Protective effect of estrogen against chemotherapy-induced ovarian damage in rats / 南方医科大学学报

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the protective effect of estrogen against cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced ovarian failure in female rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty female Wistar rats (2-3 months old) were randomized into 4 groups to receive treatments with normal saline, CTX, estradiol (E2) or CTX+E2. Serum estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations were measured regularly in the 4 groups, and the weight of the ovary and uterus, follicle number and mean diameter of the follicles were compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with CTX+EE2 group, the CTX group showed significantly increased FSH levels and decreased EE2 levels (P<0.05). The weight of the ovary and uterus and follicle number were significantly lower in CTX group than in CTX+EE2 group (P<0.05). No obvious differences in the indexes were found between the control and CTX+E2 groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Estrogen administration provides protection against CTX-induced ovarian damage in rats.</p>