Effect of Pentaclethra macrophyla Benth. Leaf on expression of P53, IRS, HsD17β2, FTO, and CYP11a genes in letrozole-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome rats

Hyperandrogenism and menstruation difficulties are the hallmarks of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a disorder affecting women in their reproductive years. The purpose of this study is to determine if Pentaclethra macrophylla leaf extract is beneficial in treating letrozole-induced PCOS rats. To ascertain the antioxidant characteristics of the plant extract, in vitro tests including the hydroxyl radical scavenging assay, FRAP, DPPH radical scavenging assay, and iron chelating assay were performed. A toxicology study was also conducted. Following PCOS induction, the standard and plant extract groups received treatment for 12 days with Clomiphene citrate (standard; 1 mg/kg) and Pentaclethra macrophylla (100 and 250 mg/kg). Vaginal cytology was performed daily before the administration of treatment orally by gavage. The rats were euthanized after the treatment period, and their ovaries and blood were taken. Luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone, and estradiol were measured using ELISA, and P53, IRS, HsD17β2, FTO, and CYP11a gene expression were quantified in the ovary. P. macrophylla effectively restored the hormonal balance and enhanced follicular development in the letrozole-induced rats, compared to the untreated group. In addition, the ovary of PCOS rats with methanol extract showed normalization of P53, insulin receptor substrate (IRS), fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO), and 11a-hydroxylase/17,20-desmolase (CYP11a) genes, except type 2 17-HSD (17-HSD) gene. Overall, in rats with polycystic ovarian syndrome, Pentaclethra macrophylla leaf showed overall ameliorative effects, indicating potential as an effective PCOS therapy strategy.