Effects of Gallic Acid on Cyclophosphamide-Induced Experimental Ovarian Injury in Rats

Background The potential harmful effects of cancer treatments on reproductive function have now been clearly established. Exposure to chemotherapy is considered a risk factor for premature ovarian failure and causes infertility. This study investigated the prophylactic effects of gallic acid (GA) against cyclophosphamide(CP)-induced ovarian damage in rats. Methods No procedure was applied to the control group. The CP group received 150mg/kg CP via the intraperitoneal (i.p.) route on day 7 of the experiment. The GA group received 20mg/kg GA daily for seven days from day 1 of the experiment via oral gavage. The CP + GA received 20mg/kg GA daily for seven days from day 1 of the experiment via oral gavage and 150mg/kg i.p. CA on day 7 of the experiment. Histopathological examination of ovarian tissues and follicle counting were performed. Glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), tissue anti-müllerian hormone (AMH), and serum AMH levels were examined at biochemical investigation. Results CP caused follicular cell degeneration, increased the apoptotic index, reduced the numbers of primordial and unilaminar primary follicle cells, and increased the numbers of atretic follicles (p < 0.05). Follicular cell degeneration and the apoptotic index decreased while the numbers of primordial follicles increased in the CP + GA group compared to the CP group (p < 0.05). CAT, SOD and tissue AMH decreased, while MDA levels increased in the CP group compared to the control group. In the CP + GA group, CAT and SOD levels increased while MDA levels decreased compared to the CP group (p < 0.05). Serum AMH levels were higher in the GA group than in the other groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions GA can be effective in preventing follicle cell damage caused by CP in the ovarium.