Light and Electron Microscopic Study of Thoracic Aorta in Premature Menopause-Induced Rats and the Possible Protective Role of Ginger

Introduction: Premature menopausal age increases the risk of atherosclerosis, hypertension, coronary heart disease and mortality. On the other hand, estrogen replacement therapy in menopausal women may increase the risk of breast cancer. Aim of the Work: To study the histological changes in thoracic aorta in premature menopause-induced rats and the possible protective role of Ginger. Materials and Methods: Thirty six adult female rats aged three months were used in this study. Rats were divided into two groups: group A (control group, n=12 rats) and group B (experimental group, n=24 rats). Bilateral ovariectomy was performed to the experimental group, which was then divided into two equal groups: group B1 rats fed normal diet and group B2 rats fed ginger (500 mg/kg/body weight) enriched diet. Six-months after ovariectomy, specimens from the thoracic aorta were taken, processed and examined by light microscope and scanning and transmission electron microscope. Results: Light microscopic study of thoracic aorta of group B1 showed a sub-endothelial mass of aggregated foamy cells was seen projecting into the lumen with focal degeneration in the elastic laminae below this mass. The tunica media showed large number of smooth muscles (SMCs) with vacuolated cytoplasm. Moreover, aortic aneurysm was also noticed. The mean intima-media thickness was significantly increased (103.84±7.5 urn) (*P 0.001). Scanning electron microscopic study showed irregular luminal surface of the aorta with multiple elevated streaks, endothelial projections, erosions and a large thrombus attached to the endothelium. the ultrastructure study showed Lipid-loaded monocyts attached to the endothelium and Lipid-loaded SMCs in the media. Moreover the Lipid-loaded endothelial cells showed small condensed nucleus and discontinuous cell membrane with absence of the electron dense bodies. The internal elastic lamina appeared thin and electron dense. Meanwhile light and electron microscopic study of group B2 aorta showed attenuated histopathological changes and the mean intima-media thickness was significantly decreased (83.6 ± 7.4um um) (*P 0.001). Conclusion: Ginger significantly attenuated the premature menopause-induced morphological changes in the rat thoracic aorta. Therefore Ginger enriched diet could be recommended for early menopausal women as well as individuals with high risk of atherosclerosis, hypertension and coronary heart disease.