Comparative effects of the antioxidant glutathione with metformin and Diane-35 on hormonal, metabolic, and inflammatory indicators in a DHEA-induced PCOS rat model.

Comparison of hormonal, metabolic and inflammatory markers of glutathione with metformin and Diane-35 in a rat model of PCOS induced by dehydroepiandrosterone. Twenty-five female rats were randomized into four groups. Group 1 was administered a subcutaneous dose of 0.2 ml saline/day. Group 2 was given 0.2 ml of 1% carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)/day orally for 28 days. A PCOS model was established with DHEA in rats. Group 3 was given 4.5 mg/kg/day of Diane-35 orally dissolved in 1% CMC for 28 days. Group 4 was given 300 mg/kg/day of metformin orally dissolved in 1 ml of saline for 28 days, and Group 5 was administered 100 mg/kg of glutathione intraperitoneally on days 35, 42, and 49. On day 56, the rats were sacrificed. Serum markers and follicle count were examined. Serum IL-6, hs-CRP, insulin, testosterone, SHBG, and MDA values were significantly lower in the glutathione group than in the PCOS group ( Glutathione plays anti-inflammatory and antioxidant roles, similar to metformin, by lowering serum IL-6, insulin, testosterone, CRP, and MDA levels; decreasing atretic/cystic follicle count; and improving antral follicle count and folliculogenesis in PCOS patients.