Systemic administration of curcumin nanoparticles protects ischemia-reperfusion injury in ovaries: An animal model study.

OBJECTIVE: Ovarian torsion must be diagnosed and treated as early as possible. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of intraperitoneal administration of nanocurcumin on ischemia-reperfusion injury in ovaries.

METHOD: Thirty-five (35) healthy female Wistar rats weighing approximately 250 g were randomized into seven experimental groups (n=5): Group SSG - The rats underwent only laparotomy. Group I: A 3-hour ischemia only. Group I/R: A 3-hour ischemia and 3-hour reperfusion. Group I/C: A 3-hour ischemia only, and 1 mg/kg intraperitoneal administration of curcumin 2.5 hours after induction of ischemia. Group I/R/C: A 3-hour ischemia, 3-hour reperfusion, and 1 mg/kg intraperitoneal administration of curcumin 2.5 hours after induction of ischemia. Group I/NC: A 3-hour ischemia only and 1 mg/kg intraperitoneal administration of nanocurcumin 2.5 hours after induction of ischemia. Group I/R/C: A 3-hour ischemia, 3-hour reperfusion and 1 mg/kg intraperitoneal administration of nanocurcumin 2.5 hours after induction of ischemia.

RESULTS: Nanocurcumin-treated animals showed significantly improved development of ischemia and reperfusion tissue injury compared to those in the other groups (p<0.05). Significant higher values of SOD, tGSH, GPO, GSHRd and GST were observed in I/R/NC animals compared to those in the other groups (p<0.05). The damage indicators (NOS, MDA, MPO and DNA damage level) were significantly lower in I/R/NC animal compared to those of other groups (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Intraperitoneal administration of nanocurcumin can be helpful in minimizing ischemia-reperfusion injury in ovarian tissue exposed to ischemia.