Therapeutic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells vs. Estradiol Benzoate or Avosoya on the Cerebellar Cortex of Ovariectomized Adult Albino Rats

Abstract

Alterations in hormone levels during menopause affect cognitive function and brain chemistry. Stem cell therapy in nervous system disorders is a growing field. The present research aimed to compare the effect of MSCs with that of estradiol benzoate or avosoya on the cerebellum of ovariectomized rats. Fifty eight adult female Wistar albino rats were classified into five groups. Control group (Group I) and four ovariectomized groups. Group II (ovariectomized rats received no treatment), Group III (injected subcutaneously with estradiol benzoate), Group IV (received avosoya orally) and Group V (treated with human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cells [HUCBMSCs]). Cerebellar sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and cresyl fast violet. Immunoperoxidase reaction of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), estrogen receptor beta (Erβ) and Bax protein was also done. HUCBMSCs homing in rat cerebellum were detected by human albumin gene. Antioxidant enzyme levels were also measured in cerebellum homogenate. Decreased density of neurons in the three cortical layers with vacuolations and distorted Purkinje cells with pyknotic nuclei were observed in Group II. Group III cerebellar cortex showed normal architecture but some Purkinje cells had pyknotic nuclei. Group IV showed normal neuronal cells in the three cortical layers. Group V Purkinje cells were pyriform with vesicular nuclei, and basophilic cytoplasm. Small rounded cells with deeply stained nuclei appeared in the granular layer. In conclusion: estradiol benzoate and avosoya improve ovariectomy-induced cerebellar alteration, and MSCs show promising results in this field.