Subchronic Effects of Ethinylestradiol and Levonorgestrel on Hematological Parameters, Cytokine Signaling, and Oxidative Stress in Wistar Rats

Amedu, Nathaniel Ohiemi; Abdur-Rahman, Habeebullahi Adelani; Obu, Michael

doi:10.61882/rabms.11.3.254

Volume 11, Issue 3 (8-2025) Journal of Research in Applied and Basic Medical Sciences 2025, 11(3): 254-260 | Back to browse issues page

‎ 10.61882/rabms.11.3.254

Ethics code: AUERC/1257

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Amedu N O, Abdur-Rahman H A, Obu M. Subchronic Effects of Ethinylestradiol and Levonorgestrel on Hematological Parameters, Cytokine Signaling, and Oxidative Stress in Wistar Rats. Journal of Research in Applied and Basic Medical Sciences 2025; 11 (3) :254-260
URL: http://ijrabms.umsu.ac.ir/article-1-419-en.html

Subchronic Effects of Ethinylestradiol and Levonorgestrel on Hematological Parameters, Cytokine Signaling, and Oxidative Stress in Wistar Rats

Nathaniel Ohiemi Amedu ^*

, Habeebullahi Adelani Abdur-Rahman

, Michael Obu

Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria , amedunath11@gmail.com

Abstract: (99 Views)

Background Ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel is a widely used contraceptive combination with various formulations and administration regimens. There is a hypothesis that the subchronic use of oral contraceptives containing EE and LNG will alter the blood profile by modifying cytokine signaling pathways and increasing oxidative stress levels, potentially contributing to systemic inflammation. The study aimed to investigate the subchronic effects of EE and LNG on hematological parameters, immune function, and oxidative stress in Wistar rats.
Methods Forty adolescent Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 10). The control (Group A) received only distilled water for 21 days. Groups B, C, and D were administered combined oral contraceptives (COC) containing EE and LNG at doses of 0.03 mg/kg and 0.15 mg/kg, respectively, for durations of 7, 14, and 21 days. Blood samples were analyzed using an autohematology analyzer, while plasma was used to determine the levels of SOD, MDA, and IL-1β.
Results EE/LNG exposure (21 days) significantly increased oxidative stress, as evidenced by elevated MDA levels and reduced SOD activity. Furthermore, interleukin-1β levels remained unchanged across all groups. Lastly, transient changes in RBC count, Hb, PCV, and WBC levels were observed, particularly in group B; however, these changes were not sustained or statistically significant, except for PCV recovery.
Conclusion While EE/LNG increases oxidative stress with prolonged use, it shows limited effects on cytokine signaling and blood profiles at the tested durations. Further research is needed to explore broader inflammatory markers and long-term effects.

Keywords: Cytokine, Ethinylestradiol, Hematology, Levonorgestrel, Oxidative Stress

Full-Text [PDF 352 kb] (65 Downloads)

Type of Study: orginal article | Subject: Hematology

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