Ocimum kilimandscharicum L. restores ovarian functions in letrozole - induced Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in rats: Comparison with metformin

Beneficial effects of apigenin on ovarian histological changes and angiogenesis gene expression in rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common heterogeneous reproductive disorder and can affect approximately 10% of women of reproductive age. Abnormal vasculogenesis is a common event in polycystic ovary syndrome. This study planned to evaluate the antiangiogenic role of apigenin in ovarian histology, gene expression, and vascular density and stability in an experimental model of PCOS. Twenty-eight rats weighing 180-250 g were divided into 4 groups. Seven rats in the control group remain intact and without treatment. In 21 rats, an ovary polycystic model with a single injection of estradiol valerate was established. The PCOS rats were treated with vehicle, apigenin 10, or apigenin 20 mg/kg in three different PCOS groups for 14 days. At the end, a histological assessment of the ovaries was performed to determine collagen density and follicle counting. The endothelial or periendothelial cells were determined by immunohistochemical assay, and angiogenesis gene expression was determined using molecular assessments. Apigenin treatment partially restored follicular development, decreased the number of cysts, and increased corpora lutea in PCOS rats. Also, apigenin decreased the collagen density in the polycystic ovaries. However, apigenin administration mitigated ovarian angiogenesis by a reduction in endothelial and periendothelial cell numbers. A decrease in VEGF and VEGF R2 (kinase insert domain receptor, KDR) expressions was found after the treatment of rats with apigenin. Conclusively, our data revealed that apigenin improves ovarian histological alterations and follicular dynamics in polycystic ovary rats. The effect is partially mediated by suppression of the VEGF signaling system and reduction in endothelial and periendothelial cell proliferation.

Pterostilbene Ameliorates Cognitive Impairment in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Rat Model through Improving Insulin Resistance via the IRS-1/PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β Pathway: A Comparative Study with Metformin

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an intricate endocrine disorder that targets millions of women globally. Recent research has drawn attention to its association with cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk, yet the exact mechanism remains elusive. This study aimed to explore the potential role of PCOS-associated insulin resistance (IR) and inflammation in linking PCOS to AD pathogenesis. It additionally investigated the therapeutic merits of pterostilbene (PTS) in ameliorating PCOS and associated cognitive deficits in comparison to metformin (MET). Rats were divided into five groups; vehicle group, PTS group [30 mg/kg, per os (p.o.) for 13 days], and the remaining three groups received letrozole (1 mg/kg, p.o. for 21 days) to represent the PCOS, PCOS + MET (300 mg/kg, p.o. for 13 days), and PCOS + PTS groups, respectively. Behavioral tests were conducted, along with a histopathological investigation of brains and ovaries. Assessment of serum hormonal profile and hippocampal IRS-1/PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β insulin signaling pathway components were performed. PTS rats exhibited improved insulin sensitivity and hormonal profile, besides enhanced neurobehavioral tests performance and histopathological findings. These effects may be attributed to modulation of the IRS-1/PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β pathway, reducing GSK-3β activity, and mitigating Tau hyperphosphorylation and Aβ accumulation in the brain. Likewise, PTS attenuated nuclear factor kappa B-mediated inflammation and reversed AChE elevation, suggesting multifaceted neuroprotective effects. Comparatively, PTS showed outcomes similar to those of MET in most parameters. The obtained findings validated that dysregulated insulin signaling in PCOS rats detrimentally affects cognitive function, which is halted by PTS, unveiling the potential of PTS as a novel therapy for PCOS and related cognitive deficits.

Exploring the Chemistry of Ocimum Species under Specific Extractions and Chromatographic Methods: A Systematic Review

Ocimum is considered the largest genus in the Lamiacea family. The genus includes basil, a group of aromatic plants with a wide range of culinary uses that nowadays draws attention for its medicinal and pharmaceutical potential. This systematic review intends to explore the chemical composition of nonessential oils and their variation across different Ocimum species. Moreover, we aimed to identify the state of knowledge regarding the molecular space in this genus as well as the different methods of extraction/identification and geographical location. Seventy-nine eligible articles were selected for the final analysis, from which we extracted more than 300 molecules. We found that the countries with the highest number of studies into Ocimum species are India, Nigeria, Brazil, and Egypt. However, from all known species of Ocimum, only 12 were found to have an extensive chemical characterization, particularly Ocimum basilicum and Ocimum tenuiflorum. Our study focused especially on alcoholic, hydroalcoholic, and water extracts, in which the main techniques for compound identifications are GC-MS, LC-MS, and LC-UV. Across the compiled molecules, we found a wide variety of compounds, especially flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenoids, suggesting that this genus could be a very useful source of possible bioactive compounds. The information collected in this review also emphasizes the huge gap between the vast number of Ocimum species discovered and the number of studies in each of them that determined the chemical characterization.

Exploration of hub genes involved in PCOS using biological informatics methods

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to find underlying genes and their interaction mechanism crucial to the polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) by analyzing differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between PCOS and non-PCOS subjects.

