Metabolic effects of desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol combination [marvelon] in rats

ABSTRACT

Administration of desogestrel-ethinyl-estradiol combination [one dose level] to groups of female rats for 30 days resulted in an increase in serum, triglycerides, cholesterol [total, LDLc, HDLc, VLDLc] and sodium ions. Continual administration for 60 and 90 days resulted in additional increase in Ca ++ and a decrease in K + level. Body weights showed also a highly significant increase during 90 days of treatment. Administration of two dose levels induced nearly similar findings. These results were discussed and it was concluded that the net effect depends on the balance effect of estrogen and progestin