Activity of Corylus avellana seed oil in letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome model in rats

A cross talk study on sitagliptin mediated reclamation on TGF β signalling, DPP 4, miR-29a and miR-24 expression in PCOS rats fed with high fat-high fructose diet

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial reproductive, endocrine and metabolic disturbance which is very commonly observed in females of reproductive age group. The disease is still incurable however the use of synthetic drugs in combination with lifestyle is recommended. Accordingly, the present study was conducted to investigate the possible beneficial effects of sitagliptin on PCOS induced rats on control diet (CD)/high fat- high fructose diet (HFFD). PCOS was induced by giving testosterone propionate (TP) for 28 days to both the CD/HFFD rats and treated with STG i.p. for last 15 days. At the end of the experiment lipid profile, inflammatory markers, expression of NF-κB-p65, miR-24 and miR-29a, fibrotic and apoptotic proteins from ovary tissue were examined. Moreover, lipid accumulation and fibrosis of ovary tissue was further confirmed using Sudan III and Masson's trichrome stain. STG treated rats exerted a significant decrease in levels of cholesterol, TG, LDL-C, VLDL-C, IL-6 and TNF-α and increased HDL-C level, miR-24 and miR-29a expression. STG treated groups expressed significantly decreased expression of NF-κB-p65, TGF-β1, p-Smad 2 and p-Smad 3 followed by no significant changes in the expression of BAX, caspase-9, caspase-3 and Bcl-2 in all the PCOS induced groups. Among all the CD/ HFFD fed groups, rats on HFFD showed more devastating effect which suggests that diet plays a major role in genesis of PCOS. In conclusion, current results reflect the potential impact of STG against dyslipidaemia, inflammation and fibrosis in PCOS rats via regulating dyslipidaemia and fibrosis via DPP 4 mediated miR-29a expression.

Hazelnut and its by-products: A comprehensive review of nutrition, phytochemical profile, extraction, bioactivities and applications

As output of hazelnut increases worldwide, so does the amount of by-products, leading to huge waste and environmental stress. This paper focuses on the varieties of hazelnut that have been studied more in the past two decades, and summarizes the research status of hazelnut and its by-products from the aspects of nutritional value, phytochemicals, extraction methods, biological functions and applications. Hazelnut and its by-products are rich in a variety of bioactive constituents, mainly polyphenols, which have antioxidant, antibacterial and prebiotic effects. Moreover, hazelnut shells, husks, and leaves contain taxanes such as paclitaxel, which can inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells. They are potentially good natural sources of paclitaxel compared to the slower growing yew. Therefore, it is essential to further integrate the extraction techniques and health-promoting properties of these nutrients and bioactive substances to expand their application and enhance their value.

Partially purified non-polar phytocomponents from Aloe barbadensis Mill. gel restores metabolic and reproductive comorbidities in letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome rodent model- an "in-vivo" study

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In India, Kumaryasava, a popular Aloe barbadensis Mill. gel preparation has therapeutic value in treatment of female reproductive disorders like menstrual disturbances and menopausal problems. Despite their widespread use, only a limited number of studies have probed into the scientific evidence for their varied bioactivities. In this regard, studies have demonstrated that Aloe vera gel has the potential to modulate steroidogenic activity in letrozole induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) rat. However, isolation and identification of the bioactive molecule/s from Aloe vera gel and studying their molecular targets will underpin the treatment regime for PCOS.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The Partially Purified Non-Polar Phytocomponents (PPNPP)- LP1 and LP3 were isolated from the petroleum ether extract of Aloe vera gel by column chromatography. Based upon the GC-MS analysis, LP1 and LP3 comprised of n-Hexadecanoic acid and Campesterol acetate with an abundance of 97.07%, and 96.07% respectively. For evaluation of their bioactivities, eighty 3-4 months female Balb/c mice were classified as 10 groups with 8 animals in each group. Groups were control (C), PCOS (0.5 mg/kg/day Letrozole orally for 21days), PCOS treated orally for 60 days with Aloe vera gel (AVG) (10 mg/kg/day) (PCOS + AVG), PCOS treated orally for 60 days with petroleum ether extract (PE) of Aloe vera gel (25 μg/kg/day) (PCOS + PE), PCOS treated orally for 60 days with LP1 (0.5 μg/kg/day) (PCOS + LP1), PCOS treated orally for 60 days with commercially available pure compound-n-Hexadecanoic acid (HA) (0.5 μg/kg/day) (PCOS + HA), PCOS treated orally for 60 days with LP3 (0.01 μg/kg/day) (PCOS + LP3), PCOS treated orally for 60 days with commercially available pure compound- Campesterol acetate (CA) (0.01 μg/kg/day) (PCOS + CA), PCOS treated orally for 60 days with Metformin (100 mg/kg/day) (PCOS + Metformin) and PCOS treated orally for 60 days with DMSO (Vehicle) (PCOS + DMSO). Body weight, Oral glucose tolerance test, lipid profile, fasting glucose, insulin, estrus cycle, hormonal profile, gene expression of gonadotropin receptors (Fshr and Lhr), steroid receptors (Ar, Esr1, Esr2 and Pgr) and steroidogenic markers (Star, Hsd3b1, Cyp19a1 and Amh) were analysed in the ovaries. Polycystic ovarian morphology was assessed through histopathological changes of ovary. Toxicity markers- SGOT, SGPT and creatinine were also measured at the end of the study.

