Authors
1
Departments of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
2
Departments of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
3
Departments of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
Abstract
Women often experience significant burdens both at home and in their professional
lives, which can lead to physical and mental strain. To manage these challenges,
medications such as cyclobenzaprine-HCl, originally developed as a tricyclic
antidepressant but reintroduced as a muscle relaxant, are sometimes used. Its
effectiveness in treating muscle spasms, localized pain, and limited range of motion
in acute musculoskeletal conditions has been well documented.
Objective
The objective of this study was to explore the potential consequences of
cyclobenzaprine-HCl on reproductive health by assessing its influence on
female Wistar rats.
Materials and methods
The study was conducted on 18 adult female Wistar rats, divided into three groups:
a control group receiving distilled water and two treated groups with two doses − a
low-dose group receiving 1.5 mg/kg of cyclobenzaprine-HCl and a high-dose group
receiving 3 mg/kg, administered orally for 30 days. We assessed the impact of
cyclobenzaprine-HCl on serum hormonal levels (progesterone, estradiol,
luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone), oxidative stress markers
(glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, malondialdehyde),
histopathological changes in ovaries and uteri, and DNA stability using the
comet assay.
Results and conclusion
The study revealed that cyclobenzaprine-HCl caused hormonal imbalances
distinguished by significant increase in estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone
levels, and significant decreases in progesterone and luteinizing hormone levels.
Dissruptions in oxidative stress markers were characterized by elevated
malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione levels. Histopathological
abnormalities included degeneration, deformed follicles, congested blood
vessels, and necrosis in the ovarian tissue. In addition, diffused eosinophil
infiltration, pyknotic nuclei, glandular hyperplasia, necrosis, and hypercellularity
in the uterine tissue. DNA instability was observed in both dosage groups as
evidenced by fragmented DNA in the shape of comets. These findings underscore
the potential reproductive toxicity of cyclobenzaprine-HCl in female rats, suggesting
a need for caution in its use considering its possible adverse effects on reproductive
health.
Keywords
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