Ascorbic acid and curcumin alleviate abnormal estrous cycle and morphological changes in cells induced by repeated ultraviolet B radiations in female Wistar rats

Abstract

Objective: To study the protective effect of ascorbic acid and curcumin against the abnormal estrous cycle and morphological changes in cells induced by repeated ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation in female Wistar rats. Methods: Sixteen female sexually mature Wistar rats weighing 130-150 g and aged 12-16 weeks were randomly divided into four groups. The control group received normal food and water ad libitum. The UVB group was exposed to a dose of 280 nm of UVB radiation for 2 h daily. The UVB+curcumin group received a dose of 280 nm of UVB radiation for 2 h daily and also an oral dose of curcumin (25 mg/kg body weight) daily. The UVB+ascorbic acid group received a dose of 280 nm of UVB radiation for 2 h daily and also an oral dose of ascorbic acid (250 mg/kg body weight) daily. All the treatments last for 15 consecutive days. Body and ovary weight and gonadosomatic index were measured. The stages (proestrus, estrus, metaestrus and diestrus) of the estrous cycle were determined by the cell types observed in the vaginal smear. Results: UVB radiation caused irregular alterations on the estrous cycle and morphological changes of the female Wistar rat as compared with the control group. Ascorbic acid and curcumin protected UVB-induced estrous phases and their cells. But curcumin showed greater protection than ascorbic acid. Conclusions: Ascorbic acid and curcumin at low doses can alleviate abnormal estrous cycle and morphological changes in cells induced by UVB radiations in female Wistar rats.

Keywords

• estrous cycle; ultraviolet-b radiation; vaginal smear; ascorbic acid; curcumin