The effects of Resveratrol on an ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome model in rats

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a life-threatening complication that may result from intended follicular development, thus ovarian stimulation with gonadotropins during infertility treatment. The syndrome comprises an array of symptoms and findings. One of which is a clinical setting involving ascites and pleural effusion due to an increase in vascular permeability. The major causative factor of this condition is suspected to be vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), although various other factors are thought to be involved. Many mechanisms have been held responsible for the ethiopathogenesis of this syndrome although most dwell on substantial evidence of inflammatory processes and angioneogenesis. The aim of this study was to show the effects of resveratrol- a substance renowned for its? anti-inflammatory and antiangioneogeneticproperties on a rat model of OHSS.OHSS was simulated in immature female wistar rats. A total of 24 rats were included and divided into 4 groups. The control group comprised 6 rats; 6 rats were included in the mild OHSS group whereas 12 rats were subjected to severe stimulation, comprising two severe OHSS groups. Gonadotropins were administered in different doses to achieve the varying OHSS models (ie, mild and severe). 6 rats in the severe OHSS group were administered 60mg/kg resveratrol.The groups were compared according to mean body weights, ovarian weight, peritoneal fluid VEGF and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels, VEGF expression, antral and atresic follicle counts as well as corpus luteum counts. The mean peritoneal VEGF levels, histopathological scores for VEGFexpression and corpus luteum counts were significantly lower in group 4 (resveratrol group) when compare to group 3 (severe OHSS group). The number of follicles that had undergone atresia were significantly higher in group 3 when compared to group 4. Peritoneal IL-6 were lower in group 4 although this trend did not reach statistical significance.Resveratrol demonstrated an antiinflammatory effect as well as a negative effect on angiogenesis, resulting in a decrease in VEGF expression.