Effect of Crocin on Letrozole-Induced Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Abstract Background: Letrozole (LET), a non steroidal aromatase inhibitor. Produce an animal model to study Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Clomiphene Citrate (CC), first-line in treatment of PCOS. Crocin is a carotenoid used as traditional medicine to treat many diseases. Aim of Study: Study effect of crocin on letrozole-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome. Material and Methods: Forty local strainfemale rats were used in this study; these animals were divided into four main groups (ten rats each). Group I: Normal group. Group II (Letrozole-induced PCOS group): These ani-malswere adminstred LET once daily in a dose of 1mg/kg for 21 consecutive days by oral gavage. Group III; Crocin-treated group: Received LET as group II, then crocin 50mg/Kg once daily by intraperitoneal injection for 6 weeks. Group IV (CC treated group): Received LET as in group II, then CC 1mg/kg once daily by oral gavage for 6 weeks. Blood samples were collected by cardiac puncturefor analysis ofserumtestosterone. FSH, LH, estradiol, glucose, insulin and total cholesterol. HOM-IR where calculated. Ovaries were be dissected out. One ovary from one animal of each group was preserved in 10% formalin for histopathological study. Results: Letrozole treatment resulted in, increase in serum testesterone, FSH, LH, glucose, insulin, cholesterol levels and also, decrease in serum estradiol level. However, after injection of crocin, all parameters studied returned back to nearly normal levels as in control group there were no changes between crocin treated or CC treated groups. These results were confirmed by histopathological examination. Conclusion: These findings highlighted the important role played by crocin in treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome.