Effect of pinealectomy on homocysteine levels in ovariectomized rats.

OBJECTIVE: Hyperhomocysteinemia plays a role in obstetric and gynecological diseases and such diseases are seen as a consequence of an impaired methionine cycle. In the present study, it was aimed to determine the effect of estradiol and progesterone on homocysteine levels in pinealectomized and ovariectomized rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out on 24 adult Spraque-Dawley female rats. Rats were divided into 4 groups as follows: Group 1: Sham ovariectomy group (Sham-Ovx), Group 2: Ovariectomized and sham pinealectomized group (Ovx-Sham-Px), Group 3: Ovariectomized and pinealectomized group (Ovx-Px), Group 4: Group which were supplemented with estradiol and progesterone after ovariectomy and pinealectomy (Ovx-Px-E+P). Serum homocysteine levels were determined after experimental period.

RESULTS: Homocysteine levels in Group 3 were higher than those in Groups 1, 2 and 4 (p<0.05). Homocysteine levels in Groups 2 and 4 were higher than those in Group 1 (p<0.05). Homocysteine levels in Groups 2 and 4 were not different.

CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study demonstrate that ovariectomy lead to increases homocysteine levels. Pinealectomy in addition to ovariectomy increases homocysteine levels. However, administration of estradiol and progesterone following pinealectomy prevents the increase in homocysteine levels in ovariectomized rats.