METHODS

Gene expression data of PCOS and non-PCOS subjects were collected from gene expression omnibus (GEO) database. GEO2R were used to calculating P value and logFC. The screening threshold of DEGs was P < .05 and | FC | ≥ 1.2. GO annotation and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) signaling pathway enrichment analysis was performed by using DAVID (2021 Update). The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of DEGs was constructed by using the STRING database, and the hub genes were recognized through Hubba plugin of Cytoscape software.

RESULTS

PCOS and non-PCOS subjects shared a total of 174 DGEs, including 14 upregulated and 160 downregulated genes. The GO biological processes enriched by DEGs mainly involved actin cytoskeleton organization, positive regulation of NF-κB signaling pathway, and positive regulation of canonical Wnt signaling pathway. The DEGs were significantly enriched in cytoplasm, nucleus and cytosol. Their molecular functions mainly focused on protein binding, calmodulin binding and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity. The PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis were highlighted as critical pathways enriched by DEGs. 10 hub genes were screened from the constructed PPI network, of which EGF, FN1 and TLR4 were mainly enriched in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

In this study, a total of 174 DEGs and 10 hub genes were identified as new candidate targets for insulin resistance (IR) in PCOS individuals, which may provide a new direction for developing novel treatment strategies for PCOS.

Turmeric extract alleviates endocrine-metabolic disturbances in letrozole-induced PCOS by increasing adiponectin circulation: A comparison with Metformin

One of the most common causes of female infertility is polycystic ovarian syndrome, which affects 6–21% of the population. Regrettably, the currently available treatments are mostly symptomatic and ineffective. As a result, safer options are needed now more than ever. In a letrozole PCOS albino mouse model, the current study compares the therapeutic advantages of Turmeric extract (Curcuma longa) to metformin. Adiponectin is a circulating protein generated by adipocytes that has been linked to metabolic diseases (MDs) in an inverse relationship. The effects of Turmeric Extract (Curcuma Longa) in contrast to Metformin, as well as the involvement of adiponectin in endocrine-metabolic abnormalities in experimentally induced PCOS mice model, were studied in this study. Letrozole (6 mg/kg) was administered orally (p.o) for 21 days to induce PCOS, followed by a dose of Turmeric Extract (Curcuma longa) (175 mg/kg and p.o) and Metformin (150 mg/kg) for 30 days, both with normal saline water (0.9%) as the carrier. The findings revealed that LET-treated mice displayed PCOS-like characteristics, such as higher LH levels, increased body weight growth, and ovarian morphology with numerous cysts, increase in fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, plasma lipid peroxidation (MDA) and IL-6, as well as a decrease in serum Progesterone, Estrogen, FSH, SOD and GSH levels in the ovary. These changes were linked to lower levels of circulating adiponectin and were reversed when treated Turmeric extract. By altering circulating androgen-adiponectin balance, the data implies that Turmeric extract alleviates endocrine-metabolic abnormalities and inflammation-related comorbidities associated with LET-induced PCOS.

Hepatorenal protective efficacy of flavonoids from Ocimum basilicum extract in diabetic albino rats: A focus on hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities

Plant derived phytochemical therapy is a bright candidate for treatment of diabetes and its associated complications. Ocimum baslicum is used as an anti-diabetic traditional medicine. Hence, the present study investigated the effect of Hail Ocimum extract (HOE) and its total flavonoids (HOETF) against hepatorenal damage in experimental diabetes induced by high-fat diet (HFD) and injection of streptozotocin (STZ) in rats. Diabetic animals were co-treated daily with HOE, HOETF or metformin (MET) as a standard anti-diabetic drug for four weeks. Compared to controls, HFD/STZ-treatment lead to significant increases in fasting blood glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR levels. Furthermore, diabetic rats had elevated hepatic (ALT and ALP) and kidney functions (urea and creatinine) biomarkers together with disturbed lipid profile and decreased PPAR-γ gene expression. Higher levels of hepatic and renal LPO and NO paralleled with lower levels of GSH and activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx and GR) after HFD/STZ treatment. Additionally, noteworthy inflammatory and apoptotic responses were evident in both organs of diabetic rats as witnessed by augmented levels of TNF-α, IL-1b and Bax levels with declined levels of Bcl-2. Moreover, histological examination of hepatic, renal and pancreatic tissues validated the biochemical findings. On contrary, co-treatment of diabetic animals with HOE or HOETF could decrease glucose and insulin levels together with improvement of lipid markers and alleviation of hepatorenal dysfunction, oxidative injury, inflammatory and apoptotic events. Conclusively, HOE or HOETF could be a promising complementary therapeutic option for the management of diabetic hepatorenal complication owing to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory; anti-apoptotic properties.

