Restorative effects of myricetin and hyaluronic acid on vaginal epithelial atrophy in ovariectomized rats

Objectives: Postmenopausal women often suffer from genitourinary syndrome (GUS), which is vulva-vaginal atrophy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of hyaluronic acid and myricetin on GUS caused by ovariectomy. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight Wistar Albino female adult rats were randomly divided into 4 equal groups. Vaginal smear and pH were collected from all groups before the procedures. To the vaginal walls, for Sham group (Group 1, n=7): The abdomen was opened and closed, then 0.9% saline/0.5 cc/subcutaneously, for ovariectomy group (Group 2, n=7): Two weeks after ovariectomy, 0.9% saline/0.5 cc/ subcutaneously, for ovariectomy + myricetin group (Group 3, n=7): Two weeks after ovariectomy myricetin 5 mg/0.5 cc/subcutaneously, for ovariectomy + hyaluronic acid group (Group 4, n=7): 2 weeks after ovariectomy hyaluronic acid 5 mg/0.5 cc/subcutaneously was applied. After 2 weeks of the injection, vaginal smear and pH were checked again in all rats. Vaginal smears were stained with May-Grunwald Giemsa and Pap. Meisel’s vaginal maturation index was calculated. Vaginectomy was performed. hematoxylin eosin and caspase-3 immunostaining was performed and scored. Biochemically tissue SOD, AOPP, and TSH were measured. Results: Vaginal Maturation Index and pH were significantly increased in group 3 and 4 compared to group 2. Vaginal epithelial thickness was increased in Group 3 and 4 compared to group 2. The vaginal epithelial thickness of group 3 increased more than group 4. No significant change in biochemical parameters was observed between groups. Conclusion: We believe that myricetin will be a promising option for non-hormonal treatment methods in women with GUS symptoms.