Effects of quercetin and rosuvastatin each alone or in combination on cyclophosphamide-induced premature ovarian failure in female albino mice

Abstract

Background: Cyclophosphamide (CP) causes premature ovarian failure (POF) due to ovarian toxicity. The toxicity mechanism is attributed to oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. We assessed whether quercetin and rosuvastatin could promote ovarian protection against CP ovotoxicity. Methods: A total of 80 female BALB/c mice were randomly assigned; 10 mice into each of eight groups. Group 1 (control), group 2 (EH), group 3 (CP), group 4 (QH), group 5 (QL), group 6 (RH), group 7 (RL), and group 8 (COM). Results: Quercetin and rosuvastatin groups (4:8) showed signs of restored ovarian function in the form of a significant, dose-dependent increase in primordial follicles number, serum anti-Mullerian hormone level, and ovarian tissue glutathione level ( p < 0.05) versus group 3, and a significant, dose-dependent decrease in atretic follicles number and ovarian tissue level of malondialdehyde ( p < 0.05) versus group 3. Immunohistochemistry analysis demonstrated a lower expression of caspase and nuclear factor-kappa B of groups (4:8) versus group 3, although quercetin and rosuvastatin showed a nonsignificant reduction in tumor volume. Conclusions: We demonstrated the protective effect of quercetin and rosuvastatin against ovarian toxicity and POF induced by CP without compromising its antitumor effect.