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Updated: Jun 9, 2026
07:46
Detection of DNA Double-Stranded Breaks in Mouse Oocytes
Published on: June 23, 2023
DMSO Protects Against Radiation-Induced Ovarian Injury by Preserving Mitochondrial Function and Alleviating DNA
Jie Zhou1, Renjun Peng2, Zhongmin Chen2
1The Postgraduate Training Base of Jinzhou Medical University (the PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center), Beijing, China.
Summary
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) protects fertility from radiation-induced ovarian injury by preserving ovarian follicles and reducing DNA damage. This antioxidant may offer a future treatment for radiotherapy patients experiencing fertility loss.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Radiotherapy Research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Radiation-induced ovarian injury (RIOI) negatively impacts fertility in women undergoing pelvic radiotherapy.
- Young female patients are particularly vulnerable to fertility loss following radiation treatment.
- Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) possesses known antioxidant properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of DMSO against RIOI.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of DMSO's radioprotective action on ovaries.
- To assess DMSO's impact on fertility and ovarian function post-irradiation.
Main Methods:
- Female mice were administered DMSO before radiation exposure.
- Fertility was evaluated through intragenerational and transgenerational mating.
- Ovarian histology, granulosa cell apoptosis/proliferation, and DNA damage were assessed.
- Ex vivo ovarian explants and mitochondrial function were analyzed.
Main Results:
- DMSO preserved fertility in irradiated mice and their offspring.
- Ovarian follicle reserve and morphology were maintained by DMSO treatment.
- DMSO reduced granulosa cell apoptosis and increased proliferation.
- DMSO alleviated oxidative stress, preserved mitochondrial function, and decreased DNA damage.
Conclusions:
- DMSO demonstrates significant radioprotective effects on the ovaries.
- DMSO may serve as a potential therapeutic agent to mitigate fertility impairment caused by radiotherapy.
- Further clinical investigations are warranted to confirm DMSO's efficacy in human patients.
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