The press office of the Russian Science Foundation noted that this effect may lead to a delay in the maturation of sex cells and a decrease in the ovulation rate.
Denis Nikishin, an associate professor at Moscow State University, said:
"Our study is the first to reveal a direct molecular mechanism of the negative effects of fluoxetine on the ovary. We have demonstrated that this drug not only affects the brain or the endocrine system, but also targets the egg itself, disrupting its communication with the follicular cells. This weakens the quality of eggs before ovulation, which may pose a risk to the success of fertilization and subsequent embryonic development."
Scientists had previously demonstrated that fluoxetine negatively affects egg maturation in the ovaries of female mice, reducing the likelihood of pregnancy by 18%. However, researchers had not previously found evidence of the drug affecting the quality of mature eggs or the fertility of offspring.
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To understand the mechanism more deeply, the researchers studied serotonin levels in the reproductive organs of female mice receiving fluoxetine. The drug was found to significantly reduce serotonin concentration , a key hormone in egg development, negatively impacting egg maturation and ovarian function.
Follow-up showed that fluoxetine did not cause any change in sex hormones or menstrual cycle disturbance, but it prevented the accumulation of serotonin within developing eggs , and it reduced the activity of genes responsible for the interaction of eggs with surrounding tissues and the formation of follicles.
These changes resulted in a nearly 30% decrease in the number of mature eggs capable of fertilization in adult mice treated with fluoxetine.
Nikishin emphasizes that these results highlight the importance of taking this factor into account when choosing antidepressants for patients planning to become pregnant, given the potential negative impact of fluoxetine on egg quality and chances of successful conception.
