Empagliflozin Improves Follicular Development by Attenuating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in a Mouse Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Objective: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age. Oxidative stress and inflammation play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of PCOS. This study aimed to investigate the effects of empagliflozin as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory in mouse model of experimental PCOS. Methods: PCOS was induced in mice through daily subcutaneous injection of testosterone enanthate (1 mg/100g/ body weight.) for 5 weeks. NMRI mice were divided into four groups (n = 6): control, empagliflozin, PCOS, and PCOS plus empagliflozin (30 mg/kg i.p.) was injected daily for 4 weeks. Ovaries were collected for histopathological analysis, and serum concentrations of glucose, LDL, HDL, LDL/HDL, progesterone, testosterone, MDA, FRAP, IL-6 and TNF-α were measured. Results: A significant reduction in serum levels of MDA, IL-6 and TNF-α, glucose, LDL, LDL/HDL and testosterone was observed in the PCOS plus empagliflozin group compared to the PCOS group. Additionally, a significant increase in serum levels of HDL, antioxidant capacity and progesterone were found in the PCOS plus empagliflozin group compared to the PCOS group. The histopathological analysis showed that empagliflozin improved ovarian tissue alterations induced by PCOS. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that empagliflozin possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, improve folliculogenesis, and may be considered a potential therapeutic supplement for the treatment of PCOS.