Acetate alleviates glucose dysregulation and atherogenic dyslipidaemia in experimentally induced PCOS

Objective: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a female reproductive disorder that originates from both endocrine and metabolic disruptions, affecting about 6-21% of women of reproductive age globally. Atherogenic dyslipidaemia refers to alterations in circulating lipid levels, which contribute to cardiovascular and renal complications in PCOS. Acetate, a short-chain fatty acid, has been reported to attenuate endocrine/metabolic complications as well as improve glucose homeostasis; hence, this study was designed to explore the effect of acetate on glucose dysregulation and dyslipidaemia in experimentally induced PCOS. Methods: Female Wistar rats at eight weeks old were procured and assigned into four groups (n=6): Control (CTL), Letrozole (LET), Acetate (ACT), and LET+ACT. Letrozole (aromatase inhibitor; 1 mg/kg) administration for 3 weeks induced PCOS, and treatment with acetate was by co-administration for 3 weeks, during Letrozole administration. Results: Rats with PCOS presented hyperandrogenism/hypoestrogenism as observed by elevated levels of testosterone, LH/FSH ratio, with a decrease in 17-β oestradiol and SHBG levels when compared with the negative control group. In addition, PCOS rats showed a significant increase in body and ovarian weight, as well as fasting insulin levels. Similarly, circulating levels of TC, LDL, TC/HDL ratio, IL-6, and LDH were elevated in PCOS rats, with a significant decrease (p<0.05) in HDL and nitric oxide in rats with PCOS when compared with the control group. Conclusion: The present study revealed that acetate alleviates atherogenic dyslipidaemia and metabolic disturbance in the PCOS animal model.