Both Matricaria chamomilla and Metformin Extract Improved the Function and Histological Structure of Thyroid Gland in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Rats through Antioxidant Mechanism

Abstract

There is increasing proof that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with the increased frequency of thyroid disturbances. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) herb and metformin showed therapeutic efficacy against polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study aimed to investigate the possible therapeutic effect of both chamomile flower extract and metformin against thyroid damage associated with PCOS in rats. The PCOS model was developed in rats by injecting estradiol valerate, and it was confirmed to be associated with thyroid hypofunction biochemically and pathologically. Treatment of PCOS rats with both chamomile extract and metformin resulted in an improvement in serum level of thyroid hormones (TSH, p < 0.01; T3 and T4, p < 0.05) and the disappearance of most thyroid gland pathological changes demonstrated by light and electron microscopes. They also reduced the level of serum estrogen (p < 0.01). Both chamomile extract and metformin decreased MDA (p < 0.05) and increased GPx and CAT (p < 0.01). Only chamomile extract increased GSH (p < 0.01). Both treatments reduced the apoptotic death of thyroid cells as noted by the reduction of caspase-3 immunoexpression (p < 0.01). In conclusion, both Matricaria chamomilla extract and metformin ameliorated hypothyroidism associated with PCOS through an antioxidant and antiapoptotic mechanism.

Chamomile flower extract ameliorates biochemical and histological kidney dysfunction associated with polycystic ovary syndrome

“…Previous studies have suggested that HT could impact renal tissue, circulation, glomerular filtration rate, and tubular function in addition to water and salt reabsorption ( Kimmel et al, 2012 , Lippi et al, 2008 ). According to our recently published articles, the EV-PCOS model was associated with hypothyroid disease in rats ( Alahmadi et al, 2020 , Alzahrani et al, 2019 ). Therefore, HT may result in renal injury associated with PCOS.…”

“…PCOS was generated by injecting 2 doses of EV (0.2 mg × 2) 6 weeks apart. This design was formally documented by Farideh et al (2010) and clearly described in a previous study performed to produce PCOS associated with hypothyroidism ( Alahmadi et al, 2020 , Alzahrani et al, 2019 ). Rats treated with chamomile flower extract received 75 mg/kg/day, and rats treated with Met received 500 mg/kg/day.…”

“…Rats treated with chamomile flower extract received 75 mg/kg/day, and rats treated with Met received 500 mg/kg/day. Treatments were given daily and continued for one month after induction of PCOS ( Alahmadi et al, 2020 ) ( Fig. 1 ).…”

“…Hypothyroidism (HT) is a medical condition identified by thyroid hormone depletion that leads to impaired metabolism ( Nagarajappa et al, 2014 ). Our research group recently reported an association of HT with PCOS in rats ( Alahmadi et al, 2020 , Alzahrani et al, 2019 ). HT involves multiple biochemical irregularities, including elevated serum creatinine and uric acid concentrations ( Khan and Majumder, 2013 , Mohamedali et al, 2014 ).…”

“…Matricaria chamomilla L. (family Asteraceae), commonly known as chamomile is among the most popular herbal medicines in Southern and Eastern Europe ( Singh et al, 2011 ). The extract of chamomile flowers has been reported to ameliorate ovarian histological alteration in rats with PCOS and to improve thyroid function ( Alahmadi et al, 2020 , Farideh et al, 2010 ). This study aimed to investigate the renal dysfunction that might be associated with PCOS in rat and to examine the potential protective effect of chamomile against PCOS associated kidney damage in rats.…”