The Protective Role of Vitamin E Against Minoxidil on Reproductive Indices and Histological Alteration in Female Rats and Their Embryos

Abstract

The current study was therefore carried out in order to evaluate the role of vitamin E in protecting against the oxidative and reproductive indices induced by minoxidil The pregnant rats were randomly divided into four experimental groups, with six animals in each group (n = 6), giving a total of 24 animals. Group 1 (Control) received distilled water orally by gavage and served as the control group. Group 2 (Vitamin E) received vitamin E orally at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day. Group 3 (Minoxidil) received topical minoxidil at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day. Group 4 (Vitamin E + Minoxidil) received vitamin E orally at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day followed one hour later by topical minoxidil at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day. All treatments were administered from gestation day 1 to day 19. The findings showed that minoxidil significantly elevated the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and suppressed catalase (CAT) activity. Also, adverse effects on reproductive performance, including reduced implantation sites , embryonic death, and fetus survival rate. The histopathological findings showed severe kidney damage in the maternal and fetal tissues. On the other hand, Vitamin E improved oxidative status, reproductive performance, and tissue structure. In summary, Vitamin E has an important role in protecting against the toxic effects of minoxidil.