The Effect of Metformin and Aqueous Extract Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel) on Endometrial Histomorphometry and the Level of Steroid Hormones in Rats with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders, which is seen in 5-10% of women in the reproductive age. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of metformin and fennel on uterine tissue and serum concentrations of estrogen and progesterone hormones in PCOS rats. In the present study, a total of 40 female rats were divided into five groups of 8 animals each: 1) Control group (C) that received normal food and water, 2) PCOS group (P), in which PCOS was induced by intramuscular injection of estradiol valerate (4mg/kg.bw), 3) PCOS+fennel 1 group (P+F1) that was treated with fennel (150mg/kg.bw) after induction of PCOS, 4) PCOS+fennel 2 group (P+F2) that were treated with fennel (100mg/kg.bw) after induction of PCOS, and 5) PCOS+metformin group (P+M) that were treated with metformin (100mg/kg.bw). At the end of the 63-day treatment period, blood samples for biochemichal analysis and uterine tissue for histological studies were taken from all rats. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc tests. The findings of this study showed that fennel causes decrease in serum estrogen hormone and thickness of uterine epithelial tissue in PCOS rats and increases serum progesterone hormone and uterine endometrial thickness (p≤0/05). According to the results of this study, fennel could have protective effects on uterine tissue in PCOS rats.