P-2: Evaluation of Apoptosis in Germ Cells, following Treatment with Vincristine and Cetrorelix (GnRH Antagonist)

Background: Infertility problem affects young couples. One of the known causes of spermatogenic disorder is chemotherapy in patients with cancer. Since dividing cells are mainly affected by anticancer drugs, the aim of the present study is to investigate the preventive effect of GnRH antagonist on spermatogenic cell apoptosis produced by anticancer drug. Materials and Methods: In the present study 30 adult male mice aging 6-8 weeks were used. The mice were divided into 3 equal groups as: control, vincristine (V) group and vincristine + cetrorelix, (V+C) group. A single dose of Vincristine was injected as ip, at 1.5 mg/kg. In (V+C) group cetrorelix injection was started one week before vincristine treatment and continued for 3 more weeks. Since spermatogenic cycle in mice is 35 days, mice in all groups were sacrificed 35 days after vincristine injection. Half of testicular specimens were fixed in 10% formaldehyde and prepared for histochemical studies. Performed tunnel staining with POD- Kit. Results: Histochemical studies, showed induce apoptosis in germ cells. The rate of apoptotic cell in control group was 1.54 ± 0.27μm, in (V) group was 5.97±0.70μm, and (V+C) group was 2.42±0.26 μm. Statistical analysis of data showed significant differences in rate of apoptotic cells between control and (V) group (p<0.05). But in (V+C) group apoptotic cells were similar to control group. And rate of apoptotic cells in (V) group were significantly upper than (V+C) group (p<0.001). Conclusion: According to the result it is concluded that GnRH antagonist administration before cancer treatment could partially prevent the side effect of anticancer drugs. Conclusion: According to the result it is concluded that GnRH antagonist administration before cancer treatment could partially prevent the side effect of anticancer drugs.