Fermented and in nature Juçara pulp: Do they improve fertility in old female rats?

Abstract

The female reproductive aging is related to reduction of fertility due to the gradual loss of organ and tissue function. A healthy habit like the consumption of bioactives, can mitigate the harmful effects of oxidative stress and minimize the associated risk of infertility. This study aimed to analyze the administration, via gavage, of juçara pulp and juçara pulp fermented by Limosilactobacilus reuteri LR92 (4.45 mL/kg/day), for 6 weeks, on reproductive parameters and oxidative markers, in advanced age female Wistar rats. The results demonstrated that the administration of juçara, fermented or not, was not associated with changes in pregnancy, birth, mating and fertility rates. The ovarian samples showed a decrease in the enzymatic antioxidant activity of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) in the group treated with fermented juçara, while uterine samples presented an increase in the enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the group treated with unfermented juçara, indicating a higher antioxidant capacity in vivo. Also, the administration of juçara in natura was associated to a higher rate of implantation and a lower rate of pre-implantation loss. This discovery can be attributed to a decrease in the area of cellular senescence in the ovarian and uterine tissues (stroma) and to a greater antioxidant activity in the group treated with in natura juçara. It was concluded that juçara has the capacity to delay cellular aging in the uterus and ovary, resulting in increased rates of implantation and reduced rates of pre-implantation loss, suggesting that juçara can be beneficial for reproductive health.