Exposition of prepubertal male rats to the anti-inflammatory ibuprofen: reproductive aspects in generation F1

Abstract

Ibuprofen is is one of the most prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) in pediatric practice . This drug reduces the production of prostaglandins (PGs) through the inhibition of the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) Recent studies have reported a lot of PG functions in the male gonad, and COX inhibiting drugs may negatively impact the male reproductive system. In addition, analgesics of the NSAIDs class may beconsidered as endocrine disrupters with antiandrogenic effects being able ofchange the reproductive function of both men and animals from fetal to adult life in both sexes. Studies have reaveled thatat exposures during the peripuberty can affect the healthy of the next generations, through epigenetic changes in germinative cells. All in all, this project aims to evaluate the effects of exposure to ibuprofen in juvenile to peripuberty phases on their male descendentes. For this, we will use Wistar male rats (n = 40; 23 days old) distributed in 4 groups: Control (CMC - carboxymethylcellulose 1%); and threegroups that will receive three different doses of ibuprofen: 2.4; 7.2 or 14.3 mg / kg / day. The treatment will occur for 31 consecutive days, orally (gavage).The rats will be kept and will be mated with nullipara females to get the offspring (generation F1). The possible impacts on the F1 generation will be investigated, evaluating the physical, sexual development and histological accompaniment of the testis in different phases of the development of this rats. (AU)