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Anti-inflammatory Effects of Astragalus Hamosus Extract Stabilized in a Chitosan/Alginate Hydrogel in a Rat Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
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M Hajyhosseinloo    , M Parvini Kohneh Shahri , Z Ghazi Tabatabaei |
| Department of Biology, Ur.C., Islamic Azad University, Urmia, Iran, , parvini29@iau.ac.ir |
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Abstract: (6 Views) |
Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), one of the most common endocrine disorders in women of reproductive age, is characterized by infertility, menstrual irregularities, hyperandrogenism, and the presence of ovarian cysts. Elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6 have been reported in PCOS patients. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of Astragalus hamosus extract stabilized in a chitosan/alginate hydrogel on the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 genes in a rat model of PCOS. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 25 adult female Wistar rats were randomly allocated into five groups: healthy control, PCOS control, and three treatment groups. PCOS was induced by a single intramuscular injection of estradiol valerate (4 mg/kg). After 60 days, the treatment groups received oral administration of Astragalus hamosus extract stabilized in chitosan/alginate hydrogel at doses of 5, 10, and 15 mg/kg for four weeks. The relative expression of TNF-α and IL-6 genes in ovarian tissue was measured using qRT-PCR. Results: Treatment with Astragalus hamosus extract stabilized in chitosan/alginate hydrogel reduced the number of cystic follicles and increased the number of corpora lutea, indicating improved ovarian morphology. Furthermore, a significant downregulation of TNF-α and IL-6 gene expression was observed in all treated groups compared to the PCOS group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusion: The findings suggest that the protective effects of Astragalus hamosus extract stabilized in chitosan/alginate hydrogel in PCOS may be attributed, at least in part, to its anti-inflammatory activity through suppression of inflammatory gene expression. |
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| Keywords: TNF-α, IL-6, Ovarian morphology, Astragalus hamosus extract, Chitosan/Alginate hydrogel, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Animal model |
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Full-Text [PDF 1690 kb]
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Type of Study: Original |
Subject:
General
Received: 2025/06/10 | Accepted: 2025/08/20 | Published: 2025/03/30
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