The possible protective effect of Bougainvillea spectabilis leaves extract on estradiol valerate induced polycystic ovary syndrome in rats (biochemical and histological study)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a reproductive and metabolic disorder in which the level of oxidative elements in blood rises. Bougainvillea spectabilis is a plant with a potent antioxidant effect, since it contains flavonoids. The aim of this work is to explore the possible protective potency of Bougainvillea spectabilis leaves (BSL) extract on ovarian folliculogenesis using a rat model of estradiol valerate (EV) induced PCOS. Thirty six mature female rats were divided into four groups: 1. Control group (six rats) 2. EV group (ten rats) singly injected with 2mg/kg EV subcutaneously. 3. BSL group (ten rats) given 100mg/kg BSL extract orally for 30 days. 4. EV BSL group (ten rats) singly injected with EV subcutaneously and given 100mg/kg BSL extract orally for 30 days. Biochemical measurements of serum levels of estrogen, testosterone, LH, FSH, glucose, totals lipids, and total antioxidants were done using ELISA method. Histological (using hematoxylin eosin and Masson's trichrome stains) and immunohistochemical (using anti cyclooxygenase 2 {COX 2} studies were performed. This was followed by morphometric measurements and statistical analysis. PCOS caused massive primordial follicle loss and development of cystic follicles with increase in fibrosis, COX 2 immunoexpression. There was a significant reduction in LH, estrogen and glucose serum levels and increase in FSH and the antioxidant serum levels between the EV BSL extract treated group compared to EV treated group. Histomorphometric studies also showed the significant changes in the number of follicles and decreased cyst formation in the combined therapy group. There was a significant role of BSL extract in restoration of ovarian folliculogenesis and reduction of biochemical, histological and immunohistochemical changes in EV treated group.