RESULTS

Mice treated with letrozole demonstrated significant increase in body weight, glucose intolerance, fasting insulin levels, HOMA-IR, triglycerides levels as well as testosterone levels, and a significant decline in the progesterone levels as compared to the control animals. PCOS animals also exhibited arrested estrus cyclicity, disrupted ovarian histopathology with the presence of multiple peripheral cysts and abnormal gene expression of gonadotropin receptor, steroid receptor and steroid markers. Oral administration of AVG, PE extract of AVG, LP3 and metformin greatly alleviated these complications in PCOS animals.

CONCLUSION

The above findings indicate the effectiveness of LP3, isolated from Aloe vera gel against letrozole induced PCOS in mice and may be used in the treatment of PCOS as an alternative to metformin.

Plumeria acuminata: A Systematic in vivo Evaluation for Its Anti-ovulatory and Anti-Implantation Features

Background:

Fertility control becomes necessary for under-developed and developing nations for the betterment of the economy, environment, and society. Plant Plumeria acuminata, “Temple tree or Frangipani”, of the Apocynaceae family has exhibited several activities similar to contraceptive medicine and is widely distributed in India.

Objective:

Present investigation aimed to study the anti-ovulatory and anti-implantation activities of ethanolic extract from P. acuminata leaves and roots in Wistar rats.

Methods:

Ethanolic extracts of P. acuminata leaves and roots were subjected to qualitative phytochemical analysis and acute toxicity test. Immature female rats were used to explore anti-ovulatory characteristics administering HCG as a standard ovulation-inducing drug. Mated females were used for exploring anti-implantation characteristics. Levonorgestrel and Ethinylestradiol were administered as standard anti-implantation drugs. Morphological, hematological, hormonal, and histological examinations were performed.

Results:

LD50 value i.e., 2000 mg/kg from acute toxicity test resulted in the selection of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg dose values for both leaf and root extracts. Treatment with these brought ~2-54%, ~5-48%, and ~1-68% changes respectively in the hormonal, growth factors’ and cytokines’ profile. Ovarian histology revealed restricted follicle maturation and ovulation whereas uterine histology unveiled a ~5-28% decrease in the endometrium thickness making it unreceptive for implantation after treatment with PAL and PAR extracts.

Conclusion:

Anti-ovulatory and anti-implantation results obtained here can be attributed to the presence of plumericin, sterol as well as triterpene groups of phytochemicals from ethanolic extracts of leaves and roots, making them potent contestants for studies on future contraceptive medicines.

Kernel Nutrient Composition and Antioxidant Ability of Corylus spp. in China

Hazelnut (Corylus) is an important woody oil tree species in economic forests. China, as one of the original countries of native Corylus species, had 8 species and 2 varieties. However, little information is available on the hazelnut nutritional quality of these Chinese Corylus species. In this study, four main wild Corylus species (C. heterophylla Fisch., C. mandshurica Maxim., C. kweichowensis Hu., and C. yunnanensis Franch.) originating in China and one main cultivar of hybrid hazelnut (Corylus heterophylla Fisch. × C. avellana L.) cv. 'Dawei' from China were used to analyze the basic nutritional composition (content of oil, fatty acid, protein, saccharide, aminao acid, vitamin C, tocopherol, total phenols, and total flavonoids) and antioxidant ability. The results showed that oil content ranged from 52.97 to 60.88 g/100 g DW and highly unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) content was over 91%. Oleic was the most dominant UFA in these hazelnut kernels, and the relative content was ranging from 71.32 to 85.19%. Compared with other four hazelnut kernels, C. heterophylla Fisch. was the lowest oil content of hazelnut with lower oleic acid content and higher linoleic acid content, obviously. The total protein content ranged from 13.15 to 18.35 g/100 g DW, and all amino acids were detected as hydrate amino acids, but Tryptophan, an essential amino acid, was not detected as free amino acid in these hazelnut kernels. Kernel of C. heterophylla Fisch. was with the highest content of protein and amino acid. Saccharose was the most essential and abundant disaccharide in the hazelnut kernels. C. mandshurica Maxim. was the highest saccharide content among these hazelnut kernels. α-tocopherol was the main type of tocopherol found in the hazelnut kernels. Wild hazelnut kernels generally had higher bioactivity substance content (vitamin C, total tocopherol, total phenol and total flavonoid) and antioxidant capacity. Compared to the four wild hazelnut kernels, the hybrid hazelnut cv. 'Dawei' had higher content of oil, oleic acid, α-tocopherol and sugar. Overall, there were great differences in the nutritional composition of different hazelnut species. Wild species are a good source of breeding materials because of their own characteristics in nutrition composition, and the hybrid hazelnut cv. 'Dawei' with good quality has the value of commercial promotion.

