Effect of quercetin on biochemical parameters in letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome in rats

Purpose: To investigate the effect of quercetin, a natural flavonoid, on biochemical parameters in letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in rats Methods: Oral glucose test was performed with the aid of a glucometer. Estradiol, testosterone and steroidogenic enzyme activities were determined using standard protocols. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities were determined by standard methods. Histological analysis was carried out with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Results: Quercetin exerted protective effects against PCOS in the rat model by enhancing the levels of antioxidant enzymes, viz, CAT, SOD and GPX. Quercetin also prevented weight gain, and caused significant decline in serum glucose levels in PCOS rats. Furthermore, quercetin normalised estradiol and testosterone levels, as well t steroidogenic enzyme activities, but blocked letrozole-induced abnormalities in PCOS. It also exerted protective effects on the anatomy of the ovaries. Conclusion: These results indicate that quercetin exerts protective effects on letrozole-induced PCOS in rats. Thus, quercetin may be an important lead molecule for the treatment of PCOS.