Effect of quercetin on biochemical parameters in letrozoleinduced polycystic ovary syndrome in rats

Yanli Hong,Yao Wang,Yong Tan,Fengrong Jiang,Ke Hong,Yanyun Yin

doi:10.4314/tjpr.v17i9.15

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the effect of quercetin, a natural flavonoid, on biochemical parameters in letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in ratsMethods: Oral glucose test was performed with the aid of a glucometer. Estradiol, testosterone and steroidogenic enzyme activities were determined using standard protocols. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities were determined by standard methods. Histological analysis was carried out with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining.Results: Quercetin exerted protective effects against PCOS in the rat model by enhancing the levels of antioxidant enzymes, viz, CAT, SOD and GPX. Quercetin also prevented weight gain, and caused significant decline in serum glucose levels in PCOS rats. Furthermore, quercetin normalised estradiol and testosterone levels, as well t steroidogenic enzyme activities, but blocked letrozole-induced abnormalities in PCOS. It also exerted protective effects on the anatomy of the ovaries.Conclusion: These results indicate that quercetin exerts protective effects on letrozole-induced PCOS in rats. Thus, quercetin may be an important lead molecule for the treatment of PCOSKeywords: Letrozole, Quercetin, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Oxidative stress, Steroidogenic enzymes

Highlights

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the prevalent types of endocrine abnormalities that affect4 to 10 % of women of reproductive age [1,2]
PCOS rats (Group III) showed prolonged dioestrous stage, but this was reversed by exposure to quercetin (25 mg/kg), making it less prolonged compared to PCOS rats
It is believed to be a genetic disorder associated with abnormal production of gonadotropin, enhanced production of steroidogenic enzymes, insensitivity to insulin, oligo-ovulation, as well as irregular menstruation which often lead to sub-fertility [2]

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the prevalent types of endocrine abnormalities that affect to 10 % of women of reproductive age [1,2]. Available treatment strategies for PCOS are based on the use of metformin and other insulin sensitizers [7] These drugs are associated with several side effects which worsen the quality of lives of patients [8]. The animals were maintained under standard conditions with appropriate light and temperature, and were given free access to drinking water and feed They were randomly divided into four groups: group I received 1 % CMC only, while group II received 1 % CMC plus 25 mg quercetin/kg body weight. The rats were fasted continuously for 12 h prior to the end of treatments They were fed with glucose (300 mg/kg/body weight), and oral glucose test (OGT) was carried out as described previously [12]. Values of p < 0.01 and < 0.05 were considered significant

RESULTS

DISCUSSION

Conflict of interest