Antioxidant effects of calligonum extract on ovarian tissue of PCO model: An experimental study

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO) is one of the most common reasons for infertility. Calligonum as a plant possess some of the important antioxidants that can decrease oxidative stress. Objective: The effects of treatment with Calligonum as an antioxidant on ovary tissue of a PCO mouse model. Materials and Methods: Thirty female NMRI mice were divided into three groups (n=10/each): control, PCO, and Calligonum. We induced PCO model with single dose of Estradiol valerate (40 mg/kg). Then Calligonum (20 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected weekly for two months. The level of oxidative stress and total antioxidant capacity was assessed in the ovarian tissue by flow cytometry and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, respectively, and the histological study was conducted by the morphometric method and embryo development with in vitro fertilization. Results: The obtained results showed that estradiol valerate was able to increase oxidative stress within the ovary and causes ovarian cysts after two months. The cyst formation was decreased in Calligonum group compared to PCO group (p=0.001). The percentage of pre-antral and antral follicles significantly decreased in Calligonum group compared to PCO group (p=0.001). The oxidative stress decreased in Calligonum group significantly compared to PCO group (p=0.001). Calligonum can significantly increase the total antioxidant capacity of ovarian tissue (p=0.001) as well as the percentage of in vitro fertilization compared to the PCO group. Conclusion: Calligonum could decrease ovary cyst in PCO model, and improve in vitro fertilization rate. Also, Calligonum extract as an antioxidant could decrease oxidative stress in PCO model.