Abstract

SANTANA CASTRO, M.A. et al. Testicular components volume density alteration associated to cis-platinum: can antioxidants offer protection?. Actas Urol Esp [online]. 2010, vol.34, n.3, pp.282-287. ISSN 0210-4806.

Objectives: Cis-platinum based chemotherapy agents are widely used in treatment of testicular cancer and its deleterious effects on spermatogenesis are well known. Therefore an extensive survey was undertaken to evaluate the effects of antioxidants in combination with Cis-platinum in an attempt to minimize its effects upon spermatogenic function of adult rats. Methods: A short-term prospective study (thirteen days) including twenty-four adult male Wistar rats was performed. Animals were assigned into one of three groups (eight per group): GI-control, GII-Cis-platinum treated and GIII-Cis-platinum plus superoxide dismutase and catalase. Histological analyses included germ cell counts, germ to Sertoli cell ratios and estimation of volume density components as well as the determination of the sperm reserves. Data was examined through one-way analysis of variance at 5% level of significance. Results: Germ cell numbers, germ cell to Sertoli cell ratios, organ weights (except body weight) and sperm reserves presented no differences among groups. However, the volumetric proportion of some components (tubular epithelium, tunica propria, Leydig cell nuclei and stroma) were affected (p<0.05) by treatment. The most prominent testicular component, the seminiferous epithelium was reduced (p<0.05) in Cis-platinum treated animals (GII). Conclusion: The use of antioxidant in association with Cis-platinum did not affect sperm production (germ cell numbers, germ to Sertoli cell ratios and sperm reserves) of adult rats. However, the deleterious effect of Cis-platinum on the seminiferous tubule epithelium was minimized by antioxidants.

Keywords : Cis-platinum; Antioxidants; Protection; Spermatogenesis; Testicular; Oxidative damage; Oncology; Cancer; Antineoplasic drugs; Fertility.

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