Resveratrol improves ovarian function in aged rat by inhibiting oxidative stress and activating the Sirt1

Oxidative stress is a leading driver of ovarian aging. Silent mating-type information regulation 2 homolog-1 (Sirt1) plays an role in ovarian function. Resveratrol has numerous effects, including anti-oxidant and Sirt1 activator. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of resveratrol on aging-induced ovarian change in rats. The female Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: young control (Con), Aged+Res (20 mg/kg/day resveratrol for 45 days), and Aged. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) was detected by ELISA assay. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were detected by conventional method. The ovarian structure and follicles were observed by hematoxylin staining, the caspase-3 and Sirt1 were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. The AMH in the Aged+Res group was elevated, compared to that in Aged group (p < 0.05). The MDA was decreased and GSH-Px and SOD were increased in the Aged+Res group (p < 0.05). The primordial and primary follicles were increased in the Aged+Res group (p < 0.05). The Sirt1 was increased and caspase-3 was decreased in the Aged+Res group (p < 0.05). These results indicate that resveratrol can delay ovarian aging, probably by reducing oxidative damage and increasing Sirt1.