RESUMEN
Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra [Licorice], a cyclooxyge- nase-2 inhibitor [Celecoxib] and a gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog [Diphereline], with a control group on endometrial implants in rats
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, endometriosis was induced in rats by auto transplantation and after confirmation, the rats were divided into 4 groups that were treated for 6 weeks with normal saline [0.5 ml/day, orally], licorice extract [3000 mg/kg/day, orally], celecoxib [50 mg/kg, twice a day, orally] or diphereline [3 mg/kg, intramuscularly]. At the end of treatments, the mean area, volume, histopathology and hemosiderin-laden macrophage [HLM] counts of the endometrial implants were evaluated and compared among the four groups
Results: The mean area, volume and HLM counts of the implants in the licorice group were significantly lower than those of the control group [P<0.001]. The histopathologic grades of endometrial implants were significantly decreased by licorice compared to the control group [P<0.001]. There was no significant change in the mentioned parameters in rats treated with celecoxib compared to the control group. Diphereline was the most potent agent for suppressing the growth of endometrial implants in terms of all of the above-mentioned parameters
Conclusion: Licorice decreased the growth and histopathologic grades of auto-transplanted endometrial implants. However, while celcoxib had no significant effect, diphereline showed the highest potency for decreasing the endome- trial growth. Licorice may have the potential to be used as an alternative medication for the treatment of endometriosis
RESUMEN
Titanium Dioxide [TiO2] nanoparticle has a wide range of application in industrial and consumer products especially in cosmetics such as high sun protection factor creams in order to protect the skin from UV light. In spite of its increased production and use there is not enough epidemiological data regarding TiO2 nanoparticle toxicity. Toxic effects of TiO 2 nanoparticles on human reproductive systems have been investigated by many studies mostly by employing animal models, but results are extremely conflicted and inconsistent. In this review we summarized published data about the effects of TiO2 nanoparticle on male and female reproductive systems to clarify its possible toxic effects on reproduction and fertility
RESUMEN
In traditional medicine, Mentha spicata is widely used for many diseases, especially in digestive system. It has anti-androgenic effects thus can be used by women experiencing polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS]. Also, it has shown to possess antioxidant properties. Although beneficial, studies have shown its detrimental effect on some tissues. The present study was carried out to determine the effect of Mentha spicata extract on oocyte maturation. To this aim, germinal vesicles[GV] were obtained from ovaries of 6-8 week old female C57 mice and cultured for 24 hours in maturation media containing different concentrations of Mentha spicata extract [0, 10, 20, 40 micro g/ml]. Another maturation medium containing dimethyl sulfoxide [DMS] was determined as a Mentha spicata extract solvent. After 24 hours, number of degenerated, germinal vesicle [GV], metaphase I [MI] and metaphase II [MII] oocytes were determined in each group using an inverted microscope. According to our results, the percentage of degenerated oocytes was higher in experimental groups compared to the control group. This has however not been statistically significant [P=0.473]. Additionally, the percentage of GV oocytes was not different in control and experimental groups [P=0.774]. The percentage of MI and MII oocytes was lower in experimental as compared to control groups, however statistically insignificant [P=0.410 and 0.855, respectively]. In conclusion, Mentha spicata extract has mild detrimental effects on oocyte in vitro maturation. However, with increased concentration, its detrimental effects decrease which may be due to higher level of its antioxidants contents. Therefore addition of appropriate amounts of Mentha spicata as a natural extract in maturation medium may improves oocytes maturation rate
RESUMEN
Our previous studies revealed Anethum graveolens L. caused some changes in female reproductive system that induced infertility. Therefore, in this study, oocyte changes as one of probable reasons of infertility were investigated. In this study, 59 adult female rats were divided into 3 groups of control, low dose [0.5 g/kg] and high dose [5 g/kg] of dill seed aqueous extract [LDE and HDE] treated groups that were gavaged with 1 ml of each dose for 10 days [2 estrous cycles]. Vaginal smears were prepared daily. Oocytes of superovulated animals were extracted and their morphometrical changes were measured [n=5]. Oocyte cell membrane glycoconjugates were stained with UEA, PNA, and DBA-FITC lectins [n=5]. Ultrastructural studies of oocytes were performed using TEM [n=5]. The number, weight, and crown-rump length of newborns were examined in three groups after mating with untreated males [n=5]. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results demonstrated that the duration of the estrous cycle, the diestrus phase and progesterone concentration in the experimental groups increased significantly compared to the control group [p<0.05]. Granulosa cells of corpus luteum in HDE-treated group were larger and clearer. The intensity reactions of galactose/N-acetylgalactoseamine terminal sugar of oocyte decreased insignificantly in experimental groups compared to the control group p>0.05. Duration of mating to pregnancy increased and the weight and crown-rump length of newborns decreased in experimental groups significantly [p<0.05]. Dill seed aqueous extract can induce infertility without any effect on oocyte structure