JoVE - Journal of Visualized Experiments
JoVE Visualize
Contact Us

Protective effects of Aloe vera extract against doxorubicin-induced degeneration in ovarian follicles and stromal cells in mice

  • 0Laboratório de Biotecnologia e Fisiologia da Reprodução, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Sobral, CE, Brasil.
Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research = Revista Brasileira De Pesquisas Médicas E Biológicas +

|

June 18, 2025

|

June 18, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Aloe vera at 0.1 and 1.0 mg/kg protected ovarian follicles and stromal cells from doxorubicin (DOX) damage. This study demonstrates Aloe vera

Area Of Science

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Toxicology
  • Pharmacology

Background

  • Doxorubicin (DOX) is a potent chemotherapy agent with known ovarian toxicity.
  • Ovarian degeneration affects fertility and necessitates protective strategies.
  • Aloe vera possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties with potential therapeutic applications.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the protective effects of Aloe vera against doxorubicin-induced ovarian damage in mice.
  • To evaluate Aloe vera's impact on ovarian follicle and stromal cell integrity.
  • To assess the molecular mechanisms underlying Aloe vera's protective action.

Main Methods

  • Mice were divided into groups receiving saline, N-acetylcysteine, or varying doses of Aloe vera (0.1, 1.0, 10.0 mg/kg) followed by doxorubicin.
  • Ovaries were analyzed using histological examination, immunohistochemistry, and real-time PCR.
  • Gene expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was quantified.

Main Results

  • Aloe vera at 0.1 and 1.0 mg/kg significantly protected ovarian follicles and stromal cells from doxorubicin-induced degeneration.
  • These effective doses of Aloe vera reduced TNF-α protein expression.
  • Aloe vera treatment increased the mRNA levels of NRF2, SOD, and CAT, indicating enhanced antioxidant defense.

Conclusions

  • Low doses of Aloe vera (0.1 and 1.0 mg/kg) exhibit significant protective effects against doxorubicin-induced ovarian toxicity in mice.
  • Aloe vera's mechanism involves the upregulation of antioxidant enzymes and reduction of pro-inflammatory markers.
  • These findings suggest Aloe vera as a potential adjuvant therapy to mitigate chemotherapy-induced ovarian damage.