Effect of Acupuncture on Ovary Morphology and Function in DHEA-Induced Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Model Rats

Objective To investigate the effects of acupuncture on ovary morphology and function in dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) model rats. Methods A total of 40 adult female Wistar rats were randomly allocated to 4 groups by a random number table, including control, model, metformin and acupuncture groups, 10 rats in each group. PCOS rat model was developed by injecting with DHEA (6 mg/100 g body weight) in 0.2 mL of oil subcutaneously. Electrical stimulation (2 Hz, 3 mA) was applied to Guanyuan (CV 4), Zigong (EX-CA1) and Qihai (CV 6) acupoints for 30 min daily in the acupuncture group, and metformin (200 mg/kg) was given to rats in the metformin group, both once per day for 21 consecutive days, and rats in the normal group was fed with normal saline and fed regularly. After 21 days of administration, the rat blood samples were collected for detecting the reproductive hormonal levels [luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E 2 ), progesterone (P), testosterone (T)] and inflammatory factors (visfatin, IL-6) analysis. Ovary tissue was used for histopathological analysis. Results Compared with the model group, rats in the acupuncture and metformin groups were significantly lower in weight gain, FSH, LH and T levels, and E 2 and P levels significantly increased (alll P <0.05). Meanwhile, LH and FSH levels were significantly decreased, and P, T and E 2 levels significantly increased in the acupuncture group, compared with the metformin group ( P <0.05). Compared with the model group, IL-6 and visfatin levels were significantly decreased in the acupuncture and metformin groups ( P <0.05). There were no significant differences in IL-6 and visfatin levels between the acupuncture and metformin groups ( P >0.05). Ovarian diameter in the acupuncture and metformin groups were smaller than the model group ( P <0.05). However, there were no significant differences in ovarian diameters between the acupuncture and metformin groups ( P >0.05). Conclusion Acupuncture might improve ovary morphology and its function in DHEA-induced PCOS model rats.