Can a cyclooxygenase inhibitor be an option for treatment of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome?

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the role of a cyclooxygenase inhibitor in ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) treatment and compare it with cabergoline. Materials and methods: A total of 32 immature female Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into four groups, with each group consisting of eight rats. The first group received only saline for 6 consecutive days, and the remaining 24 rats were given 10 IU of recombinant follicle stimulating hormone subcutaneously on 5 consecutive days. On day 6, 30 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin was administered for OHSS induction. After the development of OHSS, while the second group had no further intervention, the third and fourth groups were given cabergoline and celecoxib daily for 6 days, respectively. Besides weight and hematocrit values, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), IL-2, and endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels were evaluated. Results: Initially, no significant differences were observed between the groups with respect to the evaluated parameters. Although there were no differences between the weight and hematocrit values at the end of treatment (P=0.158, P=0.674), the difference between group 1 and the other groups was statistically significant after OHSS was established (P=0.001, P=0.004). Comparison of the groups in terms of VEGF, ET-1, and IL-2 levels revealed that the difference between group 1 and the other groups was significant after OHSS was formed (P=0.012, P=0.018, P=0.015). After treatment, however, a significant difference was observed only between group 2 and the other groups (P=0.001, P=0.002, P=0.038). Conclusion: According to these results, celecoxib significantly decreased VEGF, IL-2, and ET-1 levels as much as cabergoline and could reduce the extent of OHSS development. Keywords: cabergoline, celecoxib, cyclooxygenase type 2, endothelin-1, IL-2, ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome