The Effect of Naproxen on Oxidative Stress Markers, Malondialdehyde and Superoxide Dismutase in Wistar Rat Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the major causes of infertility in the world population and is therefore considered a global health challenge. Today, prevention and treatment strategies for PCOS are of great importance. Since oxidative stress is involved in the development and progression of this disease. There is evidence that PCOS is closely linked to inflammatory pathways associated with oxidative stress. In this study, the effect of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), naproxen on the oxidative stress markers malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) was investigated. Methods: In this experimental study, 30 adult virgin female Wistar rats were used. The rats were randomly divided into five groups including healthy control, treatment induced with estradiol valerate (EV) or model of PCOS and treatment groups receiving 10, 25 & 50 mg/kg naproxen. To induce ovarian cysts, EV was injected intraperitoneally into the rats. To investigate the effect of naproxen on the drug-treated groups, blood was collected from the rats and serum was isolated. MDA and SOD were measured as oxidant and antioxidant markers, respectively. Data analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and comparison between groups was performed using Tukey’s test at a significance level of P<0.05. Results: Based on the results of one-way ANOVA and Tukey analysis, the level of the oxidant agent MDA in the serum of EV group rats showed a significant increase compared to the control group (P<0.01), but all three doses of the drug (10, 25, and 50 mg/kg) caused a significant decrease in serum MDA levels compared to the EV group (P<0.01). The serum SOD level in EV group decreased significantly compared to the control group (P<0.0001), but in all groups treated with naproxen (10, 25, and 50 mg/kg) it showed a significant increase compared to the EV group (P<0.001). Conclusion: Naproxen at the doses used in the present study was able to significantly decrease the level of oxidant MDA and significantly increase the level of antioxidant SOD, reducing the level of oxidative stress in the body of PCOS rats and improving the disease. It seems that naproxen can be used to control and reduce the symptoms of PCOS.