Fluoride Action Network

Abstract

The protective effect in female mice by intraperitoneal injection of melatonin (10 mg/kg bw/day) against ovarian oxidative stress induced by oral administration of sodium fluoride, NaF (10 mg/kg bw/day), was studied. After 30 days, NaF treatment resulted in a significant reduction in body and ovary weights. Increased production of malondialdehyde in the NaF-treated group was accompanied by marked alterations in the levels of total proteins, total ascorbic acid, reduced glutathione, and the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase. The ovarian histology was also abnormal, thereby indicating deterioration of ovarian function. Compared to NaF alone, the combined treatment of F with melatonin significantly lowered the level of lipid peroxides and enhanced the antioxidant status. Likewise, the histopathological changes of ovary were also revived by the combined treatment. The second group of mice given melatonin without exposure to NaF exhibited no significant changes in the above indices. Thus the results from this study showed that melatonin exerted a protective action against F-induced oxidative stress and disturbance of ovarian functions in the mouse.