Coenzyme Q10 improves ovarian histology and attenuates the expression of angiogenesis-associated proteins in the ovary of rats with experimental hyperstimulation syndrome

OBJECTIVE(S): Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is an iatrogenic complication characterized by many side effects. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a protective lipophilic molecule with an extensive range of biological functions, but its possible protective effect on the ovary in OHSS has not as yet been studied. The present study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of CoQ10 on ovarian histological and molecular alterations in an experimental model of OHSS in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty female (2 months old) Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 equal groups: control, OHSS, OHSS+CoQ10 (OHSS+ 200 mg/kg CoQ10 for 10 days), OHSS+ cabergoline (CAB) (OHSS+ 100 µg/kg CAB for 6 days), and CoQ10 and CAB (rats receiving similar doses to treatment groups.( In the end, the effects of treatments were assessed by measuring expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in the ovary via western blotting, ovarian histomorphological alterations assessments, and serum estradiol and progesterone levels via ELISA. RESULTS: There were histological alterations in OHSS groups, including the elevation of diameter and numbers of the corpus luteum and atretic follicles, and decreasing follicular reserve count, hyperemia, and hemorrhage at ovarian stroma. Treatment of OHSS groups with CAB and CoQ10 could decrease histological changes, serum estrogen and progesterone, and overexpression of VEGF and COX-2 proteins. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that ovarian histological and molecular alterations observed in experimental OHSS can be ameliorated by administration of CoQ10, indicating that CoQ10 can be used as new supportive care for OHSS patients.