Fluvoxamine Inhibited NLRP3 and NF-κB Inflammatory Pathways and Maintained Genital Functions by Ameliorating CD-MPR, KISS-1, AQP4 and Claudin-1 Expressions

Abstract

Fluvoxamine (FLV), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is commonly used to treat anxiety, major depressive disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder, among other psychiatric conditions. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of FLV in mitigating damage caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to the female genital tract. Thirty-two female Wistar Albino rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, LPS, LPS-FLV and FLV. At the end of the experimental period, tissues from the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus were collected for histological, immunohistochemical and genetic analyses. Histological examination of the LPS group revealed mild to moderate bleeding, oedema and neutrophil infiltration. Additionally, there were signs of endometrial damage in the uterus and loss of cilia in the fallopian tubes. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that LPS increased the expressions of nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB) and cation-dependent mannose 6-phosphate receptors (CD-MPR) and reduced kisspeptin-1 (KISS-1) expression. Genetic analysis indicated that LPS increased the expression of the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) and aquaporin4 (AQP4) genes while decreasing Claudin-1 expression. However, all these adverse effects were reversed by FLV treatment. The study's findings suggest that FLV may be beneficial in treating LPS-induced damage to the female reproductive system.