Bee venom treatment reduced C-reactive protein and improved follicle quality in a rat model of estradiol valerate-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome

Abstract

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a low grade inflammatory disease characterized by hyperandrogenemia and chronic anovulation. C-reactive protein (CRP), released by adipocytes, plays a key role in PCOS. Apis mellifera honeybee venom (HBV) contains a variety of biologically active components with various pharmaceutical properties. This study was designed to assess the possibility of HBV application as an anti-inflammatory therapeutic agent. To induce PCOS, 1 mg/100 g body weight estradiol valerate (EV) was subcutaneously (SC) injected into eight-week-old rats. After 60 days, 0.5 mg/kg HBV was administered SC for 14 consecutive days, and the results of PCOS treatment were investigated. Rats were then anesthetized with chloroform, and their ovaries and livers were surgically removed to determine histomorphometrical changes. Testosterone and 17-β-estradiol were detected by chemiluminescence immunoassay. In order to detect serum CRP, ELISA kit was used in three groups of EV-induced PCOS, HBV-treated PCOS and control animals. Thickness of the theca layer, number of cysts and the level of serum CRP significantly decreased in HBV group in comparison with PCOS group. Moreover, corpus luteum, as a sign of ovulation, was observed in HBV-treated ovaries which were absent in PCOS group. Our results suggest that the beneficial effect of HBV may be mediated through its inhibitory effect on serum CRP levels.

Animal models of polycystic ovary syndrome: A review of hormone‐induced rodent models focused on hypothalamus‐pituitary‐ovary axis and neuropeptides

“…The body weight of EV‐treated rats was comparable to that of control animals . However, the weight of inguinal fat depots was higher in the former than in the latter group.…”

“…The body weight of EV-treated rats was comparable to that of control animals. 60 However, the weight of inguinal fat depots was higher in the former than in the latter group. There was no difference in insulin sensitivity between treated and untreated rats.…”

“…However, plasma LH concentration was increased in EVtreated rats relative to the proestrus control after GnRH injection. 59 Administration of 2 mg EV also increased T and E2 levels, 60 whereas a concentration of 4 mg reduced T and increased LH and P4 but had no effect on E2 levels. 61…”

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

“…In rats treated with HBV, the number of primordial and preantral follicles and corpora lutea increased, whereas the number of cysts decreased significantly compared to the sham group. In addition, some corpora lutea were observed in the HBV group, which was considered a sign of relative improvement in PCOS ovaries [ 10 ].…”

“…The direct and indirect roles of COX-2 (through TNF-alpha) in the thickening of the theca layer of the ovary have been reported [ 9 ]. We demonstrated that COX-2 was overexpressed in PCOS rats [ 10 ]. However, the role of COX-2 overexpression during mammalian ovary cycles is still less well defined.…”