COMBINED EFFECTS OF ATORVASTATIN AND NICOTINE ON TESTICULAR EXPRESSION OF STEROIDOGENIC ENZYMES IN EXPERIMENTAL RATS

Nicotine and atorvastatin have indirect effects on reproductive function. So this study focused on changes in testosterone biosynthesis in rats co administered nicotine and atorvastatin. Rats were divided into 4 groups.(1) Control, (2) Atorvastatin (10 mg/Kg b.wt), (3) Nicotine (0.6 mg/Kg b.wt)and (4) Atorvastatin (10 mg/Kg b.wt) + nicotine (0.6 mg/Kg b.wt). After sixty days of treatment  testicular cholesterol level, serum testosterone level, activity of HMG CoA reductase in the liver, activities and expressions of testicular steroidogenic enzymes; 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD)and peroxidation products were assayed. Nicotine administration caused hypercholesterolemia, decreased expression of steroidogenic enzymes and testosterone levels. Administration of atorvastatin reduced cholesterol levels, decreased the expression and activity of steroidogenic enzymes and testosterone levels. Co-administration of nicotine and atorvastatin enhanced the testosterone level in comparison with nicotine administration. Enhanced biosynthesis of testosterone in coadministered group may be due to increased activities and expressions of 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD and enhanced expression of StAR protein indicating enhanced transportation of cholesterol. Reduction in oxidative stress was also a contributory factor. In short, both nicotine and atorvastatin independently caused testicular toxicity. But their co- administration reduced the testicular toxicity induced by nicotine.