Stereological assessment of resveratrol's impact on folliculogenesis and sex hormone levels in busulfan-treated rats.

OBJECTIVE

To study the stereological effects of resveratrol on folliculogenesis and sex hormone concentrations in busulfan-treated rats.

DESIGN

Experimental animal study.

SUBJECTS: Twenty-four adult female Sprague-Dawley rats.

EXPOSURE: Animals were randomly assigned to 4 groups: control, busulfan (10 mg/kg, single intraperitoneal dose), busulfan plus resveratrol (10 mg/kg), and busulfan plus resveratrol (20 mg/kg). Resveratrol was administered orally for 35 days.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, and progesterone were measured. Ovarian stereological analysis assessed follicle counts and corpus luteum volume.

RESULTS

Busulfan exposure caused severe ovarian damage, including reduced estradiol and progesterone levels, diminished corpus luteum volume, and increased gonadotropins and atretic follicles. High-dose resveratrol (20 mg/kg) partially improved estradiol and progesterone concentrations, increased healthy follicle counts, and enhanced corpus luteum volume, while reducing gonadotropins and atretic follicles (P<.05). These findings indicate attenuation but not complete restoration of busulfan-induced ovarian dysfunction.

CONCLUSION

Busulfan disrupts ovarian function and impairs folliculogenesis. Resveratrol partially mitigates these adverse effects, suggesting its potential as a protective agent against chemotherapy-associated reproductive toxicity.