The effect of varenicline on the ovarian follicle and hormones, and endometrial thickness in an experimental model

INTRODUCTION: It was aimed to evaluate the histological, biochemical, and hormonal changes in the reproductive system of varenicline exposed female rats in an experimental model.
METHODS: : Forty female rats were randomized into 4 groups. (1) Control group (n = 10); (2) Smoking group (smoking exposure 30 minutes twice a day) (n = 8); (3) Varenicline group (1 ml/kg); (4) Smoking + Varenicline (varenicline treatment (1 ml/kg) after smoking exposure (30 minutes twice a day). After the experiment, ovarian follicle count and endometrial thickness were examined; biochemical hormones -include Anti-mullerian hormone- and free oxygen radical levels were calculated. AMH levels were significantly lower in group 4 than in group 1 (p = 0.049).
RESULTS: Group 2 and group 3 were significantly lower than group 1 (p = 0.038, p = 0.045, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in endometrial thickness and free oxygen radical levels between the groups (p > 0.05).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: We found that varenicline is related to reduced AMH and PRMF levels. The difference in endometrial thickness between the groups was not detected. These findings show that varenicline may harm ovarian functions.