Effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of VAC on OHSS complication in a rat model

Background: Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a serious complication of ovarian stimulation that lead to ovarian expansion with multiple cysts, and third-space effusion of fluid, renal failure, hypovolemic shock and respiratory distress syndrome. Extracts of the fruits of Vitex agnus castus (VAC) have dopaminergic and anti-angiogenesis activities.Objective: In this study, we sought to evaluate the effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of VAC on OHSS complication in a rat model.Materials and Methods: OHSS was induced through the intra-peritoneal injection of pregnant mare serum gonadotrophn (PMSG) and treated groups were administered with 25 mg/kg of VAC extract. Body and ovary weights were measured. Vascular permeability (VP) was determined through the injection of 2 mL of 5 mM Evans Blue and staining was quantified at 600 nm using a spectrophotometry. Gene expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) were measured with semi-quantitative real-time PCR.Results: The increase in body that observed in OHSS group were attenuated significantly by VAC extract application (p<0.05). The ovarian weight and diameter were increased in OHSS group and treatment of rats with VAC extract diminished ovarian weight and diameter (p<0.05). Vascular permeability was significantly decreased in VAC treated rat in compared to control OHSS rats (p<0.01). VEGF gene expression was significantly increased and PEDF gene expression was decreased in the OHSS Group compared with the control groups (p<0.05). Both VEGF and PEDF gene expression alteration were significantly improved in VAC treated rats.Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that VAC extract can improve OHSS complication by reducing ovarian diameter, VP, and VEGF expression and increased PEDF expression in a rat model.

Keywords:

OHSS , Rat Model , Vitex agnus , VEGF , PEDF