Dynamics of Combined Oral Contraceptive: A Study of Some Cytokines in Female Wistar Rats

Abstract

Abstract: Oral contraceptives are a simple form of contraception used by women worldwide. The oral contraceptive is one of the greatest and most influential developments of the twentieth century. It is regarded as the most reliable method of contraception, and one of the easiest. They are widely available in most pharmacies and chemist shops. This research priority included efforts to discover the effect of combined oral contraceptives(COC) (DUOFEM) on some cytokines in female wistar rats. Eighty (80) female wistar rats aged 10-12 weeks weighing 180-250 g were used for the study. They were divided into four groups of 20 rats each comprising 10 treated and 10 control rats. The treated rats received 0.6mg/kg body weight of COC intragastically for 36, 48, 60 and 72 days in five-day cycles (four-day treatment with one-day break). The COC was given intragastically in 5-day cycles (4-day treatment with 1-day break). All controls were given fresh water at ad libitum daily for the period of the experiment.The blood sample was drawn into plain tubes..An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for the quantitative determination of Erythropoietin(EPO), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-11 (IL-11). There were significant decrease in interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-11 (IL-11),but no significant change in Erythropoietin.While further study is necessary, current evidence suggest that COC (DUOFEM) use provides contraceptives benefits with minimal potential adverse effects in healthy users.