Combination of atorvastatin and fenofibrate altered androgenic activities of male rats

Abstract

Background and objective: Many drugs and chemical substances may induce sexual dysfunction and have a negative impact on male fertility. Lipid-lowering agents like statins and fibrates are usually recommended for cardiovascular diseases prevention. However, the combination of atorvastatin and fenofibrate is the subject of questions concerning their effect on androgenic activities in this study. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of atorvastatin, fenofibrate, and their combination on sperm parameters, sexual hormones, and histopathology of the testis. Methods: Twenty-four male rats were divided into four groups, each of six. The first group served as a control. The second, third, and fourth groups received atorvastatin, fenofibrate, and their combination, respectively. After 28 days, blood samples were collected for hormones and other parameters evaluations. Testis and epididymis were taken for histopathology studies and sperm parameters assessments. Results: Fenofibrate showed a significant reduction in sperm viability and serum levels of luteinizing and estradiol hormones. The combination of both drugs significantly reduced the sperm count and viability in normal male rats. Both atorvastatin and its combination mildly changed the histological structures of the testis, reduced number of spermatozoa, and arrested spermatogenesis. Conclusion: The findings from this prospective study suggested that there was no harmful effect of atorvastatin usage on conventional sperm parameters and sexual hormones. Fenofibrate usage was not adversely associated with sperm parameters other than sperm viability. The combination of atorvastatin and fenofibrate significantly reduced the sperm count and viability. No deleterious effects of the drugs were seen on the testosterone, which was the essential hormone for all stages of spermatogenesis, sperm production, maturation, and transport.