Spirulina therapeutic potentiality in polycystic ovarian syndrome management using DHEA-induced rat model

A.A. El Leithy, A.A. Al-Karmalawy, O.M. Youssif, Y.A. Ebrahim, A.S. Khalifa, E.B. Elkaeed, F.S. Abo-Zeid

College of Biotechnology, Misr University for Science and Technology (MUST), Giza, Egypt. akarmalawy@horus.edu.eg

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• Endocrinology
• Phytomedicine

OBJECTIVE: The most prevalent endocrinopathy in women is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Multiple gene abnormalities like Ar, Cyp19a1, Hsd3b1, Srd5a1, Bcl-2, and Bax genes are associated with PCOS. Herein, the PCOS model was induced by oral administration of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Metformin (Met) is one of the most common drugs affecting the most relevant genes involved in PCOS development but with unwanted side effects. Natural treatments have been known for their safer effects. Spirulina (SP) is a type of blue-green algae that contains nutrients and compounds that would treat PCOS and lower the possible side effects of Met in combination therapy. We aim to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of SP on PCOS by multi confirmatory tests and to demonstrate its effects on regulating the expression of multiple genes that are responsible for the occurrence of PCOS in comparison to Met.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Herein, sixty adult female Wistar albino rats were subdivided into equal six groups with 10 rats in each group. All drugs were given orally once daily for one month. The expression of Ar, Cyp19a1, Hsd3b1, Srd5a1, Bcl-2, and Bax genes, were examined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR).

RESULTS: The present study showed that SP has a remarkable effect on the reduction of the development of PCOS by regulating the expression of the examined genes. As a result, it may be a useful therapy alternative for PCOS complications, symptoms, and infertility as well.

CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, SP is considered a promising therapeutic drug in the treatment of PCOS-like symptoms induced by DHEA.

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