Modified Guishen Pill Ameliorates Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Rats Through Anti-inflammation and Modulating Gut Microbiota

Abstract

Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine and metabolic disorder often accompanied by chronic low-grade inflammation. Western medicine often causes negative side effects, such as premature ovarian failure. Therefore, this study evaluates the efficacy of modified Guishen pill (MGP) in ameliorating letrozole-induced PCOS in rats. Methods Six-week-old specific-pathogen free (SPF) female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a blank group (Blank), model group (Model), positive group (Diane-35, 0.2 mg/kg BW), high dose MGP group (H.MGP, 23.96 g/kg BW), medium dose MGP group (M.MGP, 11.98 g/kg BW), and low dose MGP group (L.MGP, 5.99 g/kg BW). After 4 weeks of treatment, plasma, ovaries, and fecal samples were collected from the rats for analysis. Results MGP treatment improved ovarian function by improving estrous cycle, ovarian morphology, and endocrine functions in letrozole-induced PCOS rats. MGP alleviated inflammation by reducing macrophage infiltration and inhibiting the activation of NF-κB and MAPK pathways in the ovaries of letrozole-induced PCOS rats. 16S rDNA sequencing of the intestinal microbiome indicated that MGP regulated gut microbiota structure and restored gut microbiota dysbiosis. MGP significantly increased the relative abundance of bifidobacteria at the order, family, and genus levels. Moreover, correlation analysis showed that gut microbiota were correlated with the host phenotype of letrozole-induced PCOS rats. Conclusion MGP treatment could ameliorate letrozole-induced PCOS by improving ovarian function, reducing inflammation, and regulating the gut microbiota.