Bee venom treatment reduced C-reactive protein and improved follicle quality in a rat model of estradiol valerate-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome

Karimzadeh L (1), Nabiuni M (1), Sheikholeslami A (1), Irian S (1)

(1) Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a low grade inflammatory disease characterized by hyperandrogenemia and chronic anovulation. C-reactive protein (CRP), released by adipocytes, plays a key role in PCOS. Apis mellifera honeybee venom (HBV) contains a variety of biologically active components with various pharmaceutical properties. This study was designed to assess the possibility of HBV application as an anti-inflammatory therapeutic agent. To induce PCOS, 1 mg/100 g body weight estradiol valerate (EV) was subcutaneously (SC) injected into eight-week-old rats. After 60 days, 0.5 mg/kg HBV was administered SC for 14 consecutive days, and the results of PCOS treatment were investigated. Rats were then anesthetized with chloroform, and their ovaries and livers were surgically removed to determine histomorphometrical changes. Testosterone and 17-β-estradiol were detected by chemiluminescence immunoassay. In order to detect serum CRP, ELISA kit was used in three groups of EV-induced PCOS, HBV-treated PCOS and control animals. Thickness of the theca layer, number of cysts and the level of serum CRP significantly decreased in HBV group in comparison with PCOS group. Moreover, corpus luteum, as a sign of ovulation, was observed in HBV-treated ovaries which were absent in PCOS group. Our results suggest that the beneficial effect of HBV may be mediated through its inhibitory effect on serum CRP levels.

Key words: polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), honeybee venom (HBV), C-reactive protein (CRP), estradiol valerate (EV), corpus luteum, chemiluminescence immunoassay.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors are grateful to Kharazmi University for providing the necessary materials.

COPYRIGHT

© CEVAP 2012

SUBMISSION STATUS

Received: May 21, 2012.

Accepted: August 15, 2012.

Abstract published online: September 3, 2012.

Full paper published online: November 30, 2012.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

FINANCIAL SOURCE

Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran, provided the required materials for the present study.

CORRESPONDENCE TO

Mohammad Nabiuni, School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Kharazmi University (Tarbiat Moallem University), Karaj, Iran, Postal Code: 31979-37551. Phone: +98 9126609337. Email: devbiokharazmi@gmail.com.