Chitosan/Alginate-loaded Astragalus hamosus shows ameliorating effects on lipid profile, inflammatory and hormonal parameters, and reduces miRNA-222 expression in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Rats

Abstract

Abstract Objective This study aimed to investigate the effects of Chitosan/Alginate-loaded Astragalus hamosus extract (AH) on the expression of miRNA-222 and ESR1 genes, pro-inflammatory cytokines, lipid profiles, and sex hormone levels in rats with PCOS-induced by estradiol valerate (EV). Methods 25 female Wistar rats, with an average weight of 180 g, were divided into control and PCOS groups. The PCOS model was induced by a single intramuscular injection of EV (4 mg/kg). After 28 days of PCOS induction, the rats were orally administered Chitosan/Alginate-loaded AH at doses of 5, 10, and 15 mg/kg. Following four weeks of treatment, histological and biochemical parameters, pro-inflammatory cytokines, body weight, and the expression of miRNA-222 and ESR1 genes were evaluated. Results EV-induced PCOS rats exhibited a significant increase in body weight, abnormal lipid profiles, elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, altered sex hormone levels, upregulation of miRNA-222 expression, and downregulation of ESR1 gene expression. The administration of Chitosan/Alginate-loaded AH (Chn/Al-AH) demonstrated ameliorative effects on the PCOS rats, restoring both endocrine and metabolic abnormalities to normal levels and attenuating complications in EV-induced PCOS rats. Notably, it significantly reduced miRNA-222 expression and promoted follicular development at various stages while reducing cystic follicles and increasing corpus luteum formation. Conclusions Chn/Al-AH was found to have beneficial effects in attenuating and improving certain complications in the PCOS rat models.