Protective effect of curcumin on ovarian reserve in a rat ischemia model: an experimental study

Purpose of investigation: To determine the protective effect of curcumin on ovarian reserve in a rat ischemia model. Materials and Methods: Thirty female Albino rats were randomly divided into two groups by time of unilateral, left ovary ischemia/reperfusion (group 1: two-hour ischemia / two-hour reperfusion; group 2: four-hour ischemia / four-hour reperfusion). Each group was subdivided into three subgroups, sham, control, and curcumin (intraperitoneal curcumin (200 mg/kg) simultaneously with reperfusion). Histological grading of ischemic indices of paraffin-embedded ovarian tissue using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), were measured 40 days later. Results: No difference was found between groups 1 and 2 or among subgroups within either group for right and left ovary grades. AMH levels were significantly higher in the curcumin subgroup compared to sham and control within group 2 and in group 2 versus group 1 curcumin subgroups. Conclusion: Curcumin maintains and protects ovarian functions in an ischemia-reperfusion rat model.