Abstract
Background. Cyclophosphamide, a common chemotherapeutic drug, induces premature ovarian failure and infertility due to oxidative stress and apoptosis. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of anthocyanins, as natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, on hormonal factors and histological changes of the ovary against cyclophosphamide.
Methods. A total of 32 female Wistar rats were selected and randomly divided into four groups: (1) healthy control group, (2) cyclophosphamide-injured group (200 mg/kg), (3) therapeutic group receiving cyclophosphamide along with anthocyanins at a dose of 100 mg/kg for 28 days, and (4) healthy group receiving anthocyanins. At the end of the treatment, serum levels of estradiol, progesterone, Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) were measured by ELISA. Ovaries were examined for histopathological and histomorphometric evaluation (follicle count and fibrosis percentage).
Results. Cyclophosphamide caused a significant decrease in ovarian weight, as well as estradiol, progesterone, and AMH levels (P<0.05), and an increase in FSH and LH levels. Tissue damage included a severe reduction in healthy follicles, increased atresia, and stromal fibrosis. Concurrent administration of anthocyanins, especially at the dose of 100 mg/kg, reversed these changes in a dose-dependent manner and significantly restored hormonal and tissue parameters to levels close to the control group.
Conclusion. Anthocyanins, through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, prevent hormonal dysfunction and structural ovarian damage induced by cyclophosphamide. These compounds show high potential as natural protective agents for ovarian reserve during chemotherapy.
Practical Implications. Anthocyanins, with their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, can effectively prevent the hormonal disruption and structural damage to the ovaries caused by the administration of cyclophosphamide.