Therapeutic Effects of Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound on Premature Ovarian Insufficiency

We explored the therapeutic effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on a rat model of ovarian damage induced by cyclophosphamide. A total of 44 female rats with premature ovarian insufficiency induced by cyclophosphamide were randomly divided into two groups (an ultrasound group and a control group); 22 normal rats without premature ovarian insufficiency were also included as a third group. The ultrasound group was treated with LIPUS, while the other two groups received the same treatment but without any power output. We monitored the estrous cycles of all rats. Seven days after treatment, 21 rats were selected to mate with male rats. We then recorded the pregnancy rate along with the number and weight of newborn rats per nest. We collected samples of blood, uterus and ovaries from the remaining 45 rats before they were sacrificed. Compared with the normal group, the control group exhibited disordered estrous cycles, more atretic follicles (p < 0.01), higher levels of serum follicle-stimulating hormone (p < 0.01), fewer other follicles (p < 0.01) and lower serum levels of E₂ and anti-Müllerian hormone (p < 0.01). Compared with the control group, the ultrasound group had normal estrous cycles with fewer atretic follicles (p < 0.01), lower levels of serum follicle-stimulating hormone (p < 0.01), more other follicles (p < 0.01) and higher levels of serum E₂ (p < 0.01). No significant difference in the levels of serum anti-Müllerian hormone was noted between the control group and the ultrasound group. No significant differences were observed between the three groups with respect to pregnancy rate or the number and weight of newborns per nest (p > 0.05). In conclusion, our data indicate that LIPUS could improve some ovarian functions of rats with premature ovarian insufficiency.