Purpose: Hesperidin (HES), a citrus fruit extract, has beneficial effects on various ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) models. We aimed to evaluate the possible positive effects of hesperetin (HPT), an active metabolite of HES, on a rat ovarian I/R model.
Methods: We divided 24 Wistar Albino rats into four groups. Group I (n = 6) was sham operated, Group II (n = 6) was the I/R group, Group III (n = 6) was the I/R + solvent group and Group IV (n = 6) was the I/R + HPT group. Three hours of ischemia and 3 h of reperfusion were performed on each rat in Groups II, III, and IV. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was given intraperitoneally to the rats in the III. Group, and 50 mg/kg of HPT dissolved in DMSO was given intraperitoneally to the rats in the IV. Group 30 min before reperfusion. After 3 h of reperfusion, the ipsilateral ovaries of the rats were examined immunohistochemically to detect apoptosis.
Results: Hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) staining demonstrated less edema and hemorrhage in the group where HPT was applied. Caspase-3 and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining showed significantly lower apoptosis in the group where HPT was used when compared to either the I/R or solvent group.
Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that shows the beneficial effects of HPT in an ovarian I/R injury. HPT improved tissue damage and apoptosis caused by I/R injury. To identify the possible positive effects of HPT in ovarian torsion of humans and use in clinical practice, more studies must be performed.