Recent updates on animal models for understanding the etiopathogenesis of polycystic ovarian syndrome

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the primary cause of female infertility affecting several women worldwide. Changes in hormonal functions such as hyperandrogenism are considered a significant factor in developing PCOS in women. In addition, many molecular pathways are involved in the pathogenesis of PCOS in women. To have better insights about PCOS, it is data from clinical studies carried on women suffering from PCOS should be collected. However, this approach has several implications, including ethical considerations, cost involved and availability of subject. Moreover, during the early drug development process, it is always advisable to use non-human models mimicking human physiology as they are less expensive, readily available, have a shorter gestation period and less risk involved. Many animal models have been reported that resemble the PCOS pathways in human subjects. However, the models developed on rats and mice are more preferred over other rodent/non-rodent models due to their closer resemblance with human PCOS development mechanism. The most extensively reported PCOS models for rats and mice include those induced by using testosterone, letrozole and estradiol valerate. As the pathophysiology of PCOS is complex, none of the explored models completely surrogates the PCOS related conditions occurring in women. Hence, there is a need to develop an animal model that can resemble the pathophysiology of PCOS in women. The review focuses on various animal models explored to understand the pathophysiology of PCOS. The article also highlights some environmental and food-related models that have been used to induce PCOS.

Polyphenols: Natural compounds with promising potential in treating polycystic ovary syndrome

Polyphenols are natural compounds used by plants as a defense system against various stresses. In recent years, the importance of these polyhydroxyphenols has extensively increased due to their potent cardioprotection, anti-carcinogenic, anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, various studies have reported promising results from the studies investigating their efficacy as a therapeutic strategy in various disorders such as human malignancies, cardiovascular diseases, nervous system impairments, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, aging, and inflammation-associated disorders, as well as a polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Since oxidative stress, hormonal, metabolic, and endocrine disturbances have been shown to play a crucial role in the initiation/progression of PCOS, polyphenols are suggested to be an effective treatment for this disorder. Therefore, this study aimed to discuss the therapeutic potential of multiple polyphenols in PCOS.

Adiponectin Reduces Embryonic Loss Rate and Ameliorates Trophoblast Apoptosis in Early Pregnancy of Mice with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome by Affecting the AMPK/PI3K/Akt/FoxO3a Signaling Pathway

Reports in recent years have suggested that adiponectin (APN) improves insulin resistance and inhibits apoptosis by activating the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway and the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway after binding to its receptor. This study aims to explore the mechanism by which APN reduces embryo loss rate and trophoblast apoptosis in early pregnancy of mice with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS mice were subcutaneously injected with APN (10 μg mg kg-1 day-1) on 11 consecutive days from the 3rd day of pregnancy onwards to observe the change of the embryo loss rate of PCOS mice induced by APN. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot were used to determine the relative expressions of mRNA and the proteins AMPK, PI3K, and Akt in mouse uterine tissue. At the same time, primary cultured mouse villous trophoblast cells were used to further explore the underlying mechanisms in vitro. APN significantly reduces the pregnancy loss rate of PCOS mice. At the same time, APN increases phosphorylation and mRNA expression levels of AMPK, PI3K, and Akt in PCOS mouse uterine tissue. In addition, trophoblast cells of model mice were treated with APN and inhibitors, and APN was found to reduce trophoblast cell apoptosis by affecting the phosphorylation levels of AMPK, PI3K, Akt, and FoxO3a proteins. APN reduces the embryo loss rate and ameliorates trophoblast apoptosis in PCOS mice by affecting the AMPK/PI3K/AKT/FoxO3a signaling pathway.

Dietary α-Linolenic Acid-Rich Flaxseed Oil Exerts Beneficial Effects on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Through Sex Steroid Hormones-Microbiota-Inflammation Axis in Rats

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) represents a common endocrine-metabolic disorder disease with chronic low-grade inflammation and alteration of intestinal flora. Serving as functional food, flaxseed oil (FO), which is rich in plant-derived α-linolenic acid of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, has been proven to benefit for chronic metabolic diseases. However, the exact role of dietary FO on PCOS remains largely unclear. In the present study, 6-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (eight rats/group), including (a) pair-fed (PF) control (CON) group (PF/CON), (b) FO-fed CON group (FO/CON), (c) PF with letrozole-induced PCOS model (MOD) group (PF/MOD), and (d) FO-fed MOD group (FO/MOD). All rats were fed a standard diet. After 3 weeks of modeling and subsequent 8 weeks of treatment, the rats in diverse groups were euthanized and associated indications were investigated. The results showed that dietary FO ameliorated the disorder of estrous cycle and ovarian morphology. In parallel, dietary FO improved the sex steroid hormone disturbance (luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone, estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone), body weights, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. Moreover, FO treatment improved plasma and ovary inflammatory interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-17A, tumor necrosis factor-α, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. Additionally, FO intervention significantly modulated the composition of gut microbiota and vaginal microbiota by increasing the abundances of Allobaculum, Lactobacillus, Butyrivibrio, Desulfovibrio, Bifidobacterium, Faecalibacterium, Parabacteroides as well as decreasing the abundances of Actinobacteria, Bacteroides, Proteobacteria, and Streptococcus, the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes. A decrease in plasma lipopolysaccharide level and an increase in short-chain fatty acids, including acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid and pentanoic acid, were determined after dietary FO supplementation. Correlation analysis revealed close relationships among sex steroid hormones, inflammation, and gut/vaginal microbiota. Collectively, this study demonstrated that dietary FO ameliorated PCOS through the sex steroid hormones-microbiota-inflammation axis in rats, which may contribute to the understanding of pathogenesis and potentially serve as an inexpensive intervention in the control of PCOS.