Effect Of Cocoa On Ovarian Histology In Experimental Dipsomaniac Rabbits

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Date

2017-07

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University of Ghana

Abstract

Background: Regular alcohol intake significantly increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) which magnify the levels of oxidative stress (OS) in the ovaries beyond physiological levels. Oxidative stress occurs due to an overabundance of ROS and the ineffectuality of scavengers. Alcohol is also known to perturb the feedback mechanisms of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis resulting in impairment of production and secretion of adequate quantity or potency of LH and FSH necessary for fertility. The usage of natural and synthetic antioxidants in treating and managing female infertility of OS etiology in patients is currently being investigated. Natural cocoa exhibits greater antioxidant capacity than many other flavanol-rich foods and food extracts. This suggests that cocoa as a nutraceutical may resolve OS related ovarian injury. Aim: This study investigated the ameliorative effect of natural cocoa on alcohol induced ovarian injury in rabbits. Methodology: Thirteen female rabbits of ages 5-7 months and weights 1.5-2.5 kg were put into 3 groups (Groups A, B and C) and given the following daily treatments for 7 weeks. Group A (n=5), Group B (n=5) and Group C (n=3). Group A, received cocoa from 6am to 6pm and 35% alcohol from 6pm to 6am ad libitum. Group B received water from 6am to 6pm and 35% alcohol ad libitum from 6pm to 6am. Group C received water for 24 hours. All rabbits had access to rabbit chow daily. Baseline serum levels of LH, FSH, GSH and SOD were measured and repeated at the end of the experiment (week 7). At termination, all rabbits were sacrificed and ovaries harvested. Volume density of follicles at different stages and stroma were estimated. Weight of rabbits and ovaries together with volume of ovaries were also determined. Results: Group B had low levels of serum LH and FSH (ANOVA, p<0.001) as compared with Groups C. Post treatment concentrations of GSH and SOD in Group A were not significantly different from that of Group C (ANOVA, p<0.05). Stereologic assessment of volume density of primordial follicles, corpora atretica and stroma showed significant differences between groups (ANOVA, p<0.05). Functional elements of the ovary parenchyma were preserved in Group A rabbits compared to Group B and C (ANOVA, p=0.05). Ovary weights and volumes did not vary significantly between the groups (ANOVA, p=0.75). Conclusion: Alcohol-induced structural and functional ovarian injury was significantly ameliorated in rabbits chronically fed alcohol but also given natural cocoa drink.

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MPhil. in Anatomy

Keywords

Cocoa, Dispsomaniac, Hypothalamus- pituitary-gonadal, Antioxidant

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