The effect of antioxidants on the morphology and function of ovaries in rats inflammatory process (pregnancy) within the framework of the analysis of the assessment of their action and effectiveness on nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation of oocytes

The study aimed to investigate the effect of various antioxidants on the morphological and functional characteristics of ovaries in pregnant Wistar rats under conditions of systemic inflammation. The experimental research was conducted on a total of 20 sexually mature female rats of the Wistar strain, which were divided into five subgroups with four animals in each. The rats were categorised into the following groups: a control group (no treatment), an inflammation-induced group (lipopolysaccharide treatment), and three antioxidant-treated groups, where systemic inflammation was induced and the females were treated with resveratrol, quercetin, or lycopene. Systemic inflammation was induced using lipopolysaccharide, and different antioxidants were administered to the treated subgroups over a specified period from May to June 2023. The research focused on examining the impact of these antioxidants on oocyte morphology, mitochondrial function, and the levels of reactive oxygen species and glutathione. Results indicated that antioxidant treatment significantly improved oocyte morphology by reducing abnormalities and restoring normal mitochondrial distribution. Rats in the antioxidant-treated group exhibited reduced levels of reactive oxygen species and elevated concentrations of glutathione, signalling a reduction in oxidative stress. Additionally, an increase in the expression of genes associated with antioxidant defence was observed, suggesting an enhanced antioxidant response. These findings imply that antioxidants can improve oocyte quality in cases of inflammation-induced oxidative stress, offering new insights for reproductive biology. The practical relevance of this work lies in its potential application in reproductive medicine, particularly for patients with inflammation-related infertility, where antioxidant therapies could contribute to improving oocyte quality and reproductive outcomes