Estradiol valerate-induced endometrial hyperplasia is associated with oxidative stress and inflammatory activation
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Endometrial hyperplasia (EH) is characterized by excessive proliferation of endometrial glands and may progress to endometrial carcinoma. While unopposed estrogen is the main etiological factor, oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are increasingly implicated in its pathogenesis and malignant transformation. Estradiol valerate (EV) is used experimentally to induce EH in rodents. Objective: To establish an EV-induced model of EH and to investigate associated changes in oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, providing a mechanistic basis for testing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory chemopreventive strategies. Methods: Ten adult female Wistar rats were randomized into control and EV-treated groups. EH was induced with EV 2 mg/kg/day orally for 10 days. Uterine weight and histopathology were assessed. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured as an oxidative stress marker and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) as an inflammatory marker in uterine tissue. Results: EV significantly increased uterine weight and induced histopathological features of EH compared to controls. This was accompanied by redox imbalance evidenced by elevated MDA and enhanced inflammatory signaling evidenced by elevated TNF-α. Conclusion: EV successfully induced EH with concomitant oxidative stress and inflammatory activation. The findings support the role of redox imbalance and inflammation in estrogen-induced endometrial proliferation and suggest that antioxidant and/or anti-inflammatory interventions warrant further investigation to limit EH progression and its carcinogenic potential.
Language: English
Subfield: Biochemistry (medical)
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7222870804