Histological and immunohistochemical study on the protective effects of cetrorelix against chemotherapy-induced ovarian damage

Abstract

Introduction Chemotherapy exerts several adverse effects on the ovaries and can lead to ovarian atrophy and infertility. Aim of the study This study was carried out to determine the possible protective effect of cetrorelix (a gonadotropine-releasing hormone antagonist) against the ovarian damage caused by a chemotherapeutic drug (cyclophosphamide). Materials and methods Thirty adult female albino rats were used in this study. They were classified into three main groups. Group I served as the control group. In group II, rats were injected intraperitoneally with cyclophosphamide. In group III, rats were injected intraperitoneally with cetrorelix in combination with cyclophosphamide. After 20 days, the rats were sacrificed and ovaries were excised and processed. Sections were stained with H&E, Masson's trichrome and immunohistochemical stains for Bcl2 (antiapoptotic gene) and FasL (proapoptotic factor). Results Cyclophosphamide injection resulted in ovarian damage in the form of depletion of ovarian follicles, apoptosis of granulosa cells (lining the follicular cavity) and cortical fibrosis. Bcl2 immunostaining was significantly decreased and FasL immunostaining significantly increased in granulosa cells in the rats of group II. Pretreatment with cyclophosphamide (group III) reversed these changes to a huge extent. Conclusion Cetrorelix reduced chemotherapy-induced ovarian damage by suppressing apoptosis.