Protective effects of erythropoietin and antioxidant drug U-74389G on ovarian pathology

Abstract

Objective. To compare the protective effects of erythropoietin (EPO) and the antioxidant lazaroid U-74389G on ovarian pathology (OP). Materials and methods. This analysis was based on two preliminary experimental studies, each investigating one of the agents in an animal model of ovarian ischemia–reperfusion (IR). Female albino Wistar rats were randomly allocated into six groups (n = 10 per group). All animals were subjected to 45 min of induced ischemia, followed by reperfusion lasting either 60 or 120 min depending on the group. Groups A and B received placebo, groups C and D received EPO, and groups E and F received U-74389G. Ovaries were collected at 60 or 120 min of reperfusion. Outcomes were evaluated using histological criteria and biochemical markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, specifically tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Results. In the first preliminary study, EPO demonstrated a non-significant effect on total OP within the “lesion-free” grade (+0.0181818 ([-0.1288954 to +0.1652591]; p = 0.8037). In the second study, U-74389G significantly reduced total OP within the same grade (-0.1772727 ([-0.3208232 to +0.0337223]; p = 0.0169). Given that both studies were conducted under identical experimental conditions, a combined analysis was performed. This co-analysis revealed that EPO was less effective than U-74389G in improving OP, with a statistically significant difference in the “lesion-free” grade (-0.2833333 ([-0.0265021 to +0.5931687]; p = 0.0328). Measurements of TNF-α and MDA levels supported these findings. Conclusion. The lazaroid U-74389G exhibited a more pronounced protective effect than EPO in the ovarian IR model. This superiority was reflected in both histological findings and biochemical markers, although the degree of statistical significance varied. Key words: ischemia, erythropoietin, U-74389G, ovaries, reperfusion