The effects of ginger extract on cyclooxygenase-2 gene expression in polycystic ovary syndrome rats

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders, can be associated with problems, such as hyperandrogenism, chronic anovulation and infertility. Ginger and its active components, have powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is the enzyme in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins and operates as an inducible enzyme with a number of inflammatory stimuli like PCOS. In this research, we evaluated the effects of ginger extract on ovarian COX-2 gene expression and reproductive improvement in PCOS rats.

After induction of PCOS (by Estradiol Valerate injection), the rats divided into, control, PCOS control, PCOS treated with ginger extract (150 and 300 mg/kg) groups. At the end of treatment period, biochemical factors were measured by ELISA kits and histological assessment was done. Then RNA isolation and cDNA synthesis of ovarian tissues was performed. The data were analized by one way ANOVA ,followed by Tucky test and gene expression data were evaluated by using ΔΔCT method. Statistical significance level was set at P<0.05.

Administration of ginger extract to PCOS treated groups, led to improved gonadotropin, sex steroids and ovarian functioning. In addition, treatment of the PCOS group with 300 mg/kg of ginger extract caused to reduce COX-2 gene expression significantly (P<0.01).

Ginger extract can act as a natural anti-inflammatory agent, and can use as a replacement of conventional synthetic anti-inflammatory drugs, in the chronic inflammatory conditions like PCOS.