Abstract 

Insulin resistance (IR) and infertility are two major complications of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which are the results of changes in certain parts of the reproductive and metabolic systems. We aimed to observe the effect of quercetin on dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-induced PCOS and insulin resistance in rats. All animals were divided into five groups and DHEA was used to induce PCOS. Bodyweight and ovarian morphology of all groups were observed. Fasting blood glucose and insulin levels were analysed. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) method was used for IR level determination. The expression of oestrogen receptor a (ERa) and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) genesin the uterus was examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Liver hexokinase (HK) and glucokinase (GK) activity was determined using spectrophotometry. Quercetin significantly improved the IR state in PCOS rats. PCOS resulted in a decrease in liver GK and an increase in liver HK specific activity, whereas quercetin increased both liver HK and GK activity. Our data also showed a significant reduction in uterine ERa and GLUT4 expression in the PCOS group, which was increased by quercetin. A remarkable effect of quercetin was the intensive reduction of PCOS-IR and significant induction of uterine GLUT4 and ERa gene expression; it could thus be a possible effective treatment for PCOS and its complications, IR and infertility.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our data suggest that quercetin has a strengthening protective effect in PCOS and the results represent an actual success in PCOS therapy in both diabetes prevention and increasing fertility. A remarkable advantage of quercetin usage was the sharp reduction in IR and induction of GLUT4 and ERa expression, which was evident in gene studies, as well as the increase of folliculogenesis in the ovaries. Our results also showed a decrease in liver GK activity and an increase in HK activity. The ameliorative effect of quercetin improved the specific activity of these liver enzymes.