Evaluation of the Protective Effect of Crocin on the Development of Embryos from In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) in Busulphan-treated Mice

Busulfan (BSF) besides the therapeutic effects, performs oxidative stress and decreasing fertilizing capacity. Therefore, the present study was aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Crocin, on in vitro fertilization (IVF) process in busolfan treated mice. In this study eighteen mature female mice (25g), were divided into 6 groups and treated for 21 days. The control group received alone resolvent of busulfan (0.1 ml) intraperitoneally (IP) single dose, and sham control group received BSF alone (10mg/kg, IP/single dose) and experimental groups 1, 2, 3 received BSF(10mg/kg/single dose) with Crocin (100, 200, 400mg/kg/day, IP). Positive control group received alone Crocin (400mg/kg, IP/day). At the end of the treatment period, animals were euthanized and after performing the IVF, early embryo development was evaluated. The obtained data were compared between all groups and analyzed using one-way ANOVA, followed by Bonferroni post-hoc test. A P-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results showed that, the administration of crocin along with busulfan increased significantly oocyte quality, fertilization rate, pre-implantation embryonic development and quality of embryo in comparison to group that received busulfan (P<0.05). In addition, in the group that received crocin any toxicity has not been observed. The present study indicated that crocin can protect female fertility potential against busulfan induced damages.