Melatonin, an antioxidant hormone secreted by the pineal gland, has been recognized as a regulator for numerous biological events. The deleterious effects of juglone, a polyphenolic extract of walnut trees, on embryo development has been previously reported. In the current study, we aimed to display the impact of melatonin administrated during in vitro oocyte maturation (IVM) on juglone-treated oocytes. Thus, in vitro matured oocytes were collected after 24 h post incubation with juglone in the presence or absence of melatonin. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione (GSH) content, mitochondrial distribution, and the relative abundance of mRNA transcription levels were assessed in oocytes, in addition, oocytes were in vitro fertilized to check the competency levels of oocytes to generate embryos. We found that administration of melatonin during the maturation of oocytes under juglone stress significantly improved the cleavage rate, 8-16 cell-stage embryos and day-8 blastocysts when compared to the sole juglone treatment. In addition, the fluorescence intensity of ROS increased, whereas the GSH decreased in juglone-treated oocytes compared to melatonin–juglone co-treated and untreated ones. Additionally, a significant increase in the mitochondrial aberrant pattern, the pattern that was normalized following melatonin supplementation, was observed following juglone administration. The mRNA analysis using RT-qPCR revealed a significant upregulation of autophagy and oxidative-stress-specific markers in the juglone-treated group compared to the co-treatment and control. In conclusion, the study reveals, for the first time, a protective effect of melatonin against the oxidative stress initiated following juglone treatment during the in vitro maturation of oocytes.

Background: The antineoplastic agent Cyclophosphamide (CP) induces reproductive toxicity. New strategies for protecting ovarian tissue damage in women with chemotherapy-induced reproductive toxicity are essential. This study was designed to evaluate the possible protective effect of combined treatment with L-GFequina on CP-induced reproductive toxicity in the mature female rat. Methodology: Forty mature female rats were assigned into four groups: First group, control: rats were intraperitoneally injected (IP) with 200 μl sterile saline solution on days 1 and 10; Group 2 (CP): were IP injected with 75 mg/kg on days 1 and 10 to induce POI); Group 3 (CP + L-GFequina): as in group 2 + IP injected with 200 μl rehydrated L-GFequina half-hour after CP injection on day 1 and 10); Group 4 (L-GFequina): rats were IP injected with 200 μl L-GFequina on day 1 and 10). Blood samples were collected for complete blood picture and determinations of nitric oxide and malondialdehyde. Animals were sacrificed on Day-21, genitalis was dissected, weighted and fixed in 10% formalin for histopathological and morphometric evaluation. Results: On day 21 of the experiment, body weight, ovarian parameters (Ovarian weight, uterine weight, the number of ovarian follicles, and corpora lutea (CL) were determined, and histopathological changes, blood profile, as well as antioxidant activity assessment, were performed. CP significantly suppresses ovarian and uterine functions and increased MAD, NO levels, RBCs, hemoglobin, WBCs and platelet count compared to the control group ( P < 0.05). While, in CP + L-GFequina group, gross, histomorphometric parameters, blood, and biochemical markers were similar to that in the control. IP injection of L-GFequina alone significantly (P<0.05) increased body weight, and ovarian and uterine morphometry compared with the control. Conclusion: co-administration of L-GFequina with CP might protect the reproductive organs in rats through its high antioxidant capacity.

Background The antineoplastic agent Cyclophosphamide (CP) induces reproductive toxicity. New strategies for protecting ovarian tissue damage in women with chemotherapy-induced reproductive toxicity are essential. This study was designed to evaluate the possible protective effect of combined treatment with L-GFequina on CP-induced reproductive toxicity in the mature female rat. Methodology Forty mature female rats were assigned into four groups: First group, control: rats were intraperitoneally injected (IP) with 200 µl sterile saline solution on days 1 and 10; Group 2 (CP): were IP injected with 75 mg/kg on days 1 and 10 to induce POI); Group 3 (CP + L-GFequina): as in group 2 + IP injected with 200 µl rehydrated L-GFequina half-hour after CP injection on day 1 and 10); Group 4 (L-GFequina): rats were IP injected with 200 µl L-GFequina on day 1 and 10). Blood samples were collected for a complete blood picture and determinations of nitric oxide and malondialdehyde. Animals were sacrificed on Day-21, and genitalia was dissected, weighed, and fixed in 10% formalin for histopathological and morphometric evaluation. Results On day 21 of the experiment, body weight, ovarian parameters (Ovarian weight, uterine weight, the number of ovarian follicles, and corpora lutea (CL) were determined, and histopathological changes, blood profile, as well as antioxidant activity assessment, were performed. CP significantly suppresses ovarian and uterine functions and increased MAD, NO levels, RBCs, hemoglobin, WBCs, and platelet count compared to the control group ( P < 0.05). While, in CP + L-GFequina group, gross, histomorphometry parameters, blood, and biochemical markers were similar to that in the control. IP injection of L-GFequina alone significantly (P < 0.05) increased body weight, and ovarian and uterine morphometry compared with the control. Conclusion co-administration of L-GFequina with CP might protect the reproductive organs in rats through its high antioxidant capacity.

This study compares the histomorphology differences of cattle uterotubal junction (CUTJ) and dromedary camels uterotubal junction papilla (CUTJP). UTJ were dissected from eight cows and twelve camels with dominant follicles, and processed for H&E staining for morphology, histology, and histomorphometry examination. The results showed that the CUTJP existed only in camels and was completely absent in cattle. Histologically, CUTJ appears with a star-shaped lumen, and the mucosa lined by a simple columnar epithelium containing ciliated and non-ciliated cells, superficial (SG), and deep glands (D G) were abundant in the submucosa. CUTJP is a fibrous conical structure, it has a pale yellowish color and 0.5 ± 0.2 cm height and 0.3 ± 0.1 cm width. C UTJP, the lumen is wider, and the mucosa showed large multiple folds lined with ciliated and non-ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium. The submucosa showed no endometrial glands. Lumen area, lumen epithelial height, luminal epithelial density, the thickness of the muscular layer, number of folds, folds height, epithelial height, fold area, and epithelial perimeter were higher in CUTJP (P < 0.001) than CUTJ. While the total endometrial area and glandular epithelial density were lower in UTJP (P < 0.001) than in CUTJ. In conclusion, the epithelial lining, absence of glands, and the thick layer of tunica muscularis might indicate that camel CUTJP could play a mechanical role in selecting spermatozoa and assisting the hatching of blastocysts during their passage through it.