Follicle-stimulating hormone enhances recovery from low-dose doxorubicin-induced spermatogenic disorders in mice.

PURPOSE

We aimed to investigate the effects of FSH for promoting spermatogenesis in mice with low-dose doxorubicin-induced spermatogenesis impairment.

METHODS

Eight-wk-old male imprinting control region mice were divided into three groups. Groups D and F received 0.5 mg/kg of doxorubicin twice weekly for 5 weeks. Group C received saline instead of doxorubicin. After inducing spermatogenesis impairment, group D was treated daily with saline for 4 weeks. Group F was given 1 IU of recombinant human FSH daily for 4 weeks. Spermatogenesis recovery was evaluated based on the testis weight, sperm count, histological assessment, and mating. The percentage of sperm with unfragmented deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was analyzed by single-cell pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, and the serum FSH levels were measured.

RESULTS

The elevation of serum FSH advanced slowly. The testis weight, sperm count, percentage of seminiferous tubules with spermatogenesis, percentage of sperm with unfragmented DNA and pregnancy rate were significantly increased by the administration of FSH.

CONCLUSION

Our study findings indicated that the immediate administration of exogenous FSH can promote the recovery from impaired spermatogenesis induced by low-dose doxorubicin before endogenous FSH increases to the maximum level.