Protective Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Orange Peel on PCNA and FSH-R Gene Expression in Histological Damage and Oxidative Stress Due to Ovarian Torsion in Adult Rats

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of orange peel on proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSH-R) gene expression in histological injuries and acid stress caused by ovarian torsion in adult rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 32 adult female rats were randomly divided into 4 groups. In group 1 (Sham), the abdominal wall was cut without applying torsion and in group 2, ovarian torsion was performed for 2 hours, followed by detorsion for 2 weeks. The hydro-alcoholic extract of orange peel was added to their diet for two weeks in group 3, followed by ovarian torsion for 2 hours and detorsion for 2 hours. Group 4 received the orange peel extract for two weeks and after then ovarian resection for the evaluation of histological damage and blood sampling to examine the serum level of antioxidant enzymes, as well as the expression of PCNA and FSH-R genes in the ovarian tissue. Results: Histological changes in the ovary tissue of rats showed that torsion and detorsion have destructive effects on the ovarian tissue, and torsion/detorsion led to a reduction in the expression of PCNA and FSH-R (P < 0.05). Based on biochemical and hormonal results, the ovarian torsion resulted in an imbalance in the oxidative stress markers and hormone profile of rats. Finally, the administration of the hydroalcoholic extract of orange peel due to its high antioxidant properties improves these effects. Conclusions: In general, administering an appropriate dose of the hydroalcoholic extract of orange peel for two consecutive weeks in the diet had a protective effect on the ovarian tissue at the risk of torsion/detorsion.