Effects of melatonin on specific gene expression in the ovaries of superovulated rats

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of different doses of melatonin administered with superovulation on ovarian health at biochemical and molecular levels. Four groups were created: Control (Con), Superovulation (So), Superovulation+5 mg/kg melatonin (SoM5), and Superovulation+20 mg/kg melatonin (SoM20). It was determined that there was a decrease in ovary tissue MDA levels in groups compared to the control (P<0.01). It was determined that PGR expression increased approximately 7-fold in SoM20 compared to the control (P<0.001). It was found that the expression level of the COX-2 was increased in the experimental groups (So, SoM5, and SoM20) compared to the control (P<0.05). It was determined that the expressions of the EREG in the SoM20 increased approximately 5-fold compared to the control (P<0.001). Positive correlation was determined between serum MDA levels and Bcl-2 and NRF2 genes (P<0.01). A positive correlation was found between COX-2 and PGR and EREG genes (P<0.001), between IL-1β and Bcl-2 and OSGIN1 genes (P<0.05), between Bcl-2 gene and NRF2 and BMP15 genes (P<0.05), between PGR gene and EREG genes (P<0.001), and between NRF2 gene and BMP15 and OSGIN1 genes (P<0.05). Protein–protein interaction network analysis identified COX-2, PGR, and EREG as central nodes within a 28 node, 213 edge network, and MCODE revealed a dense PTGER/PTGES module (score 4.00). Gene enrichment analysis demonstrated significant overrepresentation of reproductive and ovulation related pathways (FDR<0.05). In conclusion, 20 mg/kg melatonin administered during superovulation may support ovarian health and folliculogenesis by increasing the expression of the PGR and EREG genes in the ovary.

Keywords

• Gene expression
• MDA
• Melatonin
• Oxidative stress
• Superovulation

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