Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
2
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
3
Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
4
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
5
Stem Cells and Transgenic Technology Research Center, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
Abstract
Objective: Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is one female reproductive disorder that can occur after
administration of injectable hormonal drugs to stimulate ovulation. Betaine (BET) is an intracellular biomolecule with
anti-inflammatory and tissue protective effects. There is no information about its effects in an experimental model of
OHSS. The current study aims to investigate the possible effects of BET on abnormal expressions of vasoconstrictor
proteins and ovarian histological changes in an experimental OHSS rat model.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 30 adult female rats (two months old) were randomly divided into
six groups (n=5 per group): i. Control, ii. OHSS [10 IU sc equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) for 4 days followed by
30 IU sc human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on the fifth day], iii. OHSS+BET (200 mg/kg/day, orally for seven days),
iv. OHSS+Cabergoline (CAB, 100 mg/kg/day, orally for six days), v. BET, and vi. CAB. Expression levels of vascular
endothelial growth factor (VEGF), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and blood levels of oestradiol (E2) and progesterone
(P4) were measured at the end of the experiment. The ovaries were studied for histomorphological changes.
Results: Induction of OHSS altered tissue histology, including an increase in the number of corpora lutea and atretic
follicles, and decreased the number of follicular reserves. In this group, we observed increased expressions of the
VEGF and COX-2 proteins, and increased serum E2 and P4 levels. Administration of CAB and BET significantly
attenuated all molecular and histological alterations observed in the OHSS animals.
Conclusion: Our findings, for first time, indicate the beneficial effects of BET to reduce OHSS complications in patients
by reducing the expressions of vasoactive proteins and improving changes to the ovarian tissues. The findings are
similar to CAB and can be a new avenue for future research on BET.
Keywords