Effects of Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ) on Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rat Ovaries: Histological and Biochemical Assessments

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate effects of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) on ischemia-reperfusion injury using a rat ovary model. METHOD: Thirty healthy female Wistar rats with 250g were randomized into five experimental groups (n = 6): Group SHAM: The rats underwent only laparotomy. Group Ischemia: A 3- hour ischemia only. Group I/R: A 3-hour ischemia and a 3-hour reperfusion. 30 min before termination of reperfusion 20 µL soybeen oil (Solvent of PQQ) was administered. Group I/PQQ: A 3-hour ischemia only and 20 µL (10 mg/kg) intraperitoneal administration (IP) of PQQ 2.5 hours after induction of ischemia. Group I/R/PQQ: A 3-hour ischemia, a 3-hour reperfusion and 20 µL (10 mg/kg) IP of PQQ 2.5 hours after induction of ischemia. RESULTS: Animals treated with PQQ showed significantly ameliorated development of ischemia and reperfusion tissue injury compared to those of other groups (p=0.001). The significant higher values of SOD, GPO and GST were observed in I/R/PQQ animals compared to those of other groups (p=0.001). Damage indicator (MDA) was significantly lower in I/R/PQQ animal compared to those of other groups (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Intraperitoneal administration of PQQ could be helpful in minimizing ischemia-reperfusion injury in ovarian tissue exposed to ischemia.