Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the effects of oral atorvastatin on spermatogenesis in a rat model.Methods: Rats were equally assigned into control and study groups, the latter receiving atorvastatin (20 mg/kg/day). At the end of 12 weeks, spermatogenetic activity was evaluated using stereological and optical fractionator methods. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), total testosterone (TT), and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were measured using micro–ELISA kits. Total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL - C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were also measured by enzymatic colorimetric assays.Results: Testicular stereological analysis revealed that atorvastatin reduced Sertoli cell numbers (p < 0.001), spermatogonia (p < 0.001), spermatocytes (p < 0.001), and seminiferous tubule diameters (p < 0.001). LDL – C (p = 0.01) and TG (p = 0.01) values were significantly lower in the study group compared with the control group. There was no significant difference in FSH (p = 0.44), LH (p = 0.48),and TT (p = 0.06) levels between the groups.Conclusion: The findings show that atorvastatin causes deleterious effects on rat spermatogenesis. It should therefore be used with caution in clinical practice owing to its potential adverse effects, especially on male fertility.
 Keywords: Statin, Atorvastatin, Spermatogenesis, Stereology, Testis
Highlights
The after-effects of drug use, varying from allergic reactions to major organ damage, have increased significantly all over the world [1]
The aim of this study was to investigate the potential effects of atorvastatin on spermatogenesis in rats
Visible cell loss and undefined cell boundaries were observed in the rat testes from the study group
Summary
The after-effects of drug use, varying from allergic reactions to major organ damage, have increased significantly all over the world [1]. Statin use is growing in association with increases in cardiovascular diseases [2]. Despite being well-tolerated, statins cause side-effects such as muscular pain, hepatic enzyme elevation, and an increased risk of diabetes. Experimental rat studies have reported that statins increase DNA fragmentation in sperm and abnormal sperm rates, while reducing spermatozoa motility [4,5]. Studies of human males have observed that statins significantly compromise semen quality, sperm motility [6,7]
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