Local application of low level laser therapy in mice ameliorates ovarian damage induced by cyclophosphamide

Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2021 Jul 1:531:111318. doi: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111318. Epub 2021 May 12.

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to assess whether low level laser therapy (LLLT) can protect ovaries from chemotherapy-induced gonadotoxicity using a mice model of premature ovarian failure induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX). LLLT (64 J/cm2) increased the number of antral follicles whilst decreasing the number of atretic follicles compared to CTX alone. LLLT increased the number of primordial follicles compared with those in the CTX group but they did not differ from those in the control group. LLLT treatment increased the number of AMH-positive follicles compared to CTX alone. LLLT application increased ovarian weight, serum progesterone concentration and P450scc protein levels compared to CTX alone. LLLT reduced the apoptosis in antral follicles and the BAX/BCL-2 ratio compared to CTX alone. Vascular morphology, analysed by CD31 and α-SMA immunostaining, was restored in LLLT-treated ovaries compared to CTX alone. In conclusion, application of LLLT prior to CTX might serve as a promising and novel protocol to preserve female fertility in cancer survivors.

Keywords: Angiogenesis; Apoptosis; Cancer; Chemotherapy; Low level laser therapy; Ovary.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cyclophosphamide / adverse effects*
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System / metabolism
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Low-Level Light Therapy / methods*
  • Mice
  • Organ Size / drug effects
  • Organ Size / radiation effects
  • Ovary / drug effects
  • Ovary / metabolism*
  • Ovary / radiation effects
  • Primary Ovarian Insufficiency / chemically induced
  • Primary Ovarian Insufficiency / metabolism
  • Primary Ovarian Insufficiency / prevention & control*
  • Progesterone / blood

Substances

  • Progesterone
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System