Effect of bee venom on IL-6, COX-2 and VEGF levels in polycystic ovarian syndrome induced in Wistar rats by estradiol valerate

Abstract

BackgroundPolycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a low-grade inflammatory disease characterized by hyperandrogenemia, hirsutism, chronic anovulation and vascular disorder. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are triggered by inflammatory stimuli and lead to angiogenesis and pathogenesis of the ovary. Honeybee venom (HBV) contains an array of biologically active components possessing various pharmaceutical properties. This study was designed to assess the possibility of HBV application as an anti-inflammatory therapeutic agent to suppress levels of the main inflammatory mediators IL-6, COX-2 and VEGF.To induce PCOS, 1 mg of estradiol valerate (EV) per 100 g of body weight was subcutaneously (SC) injected into eight-week-old rats. After 60 days, 0.5 mg/kg of HBV was administered Intraperitoneal (IP) for 14 consecutive days, and the results of PCOS treatment were investigated. Rats were then anesthetized with CO2, and the ovaries were surgically removed. Serum IL-6 was detected by the ELISA kit. Immunoexpression of COX-2 and VEGF were examined in three groups: EV-induced PCOS, HBV-treated PCOS and control animals.ResultsThickness of theca layer, number and diameter of cysts and levels of IL-6 significantly decreased in HBV group relative to PCOS group. The immunohistochemical analysis showed an increase in COX-2 and VEGF expression in PCOS group whereas HBV-treated rats presented weak and irregular immunostaining.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the beneficial effect of HBV may be mediated through its inhibitory effect on serum IL-6 level and ovarian COX-2 and VEGF expression.

Long Term Oral Administration of Oregano Essence Effectively Relieves Polycystic Ovarian Rats through Endocrine and Inflammatory Balance

“…is can be helpful for PCOS subjects/human/mice/rat duemainly to the point that progesterone levels decreased in PCOS mice [29] as also observed herein. Indeed, ovarian tissue changes in the PCOS group in the present study were consistent with others [30][31][32], indicating the successful induction of PCOS with EV and defects in the development of follicular clusters in adult rats compared to the non-PCOS control group. Also, it seems that angiogenesis is likely due to increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and isoenzyme 2 cyclooxygenase in the stroma; this was also confirmed by observing a follicular increase in the sheath layer and androgen production or progression of steroidogenesis with thickening of this layer [11,30].…”

Role of Bee Venom and Melittin on Restraining Angiogenesis and Metastasis in γ-Irradiated Solid Ehrlich Carcinoma-Bearing Mice

“… 32 The valuable effect of BV may be mediated through its inhibitory effect on serum IL-6 concentration, ovarian cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), and VEGF expression. 57 BV or MEL effects on TNF-α prevent NO via JNK pathway–dependent inactivation of NF-κB, and induction of apoptosis via suppressions of NF-κB. 58 - 60 BV has demonstrated anticancer activities, it inhibited cancer cell growth through induction of apoptosis in lung cancer cells, 61 and hepatocellular carcinoma cells.…”

Anti-inflammatory Effect of Silymarin on Ovarian Immunohistochemical Localization of TNF-<img width=23 height=20 src="http://fbpe/img/ijmorphol/v35n2/art54_simbolo.jpg" alt="http://fbpe/img/ijmorphol/v35n2/art54_simbolo.jpg"> Associated with Systemic Inflammation in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

“…In this study, the testosterone levels in the study group in higher doses of the SLM intraperitoneally injected were significant (P < 0.001). The anti-angiogenic effects of the SLM in the Nabiuni study (Karimzadeh et al, 2013). possibly is referred to the decreased proliferation and follicular sheath thickness and thus reducing the production of testosterone.…”