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Updated: Aug 12, 2025
Author Spotlight: Investigating the Mechanisms and Inducing Models of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Published on: July 5, 2024
Therapeutic Potential of Selenium Nanoparticles on Letrozole-Induced Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Female Wistar
Maisra Azhar Butt1, Hafiz Muhammad Shafique2, Mahjabeen Mustafa3
1Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Abstract:
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is considered the most frequent gynecological endocrine disorder that causes anovulatory infertility. The current study aimed to investigate the potential significance of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), an IL-1 inhibitor, in the treatment of letrozole-induced PCOS in rats that satisfied the metabolic and endocrine parameters found in PCOS patients. Letrozole (2 ppm, per orally, p.o.) was given orally to female Wistar rats for 21 days to develop PCOS. After PCOS induction, rats were given SeNPs (25 ppm/day, p.o.), SeNPs (50 ppm/day, p.o.), or metformin (2 ppm/day, p.o.) for 14 days. PCOS was associated with an increase in body weight, ovarian weight, ovarian size, and cysts, as well as an increase in blood testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and insulin, glycaemia, and lipid profile levels. The SeNP administration decreased all of these variables. Furthermore, SeNPs significantly reduced letrozole-induced oxidative stress in the ovaries, muscles, and liver by decreasing elevated levels of malondialdehyde and total nitrite while raising suppressed levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase. SeNPs increased the amounts of the protective proteins Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap-1), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and OH-1. It was depicted from the study that SeNPs reduce the upregulation of inflammatory cytokines that are interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and the interleukin 1 (IL-1). Our findings show that SeNPs, through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics, alleviate letrozole-induced PCOS.
Insights
Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) show potential in treating Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). This study found SeNPs reduced PCOS symptoms and inflammation in rats, offering a new therapeutic avenue for this common endocrine disorder.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Nanomedicine
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder causing anovulatory infertility.
- PCOS is characterized by metabolic and endocrine dysregulation, including elevated androgens and insulin resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic potential of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) in a letrozole-induced rat model of PCOS.
- To evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of SeNPs in PCOS.
Main Methods:
- PCOS was induced in female Wistar rats using letrozole.
- Rats were treated with SeNPs (25 or 50 ppm/day) or metformin (2 ppm/day) for 14 days post-PCOS induction.
- Biochemical markers, oxidative stress indicators, and inflammatory cytokines were assessed.
Main Results:
- SeNP treatment significantly reduced body weight, ovarian weight/size, and cyst formation.
- SeNPs normalized elevated levels of testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), insulin, glucose, and lipids.
- SeNPs mitigated oxidative stress by modulating malondialdehyde, nitrite, superoxide dismutase, and catalase levels.
- SeNPs decreased inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1) and increased protective proteins (Keap-1, Nrf2, HO-1).
Conclusions:
- Selenium nanoparticles demonstrate significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- SeNPs effectively alleviate key metabolic and endocrine disturbances associated with letrozole-induced PCOS in rats.
- SeNPs represent a promising therapeutic agent for managing PCOS.
