In vitro follicular culture systems provide optimal culture models for research about the physiology of the ovary and support the clinical practices to achieve competent mature oocytes for in vitro fertilization. In vitro maturation of preantral follicles makes it possible to study the effects of therapeutic agents on various conditions or disorders of the ovary. Nowadays, preventive bioflavonoids against cancer, hypercholesterolemia, fatty liver, or a variety of toxic agents are in focus. The aim of this study was to design and investigate the impacts of different concentrations of hesperidin, a glycoside flavonoid, on the in vitro preantral follicle growth and maturation in the three-dimensional (3D) culture system which was made with sodium alginate. Preantral follicles (n = 1363) were mechanically isolated from immature mice ovaries, then, after capsulating, they were randomly divided into four groups: the control group received no concentration of hesperidin, and three experimental groups were supplemented with 10, 22.5, and 50 µmol/L of hesperidin. All groups were cultured for 12 days. At the end of the culture period, the percentage of survival rate, antrum formation, obtained metaphase II oocytes, and the secretion of 17β-estradiol and progesterone were significantly higher in the group Hesp 50 (50 µmol/L hesperidin). Moreover, the mean average of follicular diameter cultured in the group Hesp 50 was also increased and the mRNA expression levels of PCNA, FSH-R, and Bcl-2 genes were higher, while Bax mRNA expression was significantly reduced compared with the other groups. Follicles cultured in the presence of 50 µmol/L of hesperidin had a higher fertilization rate and embryo development. Adding hesperidin at the concentration of 50 µmol/L to the culture medium resulted in higher follicular growth and maturation and increased the rate of in vitro fertilization and embryo development. Impact statement It has been stated that hesperidin has many pharmacological effects, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, antimicrobial activity, and anti-carcinogenic activity; but hesperidin and its derivatives have been under investigation as anti-fertility factors for a very long time. However, our results show that hesperidin can improve mice follicular growth and maturation during in vitro 3D culture. Hesperidin as an antioxidant factor could enhance the mRNA expression levels of two important genes involved in folliculogenesis, PCNA, and FSH-R. Our results prove for the first time that hesperidin not only has deleterious effects on follicular development but can also increase rates of in vitro fertilization and embryo development.

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10.30699/jambs.29. 135.197 Background & Objective: Skin flaps in the distal region lose their tissue because of impaired perfusion, which is strongly due to the ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and oxidative stress (OS). Reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increasing antioxidant capacity are the most important approaches to preserve flaps. Given the antioxidant effects of selenium, it is expected to be effective in enhancing flap survival. Materials & Methods: In this survey, 30 rats were divided into 3 groups of 10: 1) sham group (incision of the flap margin without elevation of the bed), 2) flap surgery group (incision and elevation of the skin from bed+plastic film placement under the flap), and 3) flap surgery+nano-selenium oxide treatment (incision and elevation of the skin from bed+plastic film placement under the flap+nano-selenium oxide 25 mg/kg intraperitoneally) On the seventh day after flap surgery, the flap necrosis percentage, malondialdehyde (MDA) level, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured Results: Flap necrosis and the level of MDA significantly increased in the flap surgery group and decreased in the nano-selenium oxide-treated group (P<0.05). SOD activity decreased in the flap surgery group and increased in the nano-selenium oxidetreated group (P<0.05). Conclusion:The results of this study showed that treatment with nano-selenium oxide reduced flap tissue necrosis and lipid peroxidation significantly; it also increased SOD activity. Therefore, the survival of the flap and its efficacy increased.