SODIUM FLUORIDE-INDUCED UTERINE REDOX IMBALANCE AND STEROIDOGENIC HAZARDS: DOSE DEPENDENT RESPONSE

The effect of sodium fluoride (NaF) on uterine oxidative stress and ovarian steroidogenesis was investigated in an animal model using 100 ppm and 200 ppm of doses for a period of 28 days. Ovarian and uterine wet weights were measured along with the measurement of steroidogenesis, uterine superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). This dose dependency treatment resulted in a marked degree (p<0.001) of diminishing ovarian and uterine wet weight and ovarian steroidogenesis along with a significant fall in plasma levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol, especially at a dose of 200 ppm of NaF. Uterine malondialdehyde (MDA) and conjugated diene (CD) levels were elevated with a concomitant inhibition in the activities of oxidative stress remission enzymes e.g., SOD, CAT, and GPx at both the doses of NaF but 200 ppm of NaF treatment revealed a greater degree of alteration in these parameters. NaF (200 ppm)-treated rats showed a lengthy diestrus phase in their estrous cycle in contrast to control rats who had a regular 4 day estrous cycle pattern. It can be concluded that the dose of NaF treatment is the critical factor for the development of adverse effects on ovarian and uterine activities.