Lycopene Ameliorates Ovarian Follicular Maturation in Rat Model of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Histomorphological and Functional Study

Abstract

Background and Aims: The polycystic ovarian syndrome is a menacing metabolic condition with high prevalence rate in Asian countries involving women of reproductive age. This study was commenced to assess favorable effects of Lycopene---a dietary component in letrozole-induced PCOS rat model. Materials and Methods: Fifty adult female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups, ten rats each for a study of 5weeks. Control group A was given standard rat diet. Rats of experimental group B were given 1mg/kg of Letrozole to induce PCO model. Group C was given 1mg/kg of letrozole+15mg/kg/day of lycopene. Group D was given 1mg/kg of letrozole+ 500 mg/kg/day metformin. Group E was given 1mg/kg of letrozole +combination of Lycopene and metformin together. Relative body weight was taken on the day1, day21 and end of experiment. Antioxidant activity was tested using CAT, SOD and MDA. Ovaries were removed for H&E staining and studied under light microscopy. Statical analysis was carried out for result interpretations. Results: The results showed, reduced rat weight by use of Lycopene. Histological architecture of ovary showed better count of secondary and graafian follicles towards normal values which was quite reduced in group B proved by significant p-value<0.001. While raised number of atretic follicles in group B 6±1.6 was reduced to 3±0.9, 4±0.6, 4±0.7 in group C, D &E respectively. Overall improvement in distorted/ cystic ovaries was noted by treatment therapy, evident by significant p-value. Group B showed mean count of cyst 7±1.0, which was brought to 2±0.5, 3±0.8, 2±0.7 in groups C, D &E. Elevated Oxidative markers (ROS) were also reduced. Conclusion: Dietary intake Lycopene can ameliorate histological and oxidative damage in polycystic ovaries.