Therapeutic Effects of Phytoestrogen Naringenin in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Involvement of Kisspeptin and Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide Signalling Pathways

Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder and a major cause of infertility in women. Although studies have reported the effects of naringenin on PCOS; the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of naringenin on the expression of kisspeptin (Kiss1) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (Cgrp) genes in a rat model of PCOS. Methods Twenty female rats (180-200 g) were used in this study. To PCOS induction, two mg of estradiol valerate was injected intramuscularly (IM) per rat. The control and PCOS groups received saline, while the other two groups were treated intraperitoneally with naringenin at either 20 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg, respectively. Subsequently, hypothalamic tissue was collected, and gene expression levels were analyzed using real-time PCR. Results The expression Kiss1 and Cgrp genes increased significantly in the PCOS group contrasted to the control (p≤ 0/05). In the groups treated with naringenin, the levels of Kiss1 and Cgrp gene expression reduced significantly compared to the PCOS group (p≤ 0/05). Conclusions Naringenin may ameliorate PCOS by downregulating hypothalamic Kiss1 and Cgrp gene expression in rats. These results suggest a novel mechanism of naringenin's action and highlight its potential for clinical application.