Lauric acid attenuates oxidative stress and liver injury in a letrozole-induced mouse model of polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disorder that affects women of reproductive age. It is associated with various health complications, including liver dysfunction. Lauric acid (LA), a medium-chain fatty acid abundant in coconut oil, possesses antioxidant and metabolic properties. However, research on LA's protective effects against letrozole (LETZ)- induced liver damage is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the beneficial effects of LA on LETZ-induced hepatotoxicity in adult PCOS mice. The experiment involved four groups: 1) control, 2) LA (150 mg/kg), 3) LETZ (6 mg/kg), and 4) LETZ + LA. After 15 days of LA treatment, plasma levels of liver enzymes, hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), and antioxidant enzyme levels were measured. TNF-α and HNF-4α mRNA expressions, and histopathological assessment were evaluated. LETZ-treated mice exhibited elevated liver enzymes and MDA levels, diminished antioxidant enzyme content, increased TNF-α, reduced HNF4α expression, and altered liver tissue histology. LA attenuated these alterations by significantly reducing liver enzymes and MDA levels, increasing antioxidant activity, reducing TNF-α and increasing HNF4α expressions, and improving liver histology. LA treatment exhibited hepatoprotective effects in LETZ-induced PCOS mice by modulating oxidative stress and HNF-4α expression. These findings suggest potential therapeutic applications of LA in managing PCOS-associated liver complications.