Protective Effect of Apigenin on Ovarian Follicles in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome-Induced Rats

Background and objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders that affect fertility. In this syndrome, the rate of fibrotic tissue formation and structures such as collagen increases. This study intended to evaluate protective effect of apigenin on ovarian follicles in PCOS-induced female Wistar rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 60 adult Wistar rats (weight: 200-250 g) were used. A vaginal test was performed to confirm induction of PCOS. Then, the rats were randomly divided into four groups: 1) control, 2) PCOS, 3) PCOS+apigenin (10 mg/kg), and 4) PCOS+apigenin (20 mg/kg). The rats in the experimental groups received apigenin solution via intrapertoneal injection for 14 days. Next, the ovarian tissue of animals was removed and subjected to histological studies. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey s post hoc test. Statistical analysis of data was carried out in SPSS (version 20), and significance level was set to 0.05. Results: The number of secondary cystic follicles in groups treated with apigenin (10 and 20 mg/kg) decreased significantly compared to the PCOS group (group2) (P≤0.05). Despite the reduction in the number of follicles, this reduction for the primary follicles was not statistically significant. Moreover, treatment with apigenin had no significant effect on the number of graph follicles (p≥0.05). Conclusion: Our findings indicate that apigenin might be useful in controlling PCOS. Therefore, it may be suggested as a supplement to improve fertility of patients with PCOS.