Etomidate alleviates ovarian ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the protective effects of etomidate against oxidative damage in an experimental model of ovarian ischemia-reperfusion injury. METHODS: A total of 24 female rats were randomized into three groups. Group 1 served as the control. Group 2 underwent an ovarian torsion/detorsion procedure. Group 3 underwent similar procedures as Group 2; additionally, 4 mg/kg of etomidate was administered intraperitoneally 30 minutes before ovarian detorsion. Blood samples were analyzed for lipid peroxidation, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, and antioxidant enzyme activity RESULTS: Biochemical analysis of blood samples revealed reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1 Beta (IL1 beta ), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor -alpha (TNF- alpha ), in Group 3 compared to Group 2 (p=0.005, p=0.016, and p<0.001, respectively). Additionally, a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels was observed in Group 3 compared to Group 2 (p<0.001). In contrast, activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), were significantly increased in Group 3 compared to Group 2 (p=0.031 and p=0.001, respectively). Furthermore, Group 3 demonstrated notable reductions in histopathological scores for follicular degeneration, vascular occlusion, bleeding, and inflammation compared to Group 2 (p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, and p=0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Etomidate alleviates ischemia-reperfusion injury in a rat ovarian torsion-detorsion model by improving both histopathological and biochemical outcomes.