The Effect of Chemochemical Doxorubicin on Female Ovarian Function and Fertility
School Name
South Carolina Governor's School for Science & Mathematics
Grade Level
12th Grade
Presentation Topic
Physiology and Health
Presentation Type
Mentored
Abstract
Females are born with the total amount of ovarian eggs they will ever have, and their ovarian reserve at a given time dictates their fertility. However, there are many cancer treatments that can affect female fertility, although it is not known how long the effect lasts post treatment or how it occurs. This study was conducted to understand both the short-term and long-term effects of a common cancer drug, doxorubicin (DOX), on female fertility through the imaging of ovarian tissues. Injecting prepubescent mice with doxorubicin, collecting, and imaging their ovarian tissues at various times after the injection was the basis for this research project. Prepubescent mice were used, so that the hormone levels that change during the menstrual cycle were all at similar levels. The follicles of control mice -- which contain the oocytes (eggs) in the ovaries -- have granulosa cells that nourish the egg, but in the experimental mice, many of the granulosa cells of their follicles underwent cell death, leaving an abnormal cavity in the follicle. Although the research is currently ongoing, conclusions that can be drawn so far are that this particular cancer drug, doxorubicin, can affect female fertility in the short-term, if not permanently. Hopefully, with the supporting results of this investigation, women will have increased knowledge about cancer treatments using DOX prior treatment to so that they can choose between treatment options.
Recommended Citation
Colmer, Elizabeth, "The Effect of Chemochemical Doxorubicin on Female Ovarian Function and Fertility" (2019). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 185.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2019/all/185
Location
Founders Hall 142 A
Start Date
3-30-2019 9:00 AM
Presentation Format
Oral Only
Group Project
No
The Effect of Chemochemical Doxorubicin on Female Ovarian Function and Fertility
Founders Hall 142 A
Females are born with the total amount of ovarian eggs they will ever have, and their ovarian reserve at a given time dictates their fertility. However, there are many cancer treatments that can affect female fertility, although it is not known how long the effect lasts post treatment or how it occurs. This study was conducted to understand both the short-term and long-term effects of a common cancer drug, doxorubicin (DOX), on female fertility through the imaging of ovarian tissues. Injecting prepubescent mice with doxorubicin, collecting, and imaging their ovarian tissues at various times after the injection was the basis for this research project. Prepubescent mice were used, so that the hormone levels that change during the menstrual cycle were all at similar levels. The follicles of control mice -- which contain the oocytes (eggs) in the ovaries -- have granulosa cells that nourish the egg, but in the experimental mice, many of the granulosa cells of their follicles underwent cell death, leaving an abnormal cavity in the follicle. Although the research is currently ongoing, conclusions that can be drawn so far are that this particular cancer drug, doxorubicin, can affect female fertility in the short-term, if not permanently. Hopefully, with the supporting results of this investigation, women will have increased knowledge about cancer treatments using DOX prior treatment to so that they can choose between treatment options.
