Effects of flavonoid Genistein on liver enzymes and ovary tissue modification in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common reproductive endocrine disease with a prevalence of 5-10% in women of reproductive age. The clinical features of PCOS are heterogeneous and vary in intensity. Oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea contributing to chronic anovulation and infertility are the most frequent conditions observed. PCOS is also associated with several metabolic disturbances which characterize metabolic syndrome such as obesity, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. More recently, increased prevalence of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) has been reported in patients with PCOS. Interestingly, flavonoids have been found to have positive effects on lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, inflammation, and oxidative stress, the most important pathophysiological pathways in NAFLD.Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of genistein on liver enzymes and ovarian histology in rats with estradiol valerate (EV)-induced PCOS.Materials and Methods: In this study the syndrome induced by muscular injection of 40 mg/kg Estradiol Valerate to 32 female Wistar rats, weighing 170-180 g. Control group receive no injection. After 60 days the animals divided to control, PCOS and PCOS treated with Genistein (2 and 5 mg/kg) groups. After 21 days intraperitoneal treatment of Genistein, the ovaries of all groups histologically studied and blood samples were collected and Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured.Results: The levels of AST and ALT in treatment groups with Genistein 5 mg/kg were significantly reduced while compared to the PCOS groups. There was a signification polycystic improvement in ovaries treated with high concentration of Genistein in comparison with PCOS group and reduction of cystic follicular number and corpus luteum increase were found, that could be a sign of renewed ovulation.Conclusion: Genistein is capable of producing beneficial reproductive effects offering an optimal treatment approach for patient with NAFLD, PCOS and infertility. Additionally, flavonoids have fewer side effects compared to standard drug therapies. It is possible that, this ability is because of Genistein antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that motivate reduction of liver enzymes and cysts number and natural development of follicles.

Keywords:

Genistein , Polycystic ovary , Liver enzymes , Infertility