Protective Effects of Simvastatin against Doxorubicin-Induced Changes in Mice Testicular Tissue

Abstract

Introduction: Doxorubicin (DOX), a widely used antineoplastic compound, is associated with testicular damage and infertility. This study was carried out to disclose the possible preventive effects of simvastatin (SIM), a lipid lowering agent with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, against testicular morphometric-stereological changes due to DOX treatment in mice. Materials & methods: Male mice, five weeks old, were randomly divided into four groups of six mice each. The DOX was administered to two groups of mice in 5 equal intraperitoneal injections over a period of 4 weeks (4 mg/kg). One of these groups received 5 equal oral doses of SIM (12 mg/kg) along with DOX. A vehicle-treated control group and a SIM control group were also included. Morphometric measurement was determined using calibrated ocular micrometer. Findings: Histomorphometrical examinations revealed significant reductions in the seminiferous tubules diameters and their epithelial heights along with an increase in testicular capsule thickness and interstitial space widening in DOX-treated mice. All above-mentioned parameters recovered significantly by SIM co-administration. Discussion & conclusions: These results indicated that SIM may have a preventive role against morphometric-stereological changes caused by DOX in mouse testis.