Positive influence of Centchroman on cardiovascular system and tissue lipid peroxidation in rats

Centchroman, a nonsteroidal oral contraceptive, was evaluated for its hitherto unstudied effect on cardiovascular system, thyroid function and tissue lipid peroxidation in rats.

Wistar sperm-positive female rats were treated with Centchroman (1.5 mg/kg per day, po) for 10 days and the alterations in serum concentration of thyroid hormones [triiodothyronine (T(3)) and thyroxine (T(4))], insulin, glucose, total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), triglycerides (TG), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phospahatase (ALP) activity, hepatic type-1 iodothyronine 5'-monodeiodinase (5'D) enzyme activity and hepatic, renal, cardiac and serum lipid peroxidation (LPO) were studied. Simultaneously, alterations in endogenous antioxidants [superoxide dismutase (SOD); catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH)], relative risk ratio (RR), atherogenic index (AI) and daily rate of food and water consumption were also investigated as supportive parameters.

Centchroman administration resulted in the complete inhibition of pregnancy. It increased serum T(4) marginally and HDL-C levels, hepatic SOD, CAT and GSH; cardiac SOD and GSH and renal SOD and CAT activity significantly. However, it reduced LPO in all tissues; concentrations of other serum lipids; AI; RR and activity of ALP.

As Centchroman administration did not alter the concentrations of most active thyroid hormone, T(3), serum insulin and glucose, it appears that the drug has no side effect on thyroid function and glucose metabolism. Rather, it possesses cardiovascular and anti-peroxidative benefits.