P-002 Acetate attenuates cyclophosphamide-induced testicular toxicity by modulating steroidogenic and apoptotic signaling via an oxidative stress-dependent pathway
Authors: Akhigbe R , Adeyemi D , Hamed M , Akhigbe T 
Published: July 2024

Study question

Will acetate therapy attenuate cyclophosphamide-induced testicular toxicity when used concomitantly?

Summary answer

Acetate attenuated cyclophosphamide-induced testicular toxicity by modulating steroidogenic and apoptotic signaling via an oxidative stress-dependent pathway.

What is known already

Cyclophosphamide is an anthracycline that is effective in the management of cancers. Nonetheless, a major drawback of this drug is its testicular toxicity. Available evidence in the literature revealed that cyclophosphamide induces testicular toxicity by targeting steroidogenesis and activating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. On the other hand, acetate has been reported to exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities. However, there is no report on the effect of acetate on cyclophosphamide-induced testicular toxicity.

Study design, size, duration

This is a prospective experimental study using animal model. Twenty-four sexually mature litter-mate male Wistar rats of comparable weight were used for the study. The study lasted 2 weeks.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Animals were acclimatized for two weeks, and then randomized into four groups. The control rats received 0.5mL of distilled water p.o for 14 days, acetate-treated rats received 200 mg/kg/day of acetate p.o for 14 days, cyclophosphamide-treated rats received 150 mg/kg of cyclophosphamide i.p on day 8, while acetate + cyclophosphamide-treated rats received treatment as acetate-treated and cyclophosphamide-treated. The doses of drugs used were the Human Equivalent doses for rats and as earlier reported.

Main results and the role of chance

Acetate attenuated cyclophosphamide-induced alterations in testicular histoarchitecture and the rise in testicular activities of gamma glutamyl transferase and lactate dehydrogenase activities, and lactate levels. In addition, acetate abrogated cyclophosphamide-induced rise in testicular malondialdehyde, TNF-α, IL-1β, NF-kB, and Bax levels, and myeloperoxidase, caspase 9, and caspase 3 activities, which was accompanied by acetate-driven blockade of cyclophosphamide-induced decline in reduced glutathione, Nrf2, and Bcl-2 levels, and glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. Furthermore, acetate alleviated cyclophosphamide-induced suppression of circulatory levels of FSH, LH, and testosterone, testicular concentrations of 3β-HSD, 17β-HSD, and testosterone, and spermatogenesis and lowered sperm quality.

Limitations, reasons for caution

This was an experimental study using a rat model; hence, the results of this study should be extrapolated to humans with caution. Clinical trials are recommended to validate these findings.

Wider implications of the findings

The present study revealed the protective effect of acetate treatment on cyclophosphamide-induced testicular toxicity. These findings provide convincing evidence of the attenuating effect of acetate in cyclophosphamide-induced testicular toxicity.

Trial registration number

N/A