Melphalan-Induced Ovarian Toxicity and Effects of Chrysin in an Experimental Rat Model: The Role Of Oxidative Stress and microRNA In Regulating Autophagy

This study aims to investigate the microRNA-modulatory effects of chrysin in mitigating melphalan-induced ovarian damage. Rats were divided into six groups: Group 1: Control; Group 2: Melphalan (1.5 mg/kg); Group 3: Melphalan (1.5 mg/kg) + Chrysin (50 mg/kg); Group 4: Melphalan (1.5 mg/kg) + Chrysin (75 mg/kg); Group 5: Chrysin (50 mg/kg); Group 6: Chrysin (75 mg/kg). Melphalan was administered via injection, while chrysin was given orally by gavage daily for two weeks. The results showed that melphalan-induced ovarian toxicity impaired folliculogenesis and decreased the expression of miR-30a, miR-375, and miR-204, leading to increased autophagy and cell death. High-dose chrysin treatment appeared to counteract these effects by modulating oxidative stress markers (MDA, SOD, GPX) and restoring microRNA expression, thereby reducing cell death during folliculogenesis. These findings suggest that high-dose chrysin treatment may offer a potential therapeutic option for protecting ovarian tissue from melphalan-induced toxicity by modulating microRNAs and Oxidative Stress.