tissue. Materials and Methods: In this study, 48 immature mice were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=8): (1) control, (2) EMF, (3) EMF with Vitamin E, (4) EMF with selenium, (5) EMF with vitamin E and selenium and (6) vitamin E and selenium. Finally, after 2 months the mice were killed by cervical dislocation and the ovaries were removed to evaluate tissue damages and oxidative stress factors including malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant (TAC). Results: In mice under EMF, MDA level increased and SOD, GPX and TAC decreased in ovarian tissue (P <0.05). Treatment of mice under EMF via vitamin E with selenium and by vitamin E alone significantly improved these parameters (P <0.05); though, treatment with selenium did not show any significant effect. Histological analysis exhibited the ovaries of the animals that received vitamin E and selenium showed fewer morphological changes than the EMF group. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that vitamin E and selenium plus vitamin E significantly reduced oxidative stress in ovarian tissue of the mice exposed to EMF, but prescribing selenium alone had no significant effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]