Role of serylamino as a protector against gamma rays hazards on ovarian functions, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism during meta-estrous stage in rats

In this study, functional investigations were performed to assess the ability of silymarin to overcome the gamma rays-induced alterations on three related pivots: 1- Ovarian functions through the pituitary-gonadal hormones [follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2) and progesterone. 2- Carbohydrate metabolism through pancreatic insulin associated with blood glucose and liver glycogen content. 3- Lipid profile including triglycerides, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL-cholesterol) and low density lipoprotein (LDL-cholesterol). Fifty female rats were divided into 4 groups: 1- Control. 2- Whole body y-irradiated (I Gy). 3- Rats orally treated with silymarin (10 mg/100 g body weight) twice daily for one week. 4- Rats received silymarin as group (3) then irradiated 2 hours after the last dose of silymarin. Samples were taken 2 hours, 2 days and 2 weeks after silyrnarin gavage (group 3) or irradiation (groups 2 and 4). The results obtained showed lowered levels of FSH, E2 and P4 as a result of ovarian dysfunction early after 2 hours and maximized after 2 weeks in irradiated rats. Plasma insulin and glucose levels were elevated with a decrease in glycogen content in liver. Also, plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol were elevated concomitant with decreased HDL-cholesterol level. Silymarin succeeded to ameliorate the disorders induced by irradiation and restored the majority of disturbed levels to control range. The present study designates that silymarin has a positive prophylactic effect against radiation-induced hazard on the ovarian function and speculates that silymarin could imitate a physiologic regulator for carbohydrate and lipid metabolism through several mentioned mechanisms