Effect of Thymus Vulgaris on Hormonal Profile and Immunohistochemistry of Ovarian and Uterine Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Lead Acetate treated Rats

Background: Thymus vulgaris is a plant rich in essential oils acclaimed for the management of oxidative stress and inflammation in the organs. Meanwhile, the heavy metal lead is widely distributed in nature and continued exposure to lead acetate causes reduced fertility.Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of T. vulgaris on ovarian and uterine structural and functional characteristics in female rats exposed to lead acetate. Methods: Three groups of ۱۸ mature Wistar albino female rats (Rattus norvegicus), ۱۵ weeks old and weighing between ۲۰۰ and ۲۱۰ g, were established and handled for ۶۰ days as follows: Group A (control group) received ۰.۵ mL of distilled water (DW) daily; group B received ۵ mg/kg body weight (BW) of lead acetate via oral gavage; and group C received ۵ mg/kg BW of lead acetate via oral gavage followed by ۷۵ mg/kg BW of T. vulgaris extract ۲ hours later. Blood and tissue samples (uterus and ovary) were collected from euthanized animals.Results: Lead acetate caused oxidative stress, as indicated by increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. It also caused a decrease in serum estrogen and an increase in progesterone levels. Meanwhile, T. vulgaris caused a decrease in progesterone and MDA levels and an increase in estrogen levels and SOD activity. The histological changes of the ovary and uterus in the lead acetate group showed vascular degeneration and necrosis, and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) revealed an increase in positive cells. All these changes were restored to normal by T. vulgaris.Conclusion: Using alcoholic extracts of T. vulgaris acts as an antioxidant, helping to restore ovarian and uterine structure and function to near-normal levels in lead acetate-exposed rats.

کلیدواژه ها:

Immunohistochemistry ، lead ، Thymus Vulgaris ، Uterine index ، vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)