The Effects of R10 Fraction of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) on Gonadotropins and Oocyte Maturation in a PCOS Mouse Model

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran

2 Department of Immunology, Medical School, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common metabolic, immunological, and reproductive disorder worldwide. Successful therapeutic and management approaches for PCOS remain a challenge. This experimental study was designed to find out the effects of garlic R10 fraction on gonadotropins, oocyte-secreted factors, and oocyte maturation in a PCOS Mouse Model.
Materials and Methods: R10 fraction was obtained from garlic extract and PCOS-induced mice were prepared using estradiol valerate. Treatment with R10 fraction was performed and compared between two the normal and control PCOS groups. The alterations in gonadotropins (LH and FSH), oocyte-secreted factors gene expression (GDF9 and BMP15), and evaluation of histological changes in the ovary were performed.
Results: After treatment with R10 fraction, the LH level was increased and conversely the FSH level was decreased in the serum of the PCOS model. Furthermore, PCOS-induced ovaries demonstrated high atrophy and a significant decrease in the number of Graaf. There was also a significant reduction in the GDF9 and BMP15 gene expression levels in the PCOS model compared to the normal group (p <0.001).
Conclusions: This study indicates that garlic R10 fraction could modulate PCOS in mice at the systemic level in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and the local level in the ovaries. Accordingly, the R10 fraction can be considered a therapeutic approach to improve PCOS conditions. 

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