Impact of alcoholic extract from sea cucumber (Holothuria parva ) on letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome in adult female rats

Abstract

Objective: To explore the potential therapeutic impact of an alcoholic extract derived from the sea cucumber (Holothuria parva) on letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adult female Sprague-Dawley rats.

Methods: Sixteen female rats, aged 8 to 10 weeks, with a mean weight of (200±20) g, were randomly assigned to four groups: the control, PCOS, and two treatment groups receiving sea cucumber extract and metformin, respectively. PCOS was induced by administering letrozole at a dose of 1 mg/kg to initiate the treatment period at 60 days of age. The study spanned four weeks, during which ovarian and uterine tissues were collected for histological examination, and blood samples were collected for hormonal levels.

Results: Significant decreases in luteinizing hormone/follicle stimulating hormone (LH/FSH) and testosterone and increases progesterone levels among groups treated with sea cucumber extract were observed. While no significant differences were observed in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone levels, the distinctive variations in key hormones suggested a potential role for sea cucumber alcoholic extract in ameliorating PCOS symptoms.

Conclusions: This research highlights the moderate efficacy of sea cucumber extract as a therapeutic intervention for PCOS, providing a novel perspective in the search for effective remedies. The observed hormonal alterations, particularly in LH, estradiol, and progesterone, underscore the need for further exploration into the underlying mechanisms and for optimizing the application of sea cucumber extract in PCOS management.

Keywords

Polycystic ovary syndrome / Sea cucumber / Letrozole / Metformin / Rats

Conflict of interest statement

Author Amin Tamadon was employed by PerciaVista R&D Co. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Funding

This work was supported by Shiraz University, Vice-Chancellor of Research as a master thesis.

Availability of data and materials

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Authors’ contributions

Samaneh Askari, Mohammad Reza Jafarzadeh Shirazi, and Amin Tamadon conceptualized and designed the study. Samaneh Askari, Masoumeh Ahmadi, Arezoo Khoradmehr, and Farzad Mohammad Rezazadeh were involved in data collection and laboratory work. Mohammad Dadpasand Taromsari and Ali Bustani contributed to the animal management and data acquisition. Nadiar M. Mussin, Asset A. Kaliyev, and Kulyash R. Zhilisbayeva assisted with the experimental design and provided critical insights during the data analysis. Nader Tanideh supervised the histological and pharmacological aspects of the research. Mohammad Reza Jafarzadeh Shirazi and Amin Tamadon oversaw the project and provided guidance throughout. All authors contributed to the drafting and revision of the manuscript and approved the final version for publication.

Publisher’s Note

The Publisher of the Journal remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

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