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.

Ascorbic Acid and Alpha-Tocopherol Contribute to the Therapy of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Mouse Models

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects up to 10% of women within reproductive ages and has been a cause of infertility and poor quality of life. Alteration in the oxidant-antioxidant profile occurs in PCOS. This study, therefore, investigates the contribution of ascorbic acid (AA) and alpha-tocopherol(ATE) on different PCOS parameters. The mifepristone and letrozole models were used, and young mature female mice were randomly assigned to groups of six per group. On PCOS induction with either mifepristone or letrozole, mice were administered AA and ATE at doses ranging from 10-1000mg/kg to 0.1-1000 mg/kg in the respective models. Vaginal cytology, body weights, and temperature, as well as blood glucose, testosterone, and insulin levels, were measured. Total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde levels were analyzed. Determination of gene expression of some reactive oxygen species and histomorphological analysis on the ovaries and uteri were performed. At the end of the experiments, AA and ATE restored reproductive cycling, with AA being more effective. AA and ATE increased fasting blood glucose but had no significant effect on serum insulin levels. AA decreased testosterone levels, but ATE caused slight increases. AA and ATE both increased total antioxidant capacity and decreased malondialdehyde levels. AA and ATE also slightly upregulated the mRNA expressions of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and heme oxygenase 1 mainly. AA and ATE also decreased ovarian weight and mostly resolved cysts in the ovaries and congestion in the uterus. This study has shown that AA and ATE are beneficial in the therapy of PCOS.

Effect of Prunus dulcis and Salvia hispenica in the management of polycystic ovary syndrome in Wistar rats

OBJECTIVE

Research has shown that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of infertility in women. The drugs used to treat PCOS tend to manage the symptoms rather than cure the disease. Furthermore, these drugs have severe side-effects and influence the quality of life for the patients. There is therefore a need for natural medicine that can effectively treat PCOS without side-effects.

METHOD

PCOS was induced in adult female Wistar rats by daily oral administration of letrozole (1 mg/kg) for 21 days. From day 22 until the end of the experiment (day 36), these rats were given a daily oral dose of either Prunus dulcis (walnut) or Salvia hispenica (chia seed) alone, or in combination. Animals were subsequently examined for morphological, biochemical, and histopathological changes.

RESULT

When compared with the control and standard groups, rats who had consumed P. dulcis and S. hispenica, either as individual agents or in combination, had significantly lower body and ovarian weights, and hormone concentrations were maintained at healthy levels. The presence of polyphenolic compounds in these substances induced ovulation in the PCOS model animals.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that animals fed with P. dulcis and S. hispenica either individually or in combination were able to overcome infertility. Hormone levels and metabolism were restored in these animals. Therefore, P. dulcis and S. hispenica can be used as therapeutic agents to treat patients who are infertile due to suboptimal oocyte competence and anovulation.

Pathophysiological changes in experimental polycystic ovary syndrome in female albino rats: Using either hemin or L-arginine

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), one of the important endocrine disorders affecting females in the reproductive age, is caused mainly by an abnormal oxidation status that subsequently causes inflammatory conditions. Thus, this study aims to examine the possible individual prophylactic effects of gasotransmitters, hemin, or L-arginine in letrozole-induced PCOS. Fifty adult female albino rats were used and separated into a control group, which received the vehicle; a letrozole-induced PCOS group (L), which received letrozole orally at a dose level of 1 mg/kg for 21 days; a letrozole+hemin (L+H) group, which received letrozole plus hemin at a dose level of 25 mg/kg injected IP twice per week for 21 days; and a letrozole+L-arginine (L+A) group, which received letrozole plus L-arginine at a dose level of 200 mg/kg orally for 21 days. During PCO induction, the body weight and Lee index were measured. Serum glucose, insulin, lipid profile, gonadotrophic hormones, testosterone, estrogen, and tumor necrosis factor alpha were assayed, while ovarian tissues were analyzed to measure the oxidative state and histopathological changes. Our results proved that either hemin or L-arginine administration could improve the oxidative state, the inflammatory reaction, the hormonal imbalance, and the metabolic disturbances in PCO rats, which was confirmed by a histopathological examination of the rats' ovaries. In conclusion, either hemin or L-arginine had protective effects against PCOS with better pathophysiological changes with hemin.