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Updated: Dec 25, 2025
Evaluation of Intracellular Location of Reactive Oxygen Species in Solea Senegalensis Spermatozoa
Published on: March 11, 2018
Impact of dutasteride on spermatogenesis and oxidative status in rats
Abdullah Gul1, Murat Gul2, Sule Ozsoy3
1Department of Urology. University of Health Sciences. Bursa Yuksek Ihtisas Training & Research Hospital. Bursa. Turkey.
Objectives:
Although the association between 5 alpha reductase inhibitors used for the treatment of both androgenetic alopecia and benign prostatichy perplasia and their side effects is well established, the impact of dutasteride on testicular structure is not clear. To evaluate the alterations in spermatogenesis and serum FSH, LH, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone concentrations along with the oxidative status in testes and blood of the rats treated with daily dutasteride.
Methods:
A total of 18 male Sprague-Dawley rats have been divided into 2 groups as control (n=8) and dutasteride (n=10). After chronically administered, rats were sacrificed and their testes were harvested for histopathologica land biochemical evaluation. Johnsen's criteria were used to assess spermatogenesis. Serum hormone concentrations and levels of reactive oxygenspecies (ROS) in both testicular tissue and serum were measured by ECLIA and ELISA, respectively. Results were compared with Mann- Whitney U test.
Results:
DHT (7.35 ± 0.35 vs. 10.54 ± 0.95,p<0.001) and LH levels (0.32 ± 0.009vs. 0.43 ± 0.01,<0.001) were significantly lower in treatment group compared with controls where as testosterone levels were higher in dutasteride arm (3.41 ± 1.12 vs.1.52 ± 0.34, p<0.001). Johnsen score, serum FSH levels, serum and tissue ROS levels were similar betweenthe two groups.
Conclusions:
According to our results, administration of dutasteride does not appear to modify spermatogenesis and oxidative burden in rats. Further investigations are required to confirm our findings.
Insights
Dutasteride treatment did not significantly alter rat spermatogenesis or oxidative stress markers. Hormonal changes, including lower dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and luteinizing hormone (LH), were observed, but did not impact sperm production.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- 5 alpha reductase inhibitors, like dutasteride, are used for androgenetic alopecia and benign prostatic hyperplasia.
- While side effects are known, dutasteride's specific impact on testicular structure remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of daily dutasteride administration on rat spermatogenesis.
- To assess changes in serum hormones (FSH, LH, testosterone, DHT) and oxidative status in testes and blood.
Main Methods:
- 18 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control (n=8) and dutasteride (n=10) groups.
- Histopathological and biochemical evaluations of testes were performed.
- Spermatogenesis was assessed using Johnsen's criteria; hormone and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured.
Main Results:
- Dutasteride treatment significantly reduced dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels.
- Testosterone levels were significantly higher in the dutasteride group.
- No significant differences were found in Johnsen score, FSH levels, or ROS levels between groups.
Conclusions:
- Dutasteride administration does not appear to negatively affect spermatogenesis or increase oxidative burden in rats.
- Further research is needed to validate these findings regarding dutasteride's testicular effects.
