Background: The main aim of ovarian tissue transplantation is to restore fertility in young women undergoing chemotherapy. However, the most important complication of its is reperfusion- ischemia and decreased blood supply after transplantation that can lead to ovarian dysfunction. The follicular destruction generally results in the loss of both endocrine and reproduc- tive functions. α-lipoic acid ( ALA) has potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties. We aimed to evaluate the effect of α-lipoic acid on the total volume of the ovary, the volume of the cortex and medulla and the number of types of follicles fol- lowing mouse ovarian tissue transplantation. Materials and Methods: 18 Mice were randomly divided into control, autograft (whole ovarian tissue transplanted in the glu- teus superficialis muscle, receiving intraperitoneal injections of saline), autograft + ALA (receiving 100 mg/kg" intraperitoneal injections of ALA, 30 minutes before transplantation). 28 days after ovary transplantation, the total volume of the ovary, the volume of the cortex and medulla and the number of types of follicles were estimated. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tuckey’s test and the means were considered sig- nificantly different at p-value < 0.05. Results: the total volume of the ovary, the volume of the cortex and medulla and the number of types of follicles in the autograft group decreased significantly compared to the control, while it showed a significant increase in the autograft + ALA group compared to the autograft group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: α-lipoic acid protects ovarian tissue against is- chemic-reperfusion injury and improves its function after trans- plantation.
