Effect of intraperitoneal docetaxel on ovarian function in mice

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Toxicology
• Oncology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Taxanes, including docetaxel (DOC), are vital chemotherapeutics for breast and gynecological cancers.
• Ovarian toxicity is a significant concern with DOC treatment, yet limited research exists on its specific mechanisms.
• Existing studies primarily focus on paclitaxel, leaving a knowledge gap for DOC-induced ovarian effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of docetaxel (DOC) on ovarian toxicity in a mouse model.
• To quantify changes in ovarian parameters and specific protein expression following DOC administration.
• To determine if DOC affects different follicle populations within the ovary.

Main Methods:

• Female CD1 mice were divided into control (saline), DOC-5 (5 mg/kg), and DOC-10 (10 mg/kg) groups.
• DOC or saline was administered twice, with a two-week interval between doses.
• Ovaries were analyzed two weeks after the second dose, following induced superovulation, assessing ovary weight, follicle counts, and protein expression (caspase-3, BIM).

Main Results:

• DOC administration significantly reduced ovary weight and the number of secondary and total follicles.
• The reduction in ovarian parameters was dose-dependent, with higher DOC doses causing greater effects.
• Expression of caspase-3 and BIM, markers of apoptosis, increased following DOC treatment.

Conclusions:

• High-dose docetaxel (DOC) induces ovarian damage, primarily affecting growing follicles.
• Primordial follicles appear less susceptible to DOC-induced toxicity in this model.
• Findings contribute to understanding DOC's effects on ovarian function and potential clinical implications for fertility preservation.