ABSTRACT
Background The ovotoxicity of 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD) has been established in several experimental models. Hesperidin (HSD) is a bi-flavonoid found in citrus fruits and has been reported to be a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Here, we have evaluated the rescue role of hesperidin on VCD-induced toxicity in the brain, ovary, and uterus of rats. Methods Six groups of rats containing ten rats in each group were orally given corn oil (control), hesperidin (100 mg/kg), hesperidin (200 mg/kg), VCD (250 mg/kg), VCD [(250 mg/kg)+hesperidin (100 mg/kg)] and VCD [(250 mg/kg)+hesperidin (200 mg/kg)] once a day for 30 days, respectively. Thereafter, we determined the selected biomarkers of oxidative damage, inflammation, endocrine balance, and histology of the reproductive organs. Results The data showed that hesperidin rescued VCD-induced increase in oxidative stress (hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde) and inflammatory (nitric oxide) biomarkers. In addition, hesperidin restored the reduction in antioxidant enzymes (catalase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase) activities and glutathione level in the brain, ovary, and uterus of rats (p<0.05). Lastly, hesperidin preserved the histological structure of the ovary and uterus of rats exposed to VCD. Conclusions Overall, the rescue role of hesperidin on VCD-induced toxicity in the brain and reproductive organs of female rats may be due to its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.
