Protective Effect of Quercetin Against Nicotine‐Induced Oxidative Stress and Granulosa Cell Apoptosis in Caprine Ovary In Vitro

The primary ingredient that gives tobacco its addictive qualities is nicotine (NIC), which constitutes 90%-95% of the alkaloids in cigarette smoke. It has been demonstrated that quercetin (Qcn), a significant dietary antioxidant, offers protective benefits in various disease scenarios. Nevertheless, it is unclear if Qcn protects against ovarian toxicity induced by NIC. Therefore, the goal of this work was to examine the potential benefits of Qcn supplementation in reducing NIC-induced toxicity in the caprine ovary in a dose (0.1, 1, and 10 mM) and time (24 and 48 h) dependent manner by performing various biochemical, cytotoxic, and genotoxic studies in vitro, with the proper techniques. As demonstrated by a decrease in apoptotic characteristics or frequency in Qcn + NIC-treated groups compared to the NIC-treated groups alone, Qcn therapy reduced the cytotoxicity in granulosa cells caused by NIC treatment. Treatment with Qcn significantly increases the total antioxidant capacity (higher FRAP activity) and reduces oxidative stress (lower MDA levels) caused by NIC exposure in ovarian tissue, demonstrating Qcn's antioxidant properties. In addition, Qcn supplementation significantly improved the antioxidant status (CAT, SOD, and GST activity) in ovarian tissue after NIC treatment. NIC can harm a variety of biological molecules by potentially causing oxidative stress. According to the study's findings, Qcn treatment has the potential to prevent or at least manage reproductive toxicity in females caused by steadily increasing NIC contamination in the body through various tobacco products, as it significantly reduces NIC-evoked ovarian damage.