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Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology

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01-12-2021 | Insulins | Research

Berberine exerts a protective effect on rats with polycystic ovary syndrome by inhibiting the inflammatory response and cell apoptosis

Authors: Hao-Ran Shen, Xiao Xu, Xue-Lian Li

Published in: Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disease of the female reproductive system that seriously affects women’s health. Berberine (BBR) has many pharmacological properties and is used as an insulin sensitizer. This study aimed to investigate the effect of BBR on PCOS and explore its related mechanisms.

Methods

Forty-two rats were randomly divided into the following six groups (n = 7 per group): control, control + BBR, PCOS-normal diet (ND), PCOS-ND + BBR, PCOS-high-fat diet (HFD), and PCOS-HFD + BBR. The PCOS rat models were established by injecting rats with dehydroepiandrosterone. Further, the rats were gavaged with BBR (150 mg/kg/d) for 6 weeks. Then, the body weight, HOMA-IR, and testosterone levels of all rats were determined. Cell apoptosis of ovary granulosa cells was determined by a TUNEL assay kit. Real-time quantification PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blotting were utilized to evaluate the expression of TLR4, LYN, PI3K, Akt, NF-kB, TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, and caspase-3.

Results

BBR reduced the levels of insulin resistance and testosterone in PCOS rats. Additionally, the cell apoptosis rate increased significantly in PCOS rats (P < 0.05) and decreased after BBR treatment (P < 0.05). The results of RT-qPCR and western blotting showed that the expression levels of TLR4, LYN, PI3K, Akt, NF-kB, TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, and caspase-3 significantly increased in PCOS rats, while BBR suppressed their expression levels.

Conclusions

BBR may relieve PCOS pathology and IR values by inhibiting cell apoptosis and by regulating the expression levels of TLR4, LYN, PI3K, Akt, NF-kB, TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, and caspase-3.

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Title: Berberine exerts a protective effect on rats with polycystic ovary syndrome by inhibiting the inflammatory response and cell apoptosis
Authors: Hao-Ran Shen
Xiao Xu
Xue-Lian Li
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Insulins
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Insulins
Testosterone
Published in: Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1477-7827
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12958-020-00684-y

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Berberine exerts a protective effect on rats with polycystic ovary syndrome by inhibiting the inflammatory response and cell apoptosis

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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