Curcumin-loaded super-paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle affects on apoptotic factors expression and histological changes in a prepubertal mouse model of polycystic ovary syndrome-induced by dehydroepiandrosterone - A molecular and stereological study

Aims: This study investigated the effects of curcumin-loaded super-paramagnetic iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (NPs) (SPIONs) on histological parameters and apoptosis-inducing factors (AIFs) in an experimental mouse model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Materials and methods: A total number of 40 female prepuberal BALB/c mice were randomly divided into four groups. Group 1 was selected as control and Group 2 was considered as a vehicle taking sesame oil, in the form of a curcumin carrier. Moreover, Group 3 was administered with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) at 6 mg/100 g of the body weight and Group 4 received the DHEA plus the NPs of curcumin (5.4 mg/100 g) for twenty consecutive days. Finally, histology, stereology, and apoptosis of the ovary were evaluated. Key findings: The results revealed that the NPs of curcumin had reduced ovarian volume (p < 0.05) and a total number of primary, secondary, antral, and primordial follicles in comparison with the PCOS and vehicle groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, curcumin treatment following administration of the DHEA resulted in a significant decrease in BAX (p < 0.001) and levels of expression of Caspase3 (CASP3) protein, increased levels of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) expression (p < 0.05), and moderated apoptosis in granulosa cells in comparison with the ones seen in the PCOS group. Significance: Ovarian injuries and DHEA-induced apoptosis were efficiently suppressed by curcumin, indicating the probable protective property of NPs of curcumin against PCOS.