Abstract
Royal jelly (RJ) has been shown to contribute its positive effects upon imbalance in the reproductive system. However, it remains unknown as to whether RJ has an anti-androgenic effect on reproductive parameters in a polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) animal model. Composition of RJ was assessed by phytochemical screening and the LC–MS method. Forty immature female rats (3 weeks, 40–50 g) were randomly divided into five groups (n = 8 per group), i.e., control, testosterone (T), T+100RJ (100 mg/kg/day), T+200RJ (200 mg/kg/day RJ), and T+400RJ (400 mg/kg/day RJ) groups. Hyperandrogenism was induced by daily subcutaneous injection of T propionate for 3 weeks, followed by oral RJ for 4 weeks. The T+200RJ group had a significantly higher follicle-stimulating hormone level, and significantly lower luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and estradiol levels in comparison to the T group. Malondialdehyde level and glutathione peroxidase activity were significantly lower, while total antioxidant capacity level was significantly higher in the T+200RJ group compared to the T group. Histologically, the T+200RJ group showed recovery of various stages of ovarian follicular development. RJ at 200 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks significantly improved reproductive parameters in PCOS rats partly due to its anti-androgenic effect through antioxidant action and probably due to modulation on estrogenic activity, which needs further study to evaluate its exact mechanism of action.
Highlights
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common female endocrine disorder that affects women at active reproductive age
Royal jelly (RJ) was freshly prepared by suspending it in distilled water to make 0.5 mL suspension, and it was administered to the rats by oral gavage
From our phytochemical screening test, we found that RJ used in the present study had flavonoids and phenols that were consistent with other studies performed on RJ from Jordan [47]
Summary
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common female endocrine disorder that affects women at active reproductive age. Antioxidants 2020, 9, 499 oligo-/or anovulation (ovulatory dysfunction), features of hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries [3]. Hyperandrogenism, or surplus of circulating androgens, is one of the most important characteristics of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) which results in disturbance of ovarian function and female fertility. Studies have reported that oxidative stress (OS) is closely linked to pathological features of PCOS, and individuals with PCOS have imbalance in antioxidant status [5]. Conventional hormonal replacement therapy for PCOS patients seems to produce undesirable side effects such as breast tenderness, vaginal spotting, and hypertension [6]. It is crucial to provide and explore new alternative therapies to retard hyperandrogenism with minimal side effects
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