Effect of Sesame Oil on Cisplatin-Induced Uterine Lesions in Wistar Rats

Cisplatin is an effective chemotherapeutic agent but can cause reproductive tract toxicity, including uterine injury, potentially mediated by oxidative stress. Sesame oil contains antioxidant bioactive compounds that may mitigate such damage.To evaluate the effect of sesame oil on cisplatin-induced uterine lesions in female Wistar rats using histology, oxidative stress markers, and gonadotropins. Thirty-six female Wistar rats were randomized into four groups (n = 9): control, cisplatin-only, cisplatin + sesame oil (5 mL/kg/day), and cisplatin + sesame oil (6.5 mL/kg/day) for 7 days. Body weight and uterine weight indices were recorded. Uterine MDA and SOD were assessed from tissue homogenates. Serum LH and FSH were measured by ELISA. Uterine sections were stained with H&E and scored semi-quantitatively (0–3) for epithelial disruption, stromal changes, glandular distortion, inflammation, and vascular congestion. Cisplatin increased uterine MDA (0.53 ± 0.04 vs 0.12 ± 0.02) and reduced SOD (3.5 ± 0.3 vs 8.1 ± 0.4) compared with control, and produced higher lesion scores (total 9 vs 0). Sesame oil co-treatment improved oxidative status and histology: 5 mL/kg reduced MDA (0.03 ± 0.01) and improved SOD (7.4 ± 0.5) with a lower lesion score (total 4), while 6.5 mL/kg normalized MDA (0.12 ± 0.02), produced the highest SOD (8.6 ± 0.4), and yielded near-preserved histology (total 1). Sesame oil reduced cisplatin-associated oxidative stress and uterine histological damage, with stronger protection observed at 6.5 mL/kg/day. Hormonal findings, especially markedly elevated FSH in the 5 mL/kg group, require cautious interpretation with unit/dilution verification and consideration of cycle-related variability.