Evaluation of Oxidative Changes in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Rats with Hypothyroidism Induced by Propylthiouracil

More than 186 million people suffer to infertility worldwide. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of chronic anovulation and infertility. PCOS is known as an endocrine disorder in women of marriageable age and is associated with metabolic disorders and dysfunction of the reproductive system. There is also a clear link between fertility and hypothyroidism, which is often associated with ovulation disorders. In recent years, an increasing zest has been witnessed in conducting more research into PCOS and hypothyroidism. So, recognizing the relationship between these two diseases can help for a better understanding of infertility.

In line with such calls for more research, the present study is aimed at investigating the levels of oxidants and antioxidants in the blood of rats with PCOS induced by estradiol valerate (2 mg/kg of body weight) for 60 days and then received oral propylthiouracil in different doses (1,2 and 4 mg/kg of body weight) to induce hypothyroidism.

Results showed an increase in catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and nitric oxide (NO) in PCOS rats. The results also indicated a significant increase in NO (P<0.05) and a significant decrease in SOD and CAT (P<0.05) after hypothyroidism in rats with PCOS. That is, as the severity of the disease increased, these indicators also showed significant alterations.

Hence, hypothyroidism following PCOS exacerbates oxidant and antioxidant imbalances in the body, which can eventually result in tissue damage.