Effect of Ocimum basilicum on ovary tissue histopathology after exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) in rats

Abstract

Plants continue to be a major source of medicines, as they have been throughout human history. Ocillium basilicum has been used since ancient times as a medicine and food and it is known that the antioxidant effect of O. basilicum is beneficial to protect tissue and decreasing carcinogeniceffect of electromagnetic field (EMF), so it was hypothesized that this herb might also provide protection to ovarian tissue against reactive oxygen spaces (ROS). Female wistar rats (n = 40) were allocated to four groups, a control group (n = 10) and three treatment groups (n = 30). The first treatment group received O. basilicum extract (1.5 g/kg body weight), the second extract group received O. basilicum extract (1.5 g/kg body weight) and EMF exposure at 50 Hz for 40 consecutive days, whilst the third group received only EMF exposure for 40 consecutive days. At the conclusion of the test period, rat ovary tissues were removed from all group members. Ovary tissue preparation was performed and analyzed for apoptosis. There was a significant increase in apoptosis in EMF group when compared with other groups (P<0.05). EMF has negative effect on ovary histology in rats by increasing fibrosis and vein congestion. However, these side effects are less seen in the EMF group that received O. basilicum extract. Usage of O. basilicum extract could be one of the useful methods as antioxidant therapy against EMF exposure in industrial area.

The effect of Non- ionizing electromagnetic field with a frequency of 50 Hz in Rat ovary: A transmission electron microscopy study

“…The studies about the effects of EMF on ovarian follicles have shown that oocyte nucleus becomes smaller and changes shape and the number of apoptotic bodies and autophagic vacuoles in granulosa cells increased, compared to the control group ( 26 , 27 ). According to a study conducted by Roshangar et al it was found that exposure to EMF can lead to morphological changes in the oocyte and increasing the nuclear congestion of granulosa cells ( 28 ).…”

“…According to a study conducted by Roshangar et al it was found that exposure to EMF can lead to morphological changes in the oocyte and increasing the nuclear congestion of granulosa cells ( 28 ). EMF exposure in daily life reduces the supply of egg cell in the ovaries and will lead to an increase in infertility ( 7 , 25 , 26 ). It showed that follicle atresia in the ovaries is associated with apoptosis of granulosa cells.…”

Effect of non-ionizing electromagnetic field on the alteration of ovarian follicles in rats

“…This study aimed to investigate the effects of electromagnetic field with a frequency of 50 Hz on folliculogenesis and differentiated oocytes of newborn rat pups after pregnancies that were affected by an electromagnetic field. Rats’ ovaries during the post-natal period are rich in quiescent and early-growing oocytes that are surrounded by a layer of granulosa cells (20, 21). Exposure to an EMF during embryonic development can affect folliculogenesis (6) and cause adverse effects on fertility in female mammals (7).…”

“…Based on the results, exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields may impair the fertility of female mammals by reducing the ability of follicles to reach the stage of development that is an essential prerequisite for successful reproduction. The EMF exposure in daily life due to reducing supply of oocytes in the ovaries leads to decreasein infertility (7, 21, 24). It has been shown that follicle atresia in the ovaries is associated with apoptosis of granulosa cells.…”

Protective Effects of Ocimum basilicum Against Atrophic Changes in Graafian Follicles in Cyclophosphamide Induced Ovarian Toxicity

“…16 An experiment on female rats also proved antioxidant potential of its methanolic extract given at dose of 1.5g/kg in combination with exposure to electromagnetic field (EMF) and results showed significant improvement in various histological parameters of ovaries including granulosa cell apoptosis, fibrosis and venous congestion, when compared with other group that received only EMF exposure. 17 Cyclophosphamide is being frequently used in recent past years to treat malignancies. Major adverse effect of cyclophosphamide, when used in young females having CA breast, is secondary infertility due to its direct effects on primordial and growing follicles resulting in oxidative damage.…”