An investigation of the protective effects of Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in chemotherapatic Cyclophosphamide (CP) induced ovarian damage on rats

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to investigate whether cyclophosphamide-induced damage to rat ovary can be prevented by DHEA.
 Material and Method: Group 1 (the control Group): no treatment was administered. Intact ovarian tissue was removed and blood samples were taken for anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) test. Group 2 (the Cyclophosphamide Group): Rats received Cyclophosphamide intraperitoneally at a single dose of 150 mg / kg. Group 3 (the Cyclophosphamide + DHEA Group): Rats received Cyclophosphamide intraperitoneally at a single dose of 150 mg / kg at baseline and DHEA subcutaneously for 10 days at a dose of 60 mg / kg daily. Rats in groups 2 and 3 were sacrificed at the end of 10 days, ovarian tissues were removed and blood samples were taken for AMH test.
 Results: While normal ovarian tissue damage scores were zero, cyclophosphamide showed significant damage and histopathological changes in all rats. Cyclophosphamide group had higher vascular congestion (p=0.004) and total damage scores (p=0.010) than normal ovarian group. Cyclophosphamide + DHEA group had higher edema (p<0.001), vascular congestion (p<0.001) and total damage scores (p<0.001). Cyclophosphamide group had a decrease in primordial (p = 0.001), primary (p = 0.043) and preantral follicles(p = 0.006). Cyclophosphamide + DHEA group showed a decrease in primordial (p = 0.001) and antral follicles(p = 0.018). AMH levels did not decrease in both groups.
 Conclusions: It was found that the use of DHEA to prevent Cyclophosphamide-induced ovarian damage in rats did not produce significant changes in antral follicle counts, ovarian volume, and AMH levels, which were important for clinical practice.