Determination of the Testosterone Effect on the Average Concentration of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF) and Platelet-Drived Growth Factor (PDGF) in Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background: Angiogenesis is a determinant factor in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this study was determining the effect of testosterone on the average concentration of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) as angiogenic stimulating factors in the blood of male rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 24 male rats were divided into 4 groups. The first group went under sham surgery (making incisions without doing any special work on rats’ bodies) and 3 others went under the orchiectomy (OCX). The first and second groups received 0.1 mg/day sesame oil as placebo and the third and fourth groups received 1 and 5 mg/kg/day testosterone, respectively. After 21 days, the concentrations of bFGF and PDGF were measured in rats blood. Findings: The mean concentration of PDGF in rats in forth group was significantly more than those in third group (P < 0.05). In addition, the mean concentration of bFGF in third group was significantly less than the others (P < 0/05). Conclusion: Reduction of testosterone causes reduction of PDGF and it may be effective on decreasing the angiogenesis potentially. Different levels of testosterone had no effect on bFGF concentration.

Keywords

• Basic fibroblast growth factor
• Platelet-derived growth factor
• Testosterone
• Angiogenesis