Effect of beta-glucan on oxidative stress, inflammation, hormonal and histopathological changes in dehydroepiandrosterone-induced polycystic ovary syndrome

A class of dietary fibers and biologically active polysaccharides from natural sources, beta-glucans (βTGs) have bioactive capabilities. The anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, prebiotic, anti-obesity, anti-allergic, anti-microbial, antiviral, anti-osteoporotic, and immunomodulating effects of βTGs are well documented. Although many biological activities of βTG have been proven, its mechanism in DHEA-induced PCOS has not been investigated. We aimed to investigate the protective effects of βTG treatment on PCOS and its capacity to reverse PCOS-induced changes. Female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into four groups at random (n = 8): control, PCOS, PCOS + βTG, and βTG groups. Biochemical markers linked to oxidative stress, antioxidant state, inflammation, cytokines, and hormone levels were assessed. Analyses using immunohistochemistry and histopathology were also carried out. Membrane array analysis detected growth factors, cytokine, and chemokine protein profiles. βTG did not cause any change in body, uterus, and ovarian weights in rats. βTG normalized the deviations in the oestrus cycle caused by PCOS. It was observed that βTG had a positive effect on the reproductive system. βTG can reduce the inflammatory response in PCOS rats by decreasing inflammatory cytokines. Oxidative stress was significantly reduced, whereas antioxidant enzyme activities were significantly elevated in the βTG group. βTG also prevented histopathological alterations. βTG induced the expression of some essential proteins, including bNGF, TIMP-1, Agrin, CINC-1, BDNF, and FGF-2 (bFGF). The results of this study showed that treatment with βTG protects against oxidative stress, inflammation, hormone imbalance, and histopathological damage in ovarian tissue caused by PCOS.