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RESEARCH ARTICLE

Amelioration by quercetin of insulin resistance and uterine GLUT4 and ERα gene expression in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Asma Neisy A , Fatemeh Zal A B E , Atefeh Seghatoleslam A C and Sanaz Alaee D
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Biochemistry Department, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 7134845794 Iran.

B Infertility Research Centre, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 7134845794 Iran.

C Research Center for Traditional Medicine and History of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 7134845794 Iran.

D Reproductive Biology Department, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 7134845794 Iran.

E Corresponding author. Email: fatemehzal@yahoo.com

Reproduction, Fertility and Development 31(2) 315-323 https://doi.org/10.1071/RD18222
Submitted: 17 February 2018  Accepted: 5 July 2018   Published: 14 August 2018

Abstract

Insulin resistance (IR) and infertility are two major complications of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which are the results of changes in certain parts of the reproductive and metabolic systems. We aimed to observe the effect of quercetin on dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-induced PCOS and insulin resistance in rats. All animals were divided into five groups and DHEA was used to induce PCOS. Bodyweight and ovarian morphology of all groups were observed. Fasting blood glucose and insulin levels were analysed. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) method was used for IR level determination. The expression of oestrogen receptor α (ERα) and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) genes in the uterus was examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Liver hexokinase (HK) and glucokinase (GK) activity was determined using spectrophotometry. Quercetin significantly improved the IR state in PCOS rats. PCOS resulted in a decrease in liver GK and an increase in liver HK specific activity, whereas quercetin increased both liver HK and GK activity. Our data also showed a significant reduction in uterine ERα and GLUT4 expression in the PCOS group, which was increased by quercetin. A remarkable effect of quercetin was the intensive reduction of PCOS-IR and significant induction of uterine GLUT4 and ERα gene expression; it could thus be a possible effective treatment for PCOS and its complications, IR and infertility.

Additional keywords: glucokinase, hexokinase , HOMA index, infertility.


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