Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of Gundelia tournefortii Aqueous Extract on the Liver and Kidney of PCOS Mice.

Background: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder associated with increased risk of kidney and liver damage. Current treatments have shown contradictory outcomes, and their long-term use causes unwanted side effects. G. tournefortii could serve as a complementary medicine to current PCOS treatments.

Purpose: This study evaluates the effect of G. tournefortii in alleviating liver and kidney damage induced by PCOS via the regulation of oxidative stress pathways.

Study design: PCOS was induced in female Balb/c mice using dehydroepiandrosterone over 21 days. They included a Sham group, a Vehicle group, a group treated with the extract only, and an untreated PCOS mice group. Positive Controls were treated with Metformin. The other PCOS groups were either co-treated while inducing PCOS or treated with the extract post-disease induction.

Methods: Histological analysis was performed. Serum liver and kidney biochemical markers, levels of oxidative stress, and two pro-inflammatory markers were measured. NLRP3 and its associated genes (caspase-1 and ASC) gene expression was assessed.

Results: The extract restored normal kidney and liver histology post-PCOS induction. It decreased ALT and AST levels by 50% and the oxidant marker malondialdehyde (MDA) by 65% (P < .05). Superoxide dismutase (SOD)/catalase (CAT) activities were normalized in PCOS treated group. IL-1β/TNF-α significantly decreased (80% and 68%, respectively, P < .05) in the post-treated group. NLRP3 genes decreased in kidney tissues post-treatment with G. tournefortii extract.

Conclusion: G. tournefortii reduced oxidative stress by modifying the ASC/caspase-1/IL-1β signaling pathway, thus protecting livers and kidneys highlighting the herb as a potential preventative and complementary agent in mitigating PCOS associated damage.