Protective Effect of Silymarin in an Experimental Rat Model of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the effect of silymarin on angiogenic and inflammatory markers in an experimental ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) model.
METHODS: Thirty-two 22-day-old female Wistar albino rats were randomized into four groups: control, OHSS, OHSS + silymarin, and silymarin. OHSS was induced using PMSG followed by hCG. Silymarin (50 mg/kg) was administered orally. Serum and follicular fluid levels of VEGF-A, ANGPT-1, ANGPT-2, and TNF-α were measured by ELISA. Biochemical and hormonal parameters were also analyzed. One-way ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis tests were used as appropriate.
RESULTS: Serum VEGF-A and ANGPT-1 levels were significantly higher, and ANGPT-2 levels were lower in the OHSS group compared with controls (p < 0.05). In the OHSS + silymarin group, VEGF-A and ANGPT-1 showed a decreasing trend and ANGPT-2 an increasing trend, although not all changes reached statistical significance. TNF-α levels did not differ significantly among groups. Estradiol and progesterone levels were higher in OHSS-induced groups (p < 0.05).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Silymarin partially modulated angiogenic imbalance in experimental OHSS by reducing VEGF-A and ANGPT-1 and increasing ANGPT-2 levels. These preliminary findings suggest a potential role for silymarin in OHSS; however, larger experimental and clinical studies are required.

Keywords: ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, silymarin, angiogenesis, VEGF, angiopoietin