Abstract
Background. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the endocrine diseases of the reproductive system, with a prevalence of 5‒10% in women, and one of its symptoms is an increase in the serum amount of pro-inflammatory adipokines from adipose tissue.
Methods. This study was performed on six groups of 6 female rats, including a sham group, an estradiol valerate experimental group that received a concentration of 2 mg per kg of estradiol valerate, and two trans-anethole experimental groups that received concentrations of 50 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg of trans-anethole. The other groups were two experimental groups of estradiol valerate treated with trans-anethole that received concentrations of 50 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg of trans-anethole 60 days after receiving estradiol valerate. The data were statistically analyzed with a one-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s post hoc test via SPSS.
Results. Increased expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), chemerin, and resistin genes in the visceral fat tissue of rats caused by the intramuscular injection of estradiol valerate was reduced by the intraperitoneal injection of concentrations of 50 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg of trans-anethole (P < 0.05).
Conclusion. Trans-anethole ameliorated the expression of TNF-α, chemerin, and resistin genes in the visceral fat tissue of female rats suffering from PCOS.
Practical Implications. The use of trans-anethole as an extract of anise and fennel may be effective in reducing the inflammatory complications of women with PCOS.