Effect of bee venom on IL-6, COX-2 and VEGF levels in
polycystic ovarian syndrome induced in Wistar rats by estradiol valerate
Background
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a low-grade
inflammatory disease characterized by hyperandrogenemia, hirsutism, chronic
anovulation and vascular disorder. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), cyclooxygenase-2
(COX-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are triggered by
inflammatory stimuli and lead to angiogenesis and pathogenesis of the ovary.
Honeybee venom (HBV) contains an array of biologically active components
possessing various pharmaceutical properties. This study was designed to assess
the possibility of HBV application as an anti-inflammatory therapeutic agent to
suppress levels of the main inflammatory mediators IL-6, COX-2 and VEGF.
To induce PCOS, 1 mg of estradiol valerate (EV) per 100 g of
body weight was subcutaneously (SC) injected into eight-week-old rats. After 60
days, 0.5 mg/kg of HBV was administered Intraperitoneal (IP) for 14 consecutive
days, and the results of PCOS treatment were investigated. Rats were then
anesthetized with CO2, and the ovaries were surgically removed. Serum IL-6 was
detected by the ELISA kit. Immunoexpression of COX-2 and VEGF were examined in
three groups: EV-induced PCOS, HBV-treated PCOS and control animals.
Results
Thickness of theca layer, number and diameter of cysts and
levels of IL-6 significantly decreased in HBV group relative to PCOS group. The
immunohistochemical analysis showed an increase in COX-2 and VEGF expression in
PCOS group whereas HBV-treated rats presented weak and irregular
immunostaining.
Conclusions
Our results suggest that the beneficial effect of HBV may be
mediated through its inhibitory effect on serum IL-6 level and ovarian COX-2
and VEGF expression.
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