Evaluation of the protective effect of coenzyme Q10 on the growth process of embryos from in vitro fertilization in laboratory mice treated with cyclophosphamide

Cyclophosphamide is an anticancer drug that acts as an alkylating agent after metabolism in the liver. Despite its many clinical applications in cancer treatment, this drug has toxic effects on the body's organs, especially the genitals. One of the most critical side effects is a change in the function of the female reproductive system, which can lead to infertility. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant effects of coenzyme Q10 on cyclophosphamide-induced toxicity in vitro fertilized embryos in mice. In this experimental study, 24 female mice weighing 25 g 4 groups of 6 were divided and treated for 21 days. The first group (control group), solvent (cyclophosphamide) including DMSO and PBS (0.1 ml intraperitoneally), the second group (sham group), cyclophosphamide at a dose of 10 mg/kg was injected as a single dose, and the third group (experimental group), along with single-dose cyclophosphamide, coenzyme Q10 at a dose of 200 mg/kg/day was injected intraperitoneally and the fourth group (positive control group), only coenzyme Q10 at a dose of 200 mg/kg/day was injected intraperitoneally. At the end of the treatment period, ovulation stimulation was performed using PMSG and HCG hormones. Six adult male mice were used to prepare normal sperm. The animals were facilitated after anesthesia. After extraction of regular eggs and sperm and fertilization in HTF + 4 mg BSA medium, the fertilized eggs were incubated for 120 hours, and the embryonic developmental stages were examined during this period. Were analyzed by ANOVA and comparison of ratios. Cyclophosphamide significantly reduced oocyte quality, fertilization rate, pre-implantation embryonic development, and embryo quality. Coenzyme Q10 (Co Q10) significantly reduced the adverse effects of cyclophosphamide. The present study showed that crocin could protect the fertility of the female sex against damage caused by cyclophosphamide.