Tribulus terrestris saponins improve ovarian ischemia-reperfusion injury in female rats: Modulation of vascular endothelial growth factor-a and hemeoxygenase-1

Abstract

Aim/Background: Ovarian I/R is a popular gynecological emergency, complicating ovarian torsion. TTS, reported to have many therapeutic effects along with being an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic agent. The aim of this study was to estimate the probable protective role of Tribulus terrestris Saponin (TTS) in recovering the damaging effects of ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) in the female rats' ovarian tissue. Materials and Methods: TTS was treated to female rats in presence or absence of ovarian I/R. Results: I/R caused ovarian damage, represented by deformity in normal ovarian histological structure, with a significant oxidative and nitrosative stress along with obvious inflammatory damage. Pretreatment with TTS significantly reversed the I/R induced ovarian toxic effects. TTS may have valuable ovarian protective effects against ovarian I/R injury. Conclusion: TTS protection is given via antioxidant, anti-nitrosative, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic mechanisms with advancement of vascular angiogenesis and pituitary-gonadal axis up regulation.