The Effect of Tamoxifen Citrate on Granulosa Cells of Ovarian Follicles in Adult Female Rats: Light Microscopic Study

Abstract

Background: Tamoxifen is a drug that has been used extensively as a chemotherapeutic agent for breast cancer. It should be taken for a long period, from few weeks up to many years, so it can induce gynecological and nongynecological complications. Aim: Present study was conducted to clarify the histopathological effects of tamoxifen intake on the ovarian follicles of rats and evaluate the promising recovery after drug withdrawal. Materials and Methods: Adult female albino rats (n = 24) were randomly divided into four groups. Group I: Control rats without treatment. Group II: Rats received olive oil vehicle. Group III: Rats received 5 mg/kg daily of tamoxifen dissolved in olive oil by oral administration for 4 weeks. Group IV: Rats received tamoxifen as in Group III then will be kept for another 4 weeks without treatment for recovery. Then, the rats were anaesthetized and the ovaries were removed and prepared for histological assessment by light microscope. Results: The ovarian histological findings in the ovary of Group III revealed an increase in atretic ovarian follicles, appearance of cystic ovarian follicles, and cystic corpus luteum. The granulosa cells of ovarian follicles were disorganized with vacuolation of their cytoplasm, increased number of pyknotic nuclei, fragmented nuclei, and apoptotic bodies. After the withdrawal of drug, the ovarian tissue showed slight improvement with the appearance of some atretic follicles with degenerated oocyte and stromal hyperplasia. Conclusion: Based on the results, tamoxifen induced marked histological changes in the ovary. If tamoxifen is mandatory for the prevention of breast cancer, frequent gynecological examination should be carried out to detect any side effects.

Sonographic changes in ovary after use of tamoxifen in breast cancer.

“…Firstly, it facilitates the prompt detection of potential complications and abnormalities, leading to timely interventions and enhanced patient outcomes. 13,16,17 Secondly, the analysis of these alterations provides significant insights into the long-term TMF treatment. This aids in informed decision-making and personalized treatment planning.…”

“…This aids in informed decision-making and personalized treatment planning. 13,16,17 Therefore, the current study's goal was to assess the sonographic ovarian alterations that occurred as a result of tamoxifen therapy in women diagnosed with breast cancer. The outcomes of the study indicated that 14% of the study subjects exhibited ovarian cysts after tamoxifen treatment, whereas 86% did not present any cysts on sonography.…”

“…This outcome aligns with existing literature that have reported the development of ovarian cysts in women undergoing tamoxifen treatment for breast cancer. 13,16,18,19,20 The research conducted by Metindir et al discovered the presence of ovarian cysts in 49% of premenopausal women and 1.1% of postmenopausal women. However, no significant association between adjuvant chemotherapy and ovarian cyst formation was observed.…”