Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a) and interleukin (IL)-6, are prominent mediators of inflammation and have been confirmed to be elevated in at least a subgroup of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In this study, the effects of Silymarin (SLM) on the expression TNF-a, IL-6, CRP and symptoms of PCOS were studied. In this research, PCOS was induced by injection of Estradiol Valerate. PCOS rats were divided into control and experimental groups received intraperitoneal injection SLM extract daily. After syndrome induction, ovaries were collected for histological and immunohistochemical evaluations. Serum IL-6 was detected by the ELISA kit. The results indicated the significant reduction in inflammatory markers and significant changes follicular layers thickness in the treatment group as compared with control. It can be concluded that having anti-inflammatory substances, Silymarin is effective in symptoms of this syndrome and metabolic syndrome.

El factor de necrosis tumoral alfa (TNF-a) y la interleucina (IL) -6 son mediadores prominentes de la inflamación y se ha confirmado que están elevados en al menos un subgrupo de mujeres con síndrome de ovario poliquístico (SOP). En este estudio se estudiaron los efectos de Silymarin (SLM) en la expresión TNF-a, IL-6, PCR y síntomas de SOP. El SOP fue inducido por inyección de valerato de estradiol. Las ratas SOP se dividieron en grupos control y los grupos experimentales recibieron diariamente un extracto de SLM por inyección intraperitoneal. Después de la inducción del síndrome, los ovarios se analizaron mediante histología e inmunohistoquímica. Se detectó IL-6 en suero mediante el kit ELISA. Los resultados indicaron una reducción significativa en los marcadores inflamatorios y cambios significativos en el espesor de las capas foliculares en el grupo de tratamiento en comparación con el control. Se puede concluir que con sustancias anti-inflamatorias, Silymarin es eficaz en los síntomas de este síndrome y el síndrome metabólico.

Background : Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a low-grade inflammatory disease characterized by hyperandrogenemia, hirsutism, chronic anovulation and vascular disorder. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are triggered by inflammatory stimuli and lead to angiogenesis and pathogenesis of the ovary. Honeybee venom (HBV) contains an array of biologically active components possessing various pharmaceutical properties. This study was designed to assess the possibility of HBV application as an anti-inflammatory therapeutic agent to suppress levels of the main inflammatory mediators IL-6, COX-2 and VEGF. To induce PCOS, 1 mg of estradiol valerate (EV) per 100 g of body weight was subcutaneously (SC) injected into eight-week-old rats. After 60 days, 0.5 mg/kg of HBV was administered Intraperitoneal (IP) for 14 consecutive days, and the results of PCOS treatment were investigated. Rats were then anesthetized with CO2, and the ovaries were surgically removed. Serum IL-6 was detected by the ELISA kit. Immunoexpression of COX-2 and VEGF were examined in three groups: EV-induced PCOS, HBV-treated PCOS and control animals. Results : Thickness of theca layer, number and diameter of cysts and levels of IL-6 significantly decreased in HBV group relative to PCOS group. The immunohistochemical analysis showed an increase in COX-2 and VEGF expression in PCOS group whereas HBV-treated rats presented weak and irregular immunostaining. Conclusions : Our results suggest that the beneficial effect of HBV may be mediated through its inhibitory effect on serum IL-6 level and ovarian COX-2 and VEGF expression.