P–589 The effects of vanillic acid on production of testosterone and function of insulin in adipose and ovarian tissues in rat model of polycyctic ovary syndrome

Abstract Study question What is the possible therapeutic effects of vanillic acid (VA) on the treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)? Summary answer Vanillic acid successfully alleviated metabolic and endocrine abnormalities in adipose and ovarian tissues in a rat model of PCOS. What is known already Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), as a common endocrine disorder, is accompanied by hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, ovulation problems, and infertility. In this study, the effects of vanillic acid (VA) on metabolic and endocrine abnormalities were evaluated in the adipose and ovarian tissues of a letrozole-induced rat model of PCOS. Study design, size, duration In this study, a letrozole-induced rat model was established and then the experimental groups were treated by VA and MET through oral gavage for one month. Before and after the treatment with drugs, the vaginal smear was carried out . Ovarian and adipose tissues were collected and frozen at − 80 for further analysis following euthanasia of the rats. Participants/materials, setting, methods Thirty Six -week- old Wistar rats were divided into four groups (six rats per each group). Twenty-four rats were received letrozole for five weeks. Then, two experimental groups were treated by metformin (MET), and VA . Serum lipid profile, fasting glucose levels, and hormonal assays were done by corresponding commercial kits. The phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was detected by western blotting and the expression of studied genes were measured by Real-time PCR. Main results and the role of chance Our results showed that both VA and MET successfully reversed the abnormal estrous cycles of PCOS rats and reduced the serum testosterone levels and Steroid 17-alpha-hydroxylase/17,20 lyase (CYP17A1) gene expression. Furthermore, they improved Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and decreased the serum glucose and triglyceride levels, and gene expression of resisitin. The phosphorylation of AMPK was significantly decreased in adipose and ovarian tissues in PCOS group and both therapeutic factors successfully activated the AMPK in these tissues. However, VA had not such a significant effect in adipose tissue. Limitations, reasons for caution The main limitation of the current study was its design as a rat model, which may have limitation in the translation of knowledge to the clinics. Wider implications of the findings: In summary, to the best of our knowledge, this