Therapeutic Effects of Eugenol in Polycystic Ovarian Rats Induced by Estradiol Valerate: A Histopathological and A Biochemical Study

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common type of endocrinopathy in women which is accompaniedby androgens elevation, insulin resistance, and metabolic dysfunction. Eugenol is a phenolic component of clove oil thathas an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic activity. The present study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effectsof eugenol on the PCOS models of rats.Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, thirty adults female Wistar rats weighing between 180 and 200g were used. Estradiol valerate-induced PCOS rats (4 mg/rat) were treated with eugenol (12 and 24 mg/kg) for 28days. The effects of eugenol were studied on levels of glucose, lipid profile, liver enzymes, reproductive hormones,oxidative stress, and the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha(Ppar-α) genes, using biochemical analysis of blood and histopathological evaluation of ovaries.Results: Estradiol valerate-induced PCOS resulted in the formation of cystic follicles in the ovaries, hyperinsulinemia,hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, hyperandrogenism, and anovulation. It altered the Cox-2 and Ppar-α gene expressionand increased oxidative stress and activities of liver enzymes. Eugenol treatment improved the PCOS-associatedendocrine and metabolic disorder and histopathological alterations, mostly through antioxidant, anti-diabetic,anti-hyperlipidemic, and anti-androgenic properties. It showed beneficial effects on serum glucose, serum insulin,fat profile, reproductive hormones, liver activity, oxidative stress, expression of Cox-2 and Ppar-α genes, as well asrestoration of normal ovulation in the PCOS animals.Conclusion: Eugenol could represent a promising natural product to prevent PCOS or reduce its symptoms.

Keywords

• cox-2
• eugenol
• metabolic dysfunction
• polycystic ovary syndrome
• ppar-α