Effect of Different Doses of Cyclobenzaprine-Hcl on the Reproductive Health of Female Wistar Rats

Women often experience significant burdens both at home and in their professionallives, which can lead to physical and mental strain. To manage these challenges,medications such as cyclobenzaprine-HCl, originally developed as a tricyclicantidepressant but reintroduced as a muscle relaxant, are sometimes used. Itseffectiveness in treating muscle spasms, localized pain, and limited range of motionin acute musculoskeletal conditions has been well documented.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to explore the potential consequences ofcyclobenzaprine-HCl on reproductive health by assessing its influence onfemale Wistar rats.Materials and methodsThe study was conducted on 18 adult female Wistar rats, divided into three groups:a control group receiving distilled water and two treated groups with two doses − alow-dose group receiving 1.5 mg/kg of cyclobenzaprine-HCl and a high-dose groupreceiving 3 mg/kg, administered orally for 30 days. We assessed the impact ofcyclobenzaprine-HCl on serum hormonal levels (progesterone, estradiol,luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone), oxidative stress markers(glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, malondialdehyde),histopathological changes in ovaries and uteri, and DNA stability using thecomet assay.Results and conclusionThe study revealed that cyclobenzaprine-HCl caused hormonal imbalancesdistinguished by significant increase in estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormonelevels, and significant decreases in progesterone and luteinizing hormone levels.Dissruptions in oxidative stress markers were characterized by elevatedmalondialdehyde and reduced glutathione levels. Histopathologicalabnormalities included degeneration, deformed follicles, congested bloodvessels, and necrosis in the ovarian tissue. In addition, diffused eosinophilinfiltration, pyknotic nuclei, glandular hyperplasia, necrosis, and hypercellularityin the uterine tissue. DNA instability was observed in both dosage groups asevidenced by fragmented DNA in the shape of comets. These findings underscorethe potential reproductive toxicity of cyclobenzaprine-HCl in female rats, suggestinga need for caution in its use considering its possible adverse effects on reproductivehealth.