Can Dehydroepiandosterone Prevent Chemotherapy-Related Damage? Investigation of Protective Effects of Dehydroepiandosterone Against Paclitaxel-İnduced Toxicity Damage İn Rat Ovaries

Abstract

Our aim is to evaluate whether dehydroepiandosterone has a protective effect on paclitaxel-induced ovarian damage. Group 1 (the control group): No treatment was administered. Intact ovarian tissue was removed and blood samples were taken for anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) test. Group 2 (the paclitaxel group): Rats received paclitaxel intraperitoneally at a single dose of 7.5 mg/kg. Group 3 (the paclitaxel + DHEA group): Rats received paclitaxel intraperitoneally at a single dose of 7.5 mg / kg at baseline and DHEA subcutaneously for 10 days at a dose of 60 mg / kg daily. Rats in groups 2 and 3 were sacrificed at the end of 10 days, ovarian tissues were removed and blood samples were taken for AMH test. The edema score was higher in the paclitaxel+DHEA group than in the normal group. Vasculary congestion score was higher in the paclitaxel and paclitaxel+DHEA groups than in the normal group. Cellular degeneration score was higher in paclitaxel group than normal group. Total score was higher in the paclitaxel and paclitaxel+DHEA groups than in the normal group. In the paclitaxel group, the number of tertiary follicles and ovarian volume were lower than in the normal group. Primordial follicles, secondary follicles, tertiary follicles, AMH level and ovarian volume of paclitaxel+DHEA group were lower than normal group. In conclusion DHEA was found to increase damage in paclitaxel-treated rats, leading to a decrease in follicle counts and AMH.