Improving the Dehydroepiandrosterone Induced PCOS Rat Model: Interplay of Age, High Fat Diet, and Treatment Regimen on Reproductive and Metabolic Phenotypes

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a ubiquitous reproductive condition with triggering hallmarks such as glucose intolerance, hyperandrogenism, and dyslipidemia. Despite the existence of various PCOS animal models, an ideal model which could encompass all PCOS-specific phenotype is of dire need. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) induced PCOS rats are frequently employed; though, determining the superior model among pubertal and prepubertal rats, incorporation of high fat diet (HFD), and their sustainability remains uncertain. This study aims to examine the age factor, impact of HFD, and DHEA regimen in model development. Prepubertal and pubertal Sprague-Dawley rats were subcutaneously injected with DHEA (6 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg/day, respectively) with and without HFD up to 21 days. Serum testosterone, glucose, lipid profile, ovary morphology, and estrous cycle were evaluated. Following 21 days of treatment with DHEA, pubertal PCOS rats exhibited better reproductive phenotype than prepubertal rats. However, there was no significant difference in the lipid profile. Accordingly, both the age-group rats were concomitantly treated with DHEA and HFD for additional 3 weeks on alternate day basis after model development. The persistence of reproductive and metabolic features on treatment withdrawal were also simultaneously investigated by alienating the rats into continuous and stop dosing groups. The DHEA + HFD and DHEA treated pubertal rats in continuous dosing group showed significant PCOS features (p < 0.05) compared to stop dosing, prepubertal, and control groups. To conclude, continual dosing with DHEA on alternate days for 3 weeks is necessary to sustain metabolic and reproductive phenotypes of PCOS.

Regulation of Insulin Resistance, Lipid Profile and Glucose Metabolism Associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome by Tinospora cordifolia

Background: The plant Tinospora cordifolia (TC), traditionally known as guduchi or giloy, is used for a number of health conditions as a nutritional supplement and rejuvenation medicine. Its nutritional supplementary products are traditionally recommended for a wide range of health issues, including diabetes, menstruation discomfort, fever, obesity, inflammation, and more. Unfortunately, there has not been extensive research into its effectiveness in treating or managing insulin resistance, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, hormonal imbalance, and metabolic syndrome-associated polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: Consequently, the present study was designed to induce insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hormonal abnormality, hyperglycemia, and menstrual disturbance of PCOS using dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in mice and study the effect of oral TC extracts on these factors by using ancient and modern technologies. During the 21-day study, 6 mg/100 g/day of DHEA was given to female mice. Levels of glucose, insulin, lipids, and hormones were estimated. In addition to being seen with the naked eye, the morphological and microscopic changes were also observed on histology slides. Results: The study outcomes show that pretreatment with TC preparations significantly improved biochemical and histological abnormalities in female mice. Diestrus phase was only observed in DHEA-treated animals, while cornified epithelial cells were present in TC-treated mice. Pretreatment with TC satva showed significant (p < 0.001) reductions in body weight compared to placebo. Fasting blood glucose, 1-h OGTT, and 2-h OGTT levels were all significantly lower in TC satva- and oil-treated animals in comparison to the disease control group (p < 0.001). Treatment with TC extracts resulted in a normalization of estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone levels (p < 0.05). Treatment with TC extract improved lipid profiles (p < 0.001), LH/FSH ratios (p < 0.01), fasting insulin levels (p < 0.001), HOMA-IR (p < 0.001), HOMA-Beta (p < 0.001), and QUICKI (p < 0.001). Both macroscopic and microscopic alterations were seen to be restored after TC extract treatment. After being treated with TC satva, oil, and hydroalcoholic extract, the severity of PCOS decreased by 54.86%. Conclusions: These findings lead us to the conclusion that TC extracts and satva as nutritional supplements are useful for treating PCOS and associated symptoms. It is recommended that additional research be conducted to determine the molecular mechanism of action of TC nutritional supplements on PCOS-related changes in metabolic profiles. We also recommend further clinical studies to explore the clinical efficacy and effectiveness of TC nutritional supplements in treating and/or managing PCOS.

Nasturtium officinale L. and metformin alleviate the estradiol- induced polycystic ovary syndrome with synergistic effects through modulation of Bax/Bcl-2/p53/caspase-3 signaling pathway and anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common causes of infertility in women, which is associated with metabolic, hereditary and hormonal disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of Nasturtium officinale L. (N. officinale) on biochemical and molecular parameters in estradiol-induced PCOS in rats. Seventy Wistar rats in 7 groups (n = 10) were randomly assigned to normal (NC), PCOS, metformin (MET - 300 mg/kg), N. officinale (50 and 100 mg/kg) and co-treatment with MET and N. officinale groups. After 21 days of treatment, biochemical parameters levels of estrogen, LH and FSH along with serum levels of (IL-6 and IL-1β cytokines) and serum antioxidant parameters (enzymatic activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase) were measured. Finally, by measuring the expression of apoptosis related genes (Bax/Bcl-2/p53/caspase-3) with the help of real-time PCR and the expression of p53 with the help of immunohistochemistry in ovarian cells. N. officinale modulates hormones through its hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal pathway with its synergistic effects along with MET. Also, in co-treatment groups (MET and N. officinale), the activity of serum antioxidant enzymes increased and also the serum level of inflammatory cytokines decreased. N. officinale, along with MET, amplified the Bax/Bcl2/p53/caspase-3 pathways, which eventually increased the number of p53 positive cells. These findings indicate that N. officinale extract along with MET can improve the physiological function of the ovaries in PCOS-induced disorders. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common causes of infertility in women, which is associated with metabolic, hereditary and hormonal disorders. The extract of Nasturtium officinale L. was able to intensify mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in cystic follicles and prevent their formation. It seems that pro-drugs containing N. officinale along with effective commercial drugs in PCOS can help ovulation and fertility in woman with this disease.

Effectiveness of Magnolol, a Lignan from Magnolia Bark, in Diabetes, Its Complications and Comorbidities-A Review

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by disturbances in carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism, often accompanied by oxidative stress. Diabetes treatment is a complicated process in which, in addition to the standard pharmacological action, it is necessary to append a comprehensive approach. Introducing the aspect of non-pharmacological treatment of diabetes allows one to alleviate its many adverse complications. Therefore, it seems important to look for substances that, when included in the daily diet, can improve diabetic parameters. Magnolol, a polyphenolic compound found in magnolia bark, is known for its health-promoting activities and multidirectional beneficial effects on the body. Accordingly, the goal of this review is to systematize the available scientific literature on its beneficial effects on type 2 diabetes and its complications. Taking the above into consideration, the article collects data on the favorable effects of magnolol on parameters related to glycemia, lipid metabolism, or oxidative stress in the course of diabetes. After careful analysis of many scientific articles, it can be concluded that this lignan is a promising agent supporting the conventional therapies with antidiabetic drugs in order to manage diabetes and diabetes-related diseases.