Songklanakarin Journal of Science and Technology (SJST) (Dec 2022)

Arjunolic acid counteracts fluoxetine-induced reproductive neuroendocrine dysfunction through inhibition of chromosomal derangements and hypercortisolism

  • Edozie Ojochem Lynda,
  • Nwangwa E. Kingsley,
  • Oyovwi O. Mega,
  • Ben-Azu Benneth,
  • Emojevvwe Victor,
  • Onome B. Oghenetega,
  • Ejime Agbonifo-Chijiokwu,
  • Ovuakporaye I. Simon,
  • Tesi P. Edesiri

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14456/sjst-psu.2022.191
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 44, no. 6
pp. 1473 – 1480

Abstract

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Antidepression-related HPA-HPG alteration is gaining more attention in stress research on humans and animals with depression. Therefore, the search for therapeutic drugs such as Arjunolic acid (AA) might be a core value in the management of reproductive neuro-endocrine dysfuction in rats treated with FXT. In this context, this study aimed to determine the effects of AA on reproductive neuro-endocrine functions in fluoxetine (FXT)-induced HPA-HPG axis dysfunction in rats. The subjects were randomly divided into 6 groups with six (6) rats each after 14 days of acclimatization. Rats in group 1 received normal saline (10 mL/kg); groups 2 & 3 were respectively given AA (1.0 mg/100gm body weight) and AA (2.0 mg/100gm body weight), whereas rats in group 4 were given FXT (10 mg/kg/p.o./day), and groups 5 & 6 were respectively given a combination of FXT (10 mg/kg) + AA (1.0 mg/100g body weight) and of FXT (10 mg/kg) + AA (2.0 mg/100g body weight). The results revealed that FXT altered reproductive neuro-endocrine function as evidenced by increased corticosterone, tDFI, tCSA, and abnormal sperm morphology; with corresponding decreases in Kisspeptin, GnRH, LH, FSH, testosterone, HOST value, TP, Sialic acid, Johnson score, sperm count, motility, and viability. However, AA dose dependently significantly counteracted the FXT-elicited changes in corticosterone, tDFI, tCSA and abnormal sperm morphology as well as Kisspeptin, GnRH, LH, FSH, testosterone, HOST value, TP, Sialic acid, Johnson score, sperm count, motility, and viability; and improved the body and testicular weight in rats. In conclusion, AA attenuates fluoxetine-induced reproductive neuroendocrine dysfunction through inhibition of chromosomal derangements and hypercortisolism. However, co-administration of FXT with AA could be a better therapeutic option in the management of FXT-induced altered HPA-HPG-axis.

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