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Lycopene Ameliorates Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Rats by Inhibiting Ovarian Ferroptosis Through Activation of the AMPK/Nrf2 Pathway

  • 0Department of Gynecology, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China.
Journal of Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology +

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January 28, 2025

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January 28, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Lycopene (LYC) effectively treats polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in rats by reducing ferroptosis and restoring hormonal balance. This antioxidant acts via the AMPK/Nrf2 pathway, improving ovarian health and estrous cycles.

Area Of Science

  • Biomedical Science
  • Reproductive Biology
  • Cellular Biology

Background

  • Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder.
  • Ferroptosis, a regulated cell death pathway, is implicated in PCOS pathogenesis.
  • Lycopene (LYC), a potent antioxidant, shows potential in disease treatment.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the therapeutic effects of Lycopene (LYC) on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) in a rat model.
  • To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of LYC action, focusing on ferroptosis inhibition and the AMPK/Nrf2 pathway.

Main Methods

  • A DHEA-induced PCOS rat model was established.
  • Rats were treated with varying doses of Lycopene (LYC).
  • Evaluated estrous cycles, ovarian histopathology, hormone levels (T, E2, LH, FSH), ferroptosis markers (iron, ROS), and AMPK/Nrf2 pathway proteins via ELISA, HE staining, TEM, Prussian blue staining, IHC, and Western blot.

Main Results

  • Lycopene (LYC) dose-dependently ameliorated PCOS symptoms, including improved body weight, ovarian index, and estrous cycle regularity.
  • LYC treatment significantly reduced ovarian histopathological damage and normalized hormone levels.
  • LYC inhibited ferroptosis by decreasing iron deposition and ROS levels in ovarian tissues.
  • LYC activated the AMPK/Nrf2 pathway, which was crucial for its therapeutic effects, as evidenced by inhibition studies.

Conclusions

  • Lycopene (LYC) demonstrates significant therapeutic potential for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
  • LYC ameliorates PCOS by inhibiting ferroptosis and restoring ovarian function.
  • The protective effects of LYC in PCOS are mediated through the activation of the AMPK/Nrf2 signaling pathway.

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