BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on rats with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Rats with PCOS were intraperitoneally injected with different doses of EPA. Levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone (T) were measured using corresponding kits. HE staining was used to observe lesions in ovarian tissue. Levels of inflammatory factors in ovarian tissue of rats were detected by ELISA. RT-PCR was to detect the expression of SREBP1 mRNA and Western blot was used to detect the expression of SREBP1 and TLR4 protein.

RESULTS: The levels of LH and T were significantly higher and FDH was significantly lower in the Model group compared with the Control group. EPA treatment increased the number of follicular cell layers and promoted maturation of oocytes. Levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-18 were significantly reduced after EPA treatment. Content of IL-10 was significantly increased after EPA treatment. Expression levels of SREBP1 and TLR4 were significantly deceased after EPA treatment.

CONCLUSIONS: EPA can improve PCOS through the SREBP1/TLR4 pathway.

Keywords: Adrenal Cortex Hormones, eicosapentaenoic acid