Determination of Carotenoids in the Ovaries of Healthy Cats and Cats with Leiomyosarcom

The mortality rate of ovarian cancer remains the greatest among other oncological diseases of genital system worldwide. Using carotenoids as a preventive measure against ovarian cancer and a means to improve the state of genital system in general is a popular trend when determining the nutritive factors. In our study we have determined the total content of carotenoids in healthy feline ovaries and ovaries of cats diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma. We have found that total content of carotenoids varies between left and right ovaries of the same healthy cat. However, cats diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma had significantly lower carotenoid content in both left and right ovaries. As carotenoids can be used as chemotherapeutic agents, the study of their content in ovaries is a relevant problem that requires further study. Determination of the impact of carotenoids on oncological processes may find practical use in public healthcare.