Effects of melatonin on ovarian reserve in cigarette smoking: an experimental study

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate whether melatonin has a protective effect against diminished ovarian reserve induced by smoking. Material and methods: Seventy-two female Wistar-Albino rats were divided into 6 groups: group I (room air), group II (chronic cigarette smoking), group III (room air + 10 mg/kg subcutaneous melatonin), group IV (room air + 20 mg/ kg subcutaneous melatonin), group V (chronic cigarette smoking + 10 mg/kg subcutaneous melatonin), group VI (chronic cigarette smoking + 20 mg/kg subcutaneous melatonin). For 45 days, rats were exposed to cigarette smoke through a smoking machine, then subcutaneous melatonin was administered. Apoptotic index, immunohistochemical scoring, ovarian follicle counting, ovarian tissue and serum malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) analyses were carried out. Results: All of the primordial, primary, secondary and mature follicle numbers were found to be significantly lowered in study groups. Increased HSCORE with anti-caspase-3 staining and a high follicular apoptotic index were demonstrated in the smoking group. Serum and ovarian tissue levels of MDA were found to be elevated with smoke exposure whereas lower MDA levels were determined in melatonin treated groups. Serum and tissue levels of SOD, GPx and CAT were shown to be reduced in the smoking group in comparison with melatonin treated and control groups. 20 mg/kg melatonin administration in the smoking group revealed significantly decreased HSCOREs and apoptotic indices. Conclusions: Cigarette smoking has been definitely shown to be associated with impaired ovarian reserve with respect to significantly diminished numbers of primordial, primary, secondary and mature follicles. Dose-related treatment of melatonin in smokers may provide an evidently reduced apoptotic index and improved antioxidant activity in tissue.

Ginseng alleviates folliculogenesis disorders via induction of cell proliferation and downregulation of apoptotic markers in nicotine-treated mice

“…Contrary to the present study, the primordial follicle numbers were reduced in nicotine-treated rats or mice [ 13 , 40 , 55 , 56 ]. These differences may arise from differences in species, animal age, duration of treatment, route of administration, and type of studies (in vivo or in vitro).…”

“…[ 40 ] reported a low count of follicles under the influence of nicotine. Likely follicle count reduces in the ovary of smokers [ 56 ]. Our study indicated that primordial follicle numbers were not affected significantly in different groups.…”

“…Likewise, a previous study has shown that treatment with nicotine increases the MDA level and reduces CAT and SOD activity in the ovary, liver, kidney, and pituitary tissues [ 61 ]. Additionally, smoke exposure in rats reduces tissue and serum glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and SOD and CAT activities [ 56 ]. Previous studies have shown that there is a link between oxidative stress and estrogen deficiency.…”

Altered T lymphocyte subtypes and cytokine profiles in follicular fluid associated with diminished ovary reserve

“…The condition is a high morbidity syndrome of women with normal aging and may results in decreased ovarian response, low pregnancy rates and poor IVF outcomes 20 . Previous study showed that smoking, toxic chemicals, radiation, environmental and genetic change, endometriosis and ovarian surgery may lead to DOR, but the cause was still unknown in many cases 21 …”

“…20 Previous study showed that smoking, toxic chemicals, radiation, environmental and genetic change, endometriosis and ovarian surgery may lead to DOR, but the cause was still unknown in many cases. 21 Ovarian autoimmunity has long been implicated in the pathogenesis of DOR. Identification of autoimmune disturbance may enable early interventions possible before ovarian failure occurs.…”