Evaluating effect of acrylamide and ascorbic acid on oxidative stress and apoptosis in ovarian tissue of wistar rat

Acrylamide is one of the undesirable compounds created in food, which leads to oxidative stress. Under normal conditions of the body, there is a balance between the production and elimination of free radicals. Imbalance in this process causes oxidative stress. Ascorbic acid has antioxidant properties and can be used to prevent oxidative stress damage. In this study, we considered the effect of acrylamide as a substance that causes oxidative stress and ascorbic acid as an antioxidant. In this experiment, 28 rats were separated into 4 groups (n = 7). Mice were fed orally with acrylamide (10 mg/kg), ascorbic acid (200 mg/kg), both acrylamide and ascorbic acid, and water as AR, AA, AR&AA, and control groups, respectively. Blood and ovarian tissue samples were collected after the final feeding and anesthesia for hematological tests. Blood cells, anti-oxidation status and relative expression of BAX (Bcl-2 Associated X-protein), BCL-2 (B-cell lymphoma-2), Folliculogenesis Specific BHLH Transcription Factor (FIGLA), Follicle Stimulating Hormone Receptor (FSHR), and Klotho (KL) genes were assessed and compared between the study groups. Despite no change in the levels of other factors, white blood cells were significantly different between all groups. The total oxidant and antioxidant index had significant changes in the AR group compared to controls. Glutathione Peroxidase showed the least concentration in the AR group than others although this change was not significant. Gene expression of BAX, BCL-2, FIGLA, FSHR, and KL genes was not significant between the study groups (P > 0.05). The most ratio of BAX to BCL-2 belonged to the AR group compared to other groups. In conclusion, AR probably induces ovarian dysfunction by increasing the proportions of apoptosis-related genes, and the usage of antioxidants like AA can minimize its hazardous effects. However, more research is needed to uncover effective ways to limit AR exposure. [Display omitted] •Acrylamide may cause ovarian dysfunction by inducing oxidative stress.•The use of antioxidants like ascorbic acid can minimize the hazardous effects of acrylamide.