Protective effect of resveratrol against oxidative damage to ovarian reserve in female Sprague-Dawley rats

An increased accumulation of intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species with time may play an important role in the process of ageing. The antioxidant properties of resveratrol are dependent upon the up-regulation of endogenous cellular antioxidant systems. We evaluated whether resveratrol has protective antioxidant effects on ovarian damage related to oxidative stress in a rat model. Twenty-four female rats were randomly divided into three groups and were given saline (group 1: control); intraperitoneal cisplatin, 4.5 mg/kg, two weekly doses in total (group 2); or cisplatin, 4.5 mg/kg plus intraperitoneal resveratrol 10 mg/kg/day, 24 h before the administration of cisplatin (group 3). Serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations were significantly lower in group 2 than in group 3 (P < 0.01 and P = 0.04, respectively). The evaluation of the atretic and antral follicle counts revealed statistically significant differences between the groups (P = 0.04 and P < 0.01, respectively). A statistically significant difference was observed in the follicle count positive for AMH between the groups (P = 0.01). Oxidative stress plays an important role in the process of ovarian ageing. Because of its natural antioxidant properties, resveratrol may be an effective option in protecting ovarian tissue against oxidative damage.