Role of pomegranate extract in restoring endometrial androgen receptor expression, proliferation, and pinopodes in a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome - 15/08/22

Rôle de l’extrait de pomegranate dans la restauration de l’expression des récepteurs aux androgènes, la proliferation et les pinnopodes dans un modèle de syndrome des ovaires polykystiques chez le rat

Doi : 10.1016/j.morpho.2021.04.004

M.A.A. Ibrahim ^⁎ , M.T. Sadek, H.E.M. Sharaf Eldin
Histology and Cell Biology department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, 31527 Tanta, Egypt

^⁎Corresponding author.

Highlights

•	PCOS is accompanied by various endometrial changes.
•	Pomegranate extract (PE) ameliorated PCOS endometrial changes.
•	PE normalized endometrial Ki67 and AR expression.
•	PE restored mean number of pinopodes.
•	PE might improve the endometrial receptivity.

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Summary

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial hormonal disorder accompanied by impairment of endometrial function and structure. Pomegranate is recognized for its role in normalizing the female sex hormones in PCOS with little known about its effect on the accompanying endometrial histological alterations.

Aim of the work

To assess the possible ameliorative role of pomegranate juice extract (PJE) on endometrial injury in a rat model of PCOS.

Material and methods

Forty adult albino rats were equally divided into 4 groups; control, PJE-treated (400mg/kg/day for 3 weeks), letrozole-treated (PCOS) (1mg/kg/day for 3 weeks), and PJE & PCOS groups. Serum Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, estradiol, and tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) were assayed. Uterine samples were processed for histological staining with hematoxylin & eosin and Masson's trichrome stains, Ki67 and androgen receptor immunohistochemical staining, and scanning electron microscopy.

Results

PCOS group revealed a significant increase in serum FSH, LH, testosterone, estradiol, and tissue MDA. Uterine sections depicted various histological alterations in the endometrium with signs of inflammation. A significant increase in the endometrial collagen fiber content, as well as a significant upregulation in Ki67 and androgen receptor immunohistochemical expression were detected. Scanning electron microscopy showed a significant decrease in the mean number of pinopodes. Concomitant administration of PJE efficiently restored the studied biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical parameters.

Conclusion

PJE ameliorated PCOS accompanying endometrial histological alterations through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, anti-proliferative, and anti-androgenic effects most probably due to its polyphenols content.

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Keywords : PCOS, Pomegranate, Uterus, Ki67, Androgen receptor