Germ cells Markers Expression in Mouse Premature Ovarian Failure Model

Premature ovarian failure is a syndrome causing amenorrhea, infertility, and increases gonadotropin levels before age 40. The use of chemotherapy drugs can be one of the reasons that lead to this disorder. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence of germ cells markers in mice model of premature ovarian failure following chemotherapy drugs.

In this study, 24 mature female mice were used to create a premature ovarian failure model, different amount of cyclophosphamide and busulfan were applied (experimental groups 1 to 5). Bodyweight change, vaginal smear, morphological alternation of ovarian tissue in both experimental and control (without treatment) groups were evaluated and for the best model, hormonal evaluation (FSH, E2), and expression of germline markers (Oct4, Dazl) were examined.

Since, in the second group estrus cycle disorder, the significant decrease in weight and ovarian reserve (p˂0.05) were observed, compared to the control group, so this group was chosen as the best model. An increase in FSH level and reduction in estradiol level in the second group, compared with the control group (p˂0.05), confirmed creation of the POF model. Also, genes expression of Oct-4 and Dazl showed an increase (p˂0.05) in the second group compared with the control one.

The presence of germ cells markers in a mouse model of premature ovarian failure following the use of chemotherapy drugs can be a new hope in the treatment of infertility in cancer patients after chemotherapy.