PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF AJWA EXTRACT ON SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE, ESTROGEN RECEPTOR ALPHA, AND OVARIAN CELLS APOPTOSIS IN FEMALE RATS EXPOSED TO ARSENIC Herdhika Ayu Retno Kusumasari (a*), Harwin H Desyanti (b) and Mahanutabah H Qurniatillah (c)
a) Department of Physical Education, Health and Recreation, Faculty of Sport Science, State University of Malang, Indonesia
*herdhika.ayu.fik[at]um.ac.id
b) Midwifery Program, Faculty of Health, Nurul Jadid University, Probolinggo, Indonesia
c) Harapan Kita Women and Children Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
Abstract
Context: Inorganic arsenic exposure in the environment can cause homestatic disturbances and reproductive disorders that have an impact on infertility. Oxidative damage caused by arsenic is due to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which inhibit endogenous antioxidant activity and cause organ damage. Ajwa dates contain strong antioxidants that can break the chain reaction of oxidative stress and inhibit lipid peroxidation caused by arsenic exposure.
Objectives: To determinate the protective effect of Ajwa date fruit extract on Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, ER-α- expression and apoptosis of granulosa ovarian cells in female wistar rats exposed to arsenic
Methods: The laboratory experimental studies with five groups, namely a negative control group, a positive control group was administered with arsenic 3 mg/kg body weight, Treatment Group 1 was administered with arsenic 3 mg/kg body weight and date extract 2 ml/kg body weight, Treatment Group 2 with arsenic 3 mg/kg body weight and date extract 4 ml/kg body weight, and Treatment Group 3 was administered with arsenic 3 mg/kg body weight and date extract 8 ml/kg body weight, and further observed for 30 days. The rats were terminated in the proestrus phase then ovarian tissue were examined for SOD activity with colorimetric method and apoptosis of ovarian follicle granulosa cell using the immunofluorescence method, and endometrial tissue were examined for ER-α- expression using immunohistochemicals method.
Results: There were significant changes in SOD activity, ER-α- expression and apoptosis of ovarian follicle granulosa cell in female rats exposed to arsenic.
Conclusions: Ajwa date fruit extract significantly provide a protective effect on female rats exposed to arsenic.
