The Role of Lactobacillus rhamnosus as a Probiotic in Managing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Female Rats: An Experimental Study

Sahib, Farah Jalal; Al-Sabbagh, Juman K; Hassan, Mayada Sahib

doi:10.21608/mb.2025.386313.1320

The Role of Lactobacillus rhamnosus as a Probiotic in Managing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Female Rats: An Experimental Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

University of Kerbala University of Kerbala

10.21608/mb.2025.386313.1320

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a predominant endocrine disorder categorized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation, has been increasingly associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis. This experimental study investigated the therapeutic potential of Lactobacillus rhamnosus probiotics in a letrozole-induced PCOS rat model, focusing on oxidative stress parameters, hormonal regulation, inflammatory mediators, and histopathological changes. Twenty-four female rats were allocated into three groups: negative control, letrozole-induced PCOS (positive control), and probiotic-treated PCOS. Following 8 weeks of intervention, biochemical analyses demonstrated that probiotic supplementation significantly improved oxidative stress markers, increasing SOD (173.5±2.34 to 289.8±6.41, p<0.001) and GSH (64.15±3.40 to 140.9±3.46, p<0.0001), while MDA levels remained unchanged (p=0.064). Hormonal regulation was enhanced, with LH decreasing (9.94±0.52 to 5.20±0.52, p=0.001), testosterone reduced (29.51±1.07 to 21.75±0.72, p<0.001), and FSH restored (3.52±0.45 to 7.55±0.58, p=0.001), supporting follicular development. Insulin levels dropped significantly (20.66±0.95 to 5.44±0.68, p=0.0001), indicating improved insulin sensitivity. Inflammatory cytokines were notably decreased, with IL-6 (169.6±1.48 to 142.01±2.97, p=0.001) and IL-18 (46.62±1.30 to 40.02±0.85, p≤0.001), showing reduced systemic inflammation. Histopathological analysis confirmed ovarian structure restoration and improved liver morphology. Histopathological examination showed remarkable ovarian architecture restoration with increased corpora lutea and decreased follicular cysts, alongside amelioration of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. These findings substantiate that L. rhamnosus probiotic intervention effectively mitigates PCOS manifestations through multi-modal mechanisms, including oxidative stress reduction, hormonal balance restoration, inflammation suppression, and tissue pathology improvement, positioning it as a promising adjunctive therapy for PCOS management.

Keywords