Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma on the Oxymetholone-Induced Testicular Toxicity

Abstract

Oxymetholone is one of the anabolic steroids that has widely been used among teenagers and athletes to increase their muscle bulk. It has undesirable effects on male health and fertility. In this study, the therapeutic effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on oxymetholone-induced testicular toxicity were investigated in adult albino rats. During the experiments, 49 adult male albino rats were divided into 4 main groups: Group 0 (donor group) included 10 rats for the donation of PRP, Group I (control group) included 15 rats, Group II included 8 rats that received 10 mg/kg of oxymetholone orally, once daily, for 30 days, and Group III included 16 rats and was subdivided into 2 subgroups (IIIa and IIIb) that received oxymetholone the same as group II and then received PRP once and twice, respectively. Testicular tissues of all examined rats were obtained for processing and histological examination and sperm smears were stained and examined for sperm morphology. Oxymetholone-treated rats revealed wide spaces in between the tubules, vacuolated cytoplasm, and dark pyknotic nuclei of most cells, as well as deposition of homogenous acidophilic material between the tubules. Electron microscopic examination showed vacuolated cytoplasm of most cells, swollen mitochondria, and perinuclear dilatation. Concerning subgroup IIIa (PRP once), there was a partial improvement in the form of decreased vacuolations and regeneration of spermatogenic cells, as well as a reasonable improvement in sperm morphology. Regarding subgroup IIIb (PRP twice), histological sections revealed restoration of the normal testicular structure to a great extent, regeneration of the spermatogenic cells, and most sperms had normal morphology. Thus, it is recommended to use PRP to minimize structural changes in the testis of adult albino rats caused by oxymetholone.

Therapeutic roles of platelet-rich plasma to restore female reproductive and endocrine dysfunction

“…They are involved in cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, and angiogenesis. PRP enhances angiogenesis, inhibits apoptosis, and extends cell growth ( 11 , 14 , 15 ) ( Figure 2 ). Various factors in PRP positively affect wound healing and promote tissue regeneration and repair.…”

“…The testicular structure of adult rats, in which testicular albinism was induced by oxymethoxone, showed partial improvement in vacuolation reduction and spermatogenic cell regeneration, and the sperm morphology was reasonably improved. Following two PRP treatments, histological slides demonstrated significant restoration of normal testicular structure and regeneration of spermatogenic cells; most sperm morphologies were normal ( 14 ). CYC not only impairs ovarian function but also markedly inhibits uterine function, leading to a reduction in uterine weight.…”

“…Advantages of clinical applications (1): Multiple growth factors have a synergistic promoting effect ( 11 , 14 , 15 ) (2); prolonged duration of action: PRP acts as a slow-release system, gradually releasing various growth factors, thereby maintaining a prolonged impact on target cells (3); scaffold formation: protein substances like fibrin and fiber-binding protein in PRP form fiber networks and serve as scaffolds to promote cell adhesion and prevent cell loss ( 7 ) (4); PRP is self-contained, easily obtainable, and provides a safe and inexpensive preparation scheme.…”