Effects of Portulaca oleracea ethanolic extract on reproductive system of aging female mice.
BACKGROUND
Aging contains morphological and functional deterioration in biological systems. D-galactose (D-gal) generates free radicals and accelerates aging. Portulaca oleracea (Purslane) may have protective effect against oxidative stress.


OBJECTIVE
Purslane ethanolic extract effects were evaluated on antioxidant indices and sex hormone in D-gal aging female mice.


METHODS
48 female NMRI mice (25-35 gr) were randomly divided into, 6 groups: 1- control (normal saline for 45 days), 2- Purslane (200 mg/kg for last 3 weeks), 3-D-gal (500 mg/kg for 45 days), 4-D-gal+Purslane, 5- Aging, 6-Aging+Purslane. Sex hormones, antioxidants and malondialdehyde (MDA) level of ovary and uterus were measured. Histological assessment was also done.


RESULTS
In D-gal treated and aging animals, LH and FSH levels were significantly increased (p<0.001) while estrogen and progesterone levels were significantly reduced (p<0.001) in comparison with control group. MDA contents were significantly increased in ovaries and uterus of D-gal and aging groups (p<0.01). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) (p<0.001) and catalase (p<0.01) activities were significantly decreased in both aging and D-gal treated animals. Ovarian follicles were degenerated and atrophy on uterine wall and endometrial glands was observed in D-gal and aging groups. Alteration in hormone levels, MDA contents and antioxidant activity were significantly reversed by Purslane (p<0.05). Purslane could also improve histological changes such as atrophy of endometrium.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings indicate that Purslane can attenuate aging alternations induced by D-gal and aging in female reproductive system.
Health Research Institute, Diabetes Research Center, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
Akram
A
Ahangarpour
Physiology Research Center. Department of Physiology, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Science, Ahvaz, Iran.
Zohreh
Z
Lamoochi
Physiology Research Center. Department of Physiology, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Science, Ahvaz, Iran.
Hadi
H
Fathi Moghaddam
Department of Pharmacology, Physiology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
Seyed Mohamad Taghi
SM
Mansouri
Aging; D-galactose; Portulaca oleracea L (Purslane); antioxidant enzyme; sex hormones