Effect of silymarin on estradiol valerate- induced polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of infertility and endocrinopathy in women due to lack of ovulation. Silymarin has anti-inflammatory properties and is a modulator of the immune system. In this experimental study, the effect of silymarinon PCOS-induced rats was studied. In this experimental study, 144 adult Wistar rats were divided into groups of control, sham, PCOS (S.C. injection of 2mg estradiol valerate/ rat, once) and treated with silymarin. After induction of PCOS during 60 days, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg BW silymarin was injected intraperitoneally for 10 days. Sham and control groups received DMSO and no injection, respectively. All groups were anesthetized and the serum and ovary of groups were collected in order to investigate the histological and serologic changes. Data were tested using ANOVA in Instat software and P <0.05 was considered significant. PCOs induction resulted in elevation of follicular cyst formation, abnormal follicular development and increasing of androgen compared with control rats. Silymarin attenuated ovarian cysts and thickness of theca layer and improved hormonal balance and follicle development in PCOS rats. Silymarin can reduce the histological and hormonal symptoms of PCOS, and has a protective effect on ovary. It seems that this potency is due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of silymarin, which can reduce cyst counts and improve the development of ovarian follicles.