Tri-Chromium picolinate significantly improved the hormonal levels and CYP17A1 expression in female rats induced with polycystic ovary syndrome

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common condition of endocrine and metabolic issues in women of reproductive age. It is associated with androgen excess, insulin resistance, and enlarged ovaries. Tri-Chromium picolinate is a salt of the chemical element chromium. It’s effectively treating hyperinsulinemia and hyperlipidemia. Objectives: The investigation sought to assess the effects of different concentrations of Tri-Chromium picolinate on the hormonal levels and the expression of cytochrome 17A1 in the female rats induced with polycystic ovary syndrome. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight female albino rats were used in this experimental study design. Rats were divided into six groups, with eight animals in each group. All groups were given testosterone enanthate 100 mg/kg/d by subcutaneous injection for 28 days, while the control group was given sesame oil 0.5 ml for 28 days. In the treatment stage, Tri-Chromium picolinate (1 mg, 2 mg, and 4 mg/kg/d) was given to groups III, IV, and V, respectively, for 42 days, and cyproterone acetate was given for 42 days to group VI for comparison. At the same time, the control and induction groups were treated with distilled water 0.5 mL orally for 42 days. In the current study, the serum was stored until used for determining serum marker levels. Meanwhile, the ovaries were harvested for immunohistochemical examination to assess the effect of Tri-Chromium picolinate on Cytochrome P45017A1 expression. Results: Tri-Chromium picolinate significantly improved the hormonal levels (testosterone, free. testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone), it also significantly decreases androgen synthetic pathway (androstenedione and aldo-keto reductase) and downregulated Cytochrome P45017A1 expression in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: Tri-Chromium picolinate exhibits anti-androgenic activity by improving hormonal levels and downregulating the expression of cytochrome P450 17A1.