Magnolia Officinalis extract modulates protein expression in insulin resistant DHEA-induced PCOS rats

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common metabolic and endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age. There is a growing recognition of the importance of PCOS as a significant health issue, and continued research efforts are critical for improving treatment. Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are synthetic PPARγ agonist that demonstrate positive effects on PCOS, however they exhibit fatal side effects. Magnolia Officinalis extract (MOE) is a natural PPARγ agonist that has been proven to be an insulin sensitizer in various experimental models. Using DHEA subcutaneous injections for 28 days to induce PCOS in Sprague-Dawley female rats, followed by 28 days of oral treatment with MOE we aim to study the effect of MOE on liver, skeletal muscle and adipose tissue proteins of DHEA-induced PCOS rats. MOE showed to decrease body weight compared to DHEA group and to enhance the hormonal disturbance by lowering LH and testosterone levels and consequently reduce ovarian cysts. MOE also showed a promising effect on PCOS metabolic complication by improving glucose and insulin levels. On the tissue level, MOE ameliorated liver function by enhancing PPARγ, AMPK, CEACAM1 levels and by decreasing SREBP1 levels. The skeletal muscle of the MOE treated group showed a decreased MTSN level, an increased PGC1α and IRS1 levels which are all consistent with improved characteristics of PCOS. In adipocytes, the expression of AKR1C3 was upregulated in the MOE treated group compared to the DHEA group. In conclusion, our purposed natural agent MOE restored some reproductive and metabolic phenotypes of PCOS, and elucidated the cross involvement of various organs and pathways in the pathophysiology of PCOS and IR.