Quercetin modulates granulosa cell mRNA androgen receptor gene expression in dehydroepiandrosterone-induced polycystic ovary in Wistar rats via metabolic and hormonal pathways

• Published in: Journal of basic and clinical physiology and pharmacology Vol. 31; no. 4
• Main Authors: Olaniyan, Olugbemi T, Bamidele, Okoli, Adetunji, Charles O, Priscilla, Bretet, Femi, Adebayo, Ayobami, Dare, Okotie, Gloria, Oluwaseun, Ibitoye, Olugbenga, Eweoya, Mali, Pratap C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany 11.03.2020
• Subjects: Adjuvants, Immunologic - toxicity; Animals; Antioxidants - pharmacology; Dehydroepiandrosterone - toxicity; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Gene Expression Regulation - drug effects; Granulosa Cells - drug effects; Granulosa Cells - metabolism; Ovary - drug effects; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - chemically induced; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - drug therapy; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - genetics; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - metabolism; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 - metabolism; Quercetin - pharmacology; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Receptors, Androgen - genetics; Receptors, Androgen - metabolism; RNA, Messenger - genetics; RNA, Messenger - metabolism; Wistar rats; PCOS; mRNA androgen receptor; quercetin; dehydroepiandrosterone
• ISSN: 2191-0286

Background It is estimated that about 5-10% of women suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) which is a major cause of female reproductive dysfunction. This study examined the role of quercetin on dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-induced PCO in Wistar rats. Methods Twenty-eight pre-pubertal female Wistar rats that are 21 days old weighing 16-21 g were sorted into four groups (n = 7). Group I served as control and was given distilled water only, Group II were injected with 6 mg/100 g BW of DHEA in 0.2 mL of corn oil subcutaneously, Group III received 100 mg/kg BW of quercetin orally and Group IV received 6 mg/100 g BW of DHEA in 0.2 mL of corn oil subcutaneously and 100 mg/kg BW of quercetin orally. Rats were sacrificed after 15 days by cervical dislocation method. Blood samples and ovaries were collected for hormonal, biochemical, and histopathological analysis and expressions of mRNA androgen receptor gene were determined using RT-qPCR. All data were analysed using one-way ANOVA. Results A significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the antioxidant and metabolic enzyme activity in the DHEA treated group was observed when compared with control. DHEA co-administration with quercetin showed a significant decrease in malondialdehyde and cytokines when compared with DHEA treated group. Also a significant increase in progesterone, metabolic and antioxidant enzyme activity was observed. The histopathology demonstrates a reduction in cystic and atretic cells, improved expression of BCl2, E-Cadherin and a decrease in Bax. Conclusions Quercetin alleviated DHEA-induced PCO. These effects could be attributed to its antioxidant property.