Insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism are the main features of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Low-grade inflammation is also involved in PCOS. This study was performed to evaluate the effect of exenatide on metabolic changes, sexual hormones, inflammatory cytokines, adipokines, and weight changes in a dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-treated rat model. After the model was produced by daily subcutaneous injections of DHEA, rats were given metformin (265 mg/kg), exenatide (10 μg/kg), and saline (1 mL). One group served as a control group. Blood samples and ovarian tissues were removed and prepared for biochemical and hormonal analyses. Exenatide significantly reduced body weight and insulin, testosterone, interleukin 6 (IL-6), PEDF, and visfatin levels. Exenatide also ameliorated changes in ovarian morphology, as evidenced by decreased numbers of cystic follicles and various follicles and elevated numbers of granular cell layers. The effects observed with exenatide were comparable to those observed with metformin. This study has provided evidence that exenatide may be efficient in the treatment of PCOS.
Keywords: dehydroepiandrosterone; exenatide; low-grade inflammation; metformin; polycystic ovarian syndrome; rats.
© The Author(s) 2016.