Radioprotective effect of hesperidin against ovarian toxicity induced by Ionizing radiation through inhibiting oxidative stress in mice

Radiotherapy enhances the risk of ovarian injury induced by oxidative stress in the female patients. Hesperidin, as a natural compound has various biological properties included anti-tumoral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. This research evaluated the effects of hesperidin on ovarian damage induced by IR.

Twenty-eight female mice distributed to four groups randomly: Control, Hesperidin (100mg/kg), ionizing radiated (IR) (3.2 Gy), and ionizing radiated + hesperidin groups (3.2Gy + 100mg/kg). Hesperidin was administrated orally for 7 successive days. Animals were exposed to total body irradiation on the 8th day of study. Biochemical, hormonal (estrogen and progesterone), and histopathological assessments did on day 12.

IR group demonstrated necrosis, apoptosis, and atresia in ovaries, decreased estrogen and progesterone and increased oxidative stress. While Hesperidin pre-treatment improved histological features, recovered the number of follicles in ovaries of the irradiated mice. In addition, the Hesperidin increased estrogen and progesterone and decreased oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power, and catalase).

Data of this research indicate that hesperidin is may be useful in female patients with pelvic cancer during radiotherapy for their ovarian conservation.