The effect of sodium valproate on sex hormones in male rats

Background & Aim: Sodium valproate is one of the most common antiepileptic drugs used in the first line of treatment for epilepsy, bipolar disorder, mood disorders, and more recently, as an anticancer drug. The occurrence of seizures and the use of Sodium valproate both have sexual and hormonal side effects and ultimately cause infertility in males. In previous studies, the definitive effects of seizures and valproate have not been investigated. This study investigated how sex hormone levels change in male rats due to sodium valproate consumption in the pentylenetetrazole kindling model.  Methods: Twenty-four male rats were divided into three groups (n = 8). Intraperitoneal injections were every 48 hours, and the groups included: control (saline), PTZ + Saline, PTZ + VPA. The priority of injecting drugs in the groups was first saline, VPA (300 mg/kg), and finally, PTZ (mg/kg), and injections were performed every 48 hours. Hormone testing was performed at the end of kindling and at the 15th injection.  Results: Following the kindling of male rats, a significant decrease in testosterone and a significant increase in progesterone, as well as an increase in estradiol, were observed. VPA injection in male Kindle rats significantly reduced testosterone (P <0.05) (P <0.001) compared to saline and PTZ + Saline groups, respectively. Estradiol levels in the Kindle group receiving VPA increased significantly compared to the saline group (P <0.05).  Conclusion: The process of seizures disrupts sex hormones. Also the use of valproate aggravates these hormonal and sexual disorders.