Journal of Reproduction & Infertility

Journal of Reproduction & Infertility

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Sodium Hydrosulfide in Alleviating Oxidative Stress and Ovarian Dysfunction in a Rat Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Authors
Maryam Vaziripour
Mahdieh Faghihi
Mina Ranjbaran
Bahareh Asadi
Arash Abdi
Farzaneh Kianian
Mahdi Hajiaqaei
Behjat Seifi
Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
10.18502/jri.v25i2.16007
Abstract
Background: Oxidative stress is known to play a key role in the occurrence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common cause of anovulatory infertility. The purpose of the current study was to investigate whether diminished activity of ovarian enzymes responsible for hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production, cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), and cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) contributes to oxidative stress in PCOS. The study also explored whether administration of sodium hydrosulfide (NaSH), an H2S donor, could ameliorate PCOS symptoms by reducing oxidative stress. Methods: The rats were randomly assigned into three groups (n=6): control, PCOS, and PCOS+NaSH. PCOS was induced by intramuscular injection of estradiol valerate in the PCOS and PCOS+NaSH groups. The PCOS+NaSH group received 30 μmol/L/day of NaSH in drinking water for 27 days after PCOS induction. Ovarian tissue samples were analyzed for oxidative stress indices including malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Additional analyses measured H2S levels, CBS, and CSE activity. Results: PCOS induction led to a significant decrease in SOD activity, H2S levels, and CBS and CSE activity, accompanied by a significant increase in MDA levels (p<0.0001). Furthermore, PCOS caused severe histological alterations in the ovaries. However, administration of NaSH effectively restored all measured parameters to pre-PCOS induction levels (p<0.0001). Conclusion: This study showed that the decrease in the activity of H2S-producing enzymes and H2S levels may contribute to oxidative stress in PCOS. Therefore, administration of H2S donor NaSH can be considered as a potential therapeutic strategy for PCOS patients.
Keywords
Cystathionine β
synthase
Cystathionine γ
lyase
Hydrogen Sulfide
Infertility
Ovary
oxidative stress
PCOS
Journal of Reproduction & Infertility
Volume 25, Issue 2
Spring 2024
Pages 133-139