Changes in Oxidative Stress Biomarkers of Induced Endometritis in Mice Treated with Aqueous Extract of Asphilia Africana

Abstract

Endometritis, characterized by inflammation of the endometrium, negatively impacts fertility and is often associated with various infections and calving-related disorders. Oxidative stress, an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants, has been implicated in the pathophysiology of endometriosis and can lead to a general inflammatory response in the peritoneal cavity. The aim of this study is to establish the oxidative stress biomarkers, examine the effects of induced endometritis, and evaluate the impact of the aqueous extract of Asphilia africana on endometritis. To achieve these objectives, a total of thirty mice were used, and E. coli lipopolysaccharide was employed to induce endometritis. The mice were divided into four treatment groups and one control group. Following the induction of endometritis, the mice in the treatment groups received different doses of the aqueous extract of Asphilia africana orally for fourteen days. Blood samples were collected from the mice, and specific antioxidant and oxidant biomarkers were measured in the serum using various assays. The results showed that the induced endometritis group had significantly lower antioxidant biomarker levels compared to the control group. However, treatment with the aqueous extract of Asphilia africana resulted in increased antioxidant biomarker levels, with treatment 3 showing the highest values. The oxidant biomarkers exhibited the opposite trend, with the induced endometritis group displaying higher levels compared to the control group. Treatment with the plant extract led to decreased oxidant biomarker levels. These findings suggest that the aqueous extract of Asphilia africana possesses antioxidant properties that may help mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation associated with induced endometritis in mice.