Stereological assessment of resveratrol’s impact on folliculogenesis and sex hormone levels in busulfan-treated rats

OBJECTIVE: To study the stereological effects of resveratrol on folliculogenesis and sex hormone concentrations in busulfan-treated rats. DESIGN: Experimental animal study. SUBJECTS: Twenty-four adult female Sprague-Dawley rats. EXPOSURE: Animals were randomly assigned to 4 groups: control, busulfan (10 mg/kg, single intraperitoneal dose), busulfan plus resveratrol (10 mg/kg), and busulfan plus resveratrol (20 mg/kg). Resveratrol was administered orally for 35 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, and progesterone were measured. Ovarian stereological analysis assessed follicle counts and corpus luteum volume. RESULTS: Busulfan exposure caused severe ovarian damage, including reduced estradiol and progesterone levels, diminished corpus luteum volume, and increased gonadotropins and atretic follicles. High-dose resveratrol (20 mg/kg) partially improved estradiol and progesterone concentrations, increased healthy follicle counts, and enhanced corpus luteum volume, while reducing gonadotropins and atretic follicles (P<.05). These findings indicate attenuation but not complete restoration of busulfan-induced ovarian dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Busulfan disrupts ovarian function and impairs folliculogenesis. Resveratrol partially mitigates these adverse effects, suggesting its potential as a protective agent against chemotherapy-associated reproductive toxicity.