Effect of marine sulfated polysaccharide administration extracted from Caspian Sea green algae on premature ovarian failure in a rat model

Alijani Ardeshir, Rashid; Farahmand, Helia

doi:10.22124/japb.2026.33211.1586

Effect of marine sulfated polysaccharide administration extracted from Caspian Sea green algae on premature ovarian failure in a rat model

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

¹ Department faculty

² Guilan University

10.22124/japb.2026.33211.1586

Abstract

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a major reproductive disorder in women characterized by the premature loss of normal ovarian function. This disease is associated with hormonal imbalance and reduced follicular reserve and can be caused by ovarian toxicity originated from chemotherapy drugs. The chemotherapy drug cyclophosphamide is widely used to induce the experimental model of POF. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of marine sulfated polysaccharides extracted from Caspian Sea green algae (Enteromorpha intestinalis) on cyclophosphamide-induced ovarian injury in rats. Sulfated polysaccharides from green algae were extracted using hot water extraction method and evaluated for functional groups and sulfate content. The POF model was induced in 5 female rats by cyclophosphamide injection. Animals (20 rats) were divided into control, POF and treatment groups (POF + sulfated polysaccharide), and the treatment groups received sulfated polysaccharides in two high and low doses (5 rats in each group). Serum levels of FSH, LH, estrogen and progesterone were measured. Also, ovarian tissue was evaluated histologically to examine follicular growth and tissue structure. Cyclophosphamide administration caused a significant increase in FSH and LH and a decrease in estrogen and progesterone (P < 0.05), indicating successful induction of POF. Histological examination also showed severe ovarian damage including follicular atresia and destruction of granulosa cells. In contrast, treatment with sulfated polysaccharides caused a significant improvement in hormonal balance, a decrease in FSH and LH and an increase in estrogen and progesterone (P < 0.05). Also, an improvement in ovarian structure, an increase in healthy follicles and a decrease in atresia were observed.

Overall, the results showed that sulfated polysaccharides extracted from this algae have significant protective effects against cyclophosphamide-induced ovarian damage.

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