effect of selenium on induced ischemia / reperfusion injury in ovaries of female albino rat: a histological and biochemical study

ABSTRACT

Ovarian torsion is a serious cause of gynecological surgical emergency. Recently, a conservative approach including detorsion and releasing the pedicle to preserve fertility was advocated. However, detorsion worsens the tissue injury leading to ischemia/reperfusion [I/R] and production of reactive oxygen species. Selenium [Se] is an essential trace element and a component of the antioxidant enzymes that protect the cells against the effects of free radicals. This study was designed to investigate the possible protective effect of Se on I/R-induced injury of ovary in a rat model [using histological and biochemical studies]. Twenty-six adult female albino rats were divided into three groups group I [control], group II [the I/R group] including rats exposed to right ovarian ischemia for 3 h and then reperfused for 12 h, and group III [the Se-treated group] including rats exposed to I/R as group II, in addition to 0.2 mg/kg Se injected intraperitoneally 30 min before reperfusion. Ovarian tissues were excised for histological, immunohistochemical, morphometric, and biochemical studies. Statistical analysis was performed. In the I/R group, the right ovary showed secondary follicles with desquamated cells into the antral cavity, congested vessels, multiple distorted follicles, massive extravasated red blood cells [RBCs], multiple dark nuclei, and vacuolations in the corpora lutea. The left ovary recruited congested vessels and extravasated RBCs in the corpora lutea. In the Se-treated group, the right ovary revealed some dark nuclei and vacuolations in some atretic follicles besides few extravasated RBCs. A significant increase in the mean area% of caspase-3 immunoreactivity was found in the right ovary in the I/R group compared with the other groups. A significant increase in DNA fragmentation percentage, a significant decrease in reduced glutathione concentration, a significant decrease in catalase activity, and a significant increase in malondialdehyde concentration were found in the I/R group compared with the other groups. Furthermore, administration of Se restored these values to normal levels. Se proved to be effective in preventing tissue damage induced by I/R in rat ovaries