The Impact of Physical Activity on HOMA-IR Values and Ovarian Follicle Dynamics in Rats with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Background & Objective: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder marked by insulin resistance and impaired folliculogenesis. Exercise may alleviate these disruptions; however, its effectiveness remains under investigation. The present study was conducted with aim to determine the impact of physical activity on Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) levels and the development of ovarian follicles in rats with PCOS triggered by a diet high in sugar and cholic acid.Materials & Methods: This randomised posttest-only control group study was conducted on 45 Wistar rats, divided into three groups: control, PCOS without exercise (P0), and PCOS with exercise (P1). PCOS was induced by administering a diet containing 32% sucrose and 40% cholic acid for 4 weeks. The P1 group underwent swimming exercises with a 6% body weight load for 4 weeks. The data were analysed using ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, and correlation tests. P<0.05 was considered significant.Results: The PCOS groups exhibited significantly higher HOMA-IR levels than the control group (P=0.000). Although exercise reduced HOMA-IR, the decrease was not statistically significant (P=0.976). PCOS rats showed follicle development, as evidenced by significantly fewer primary, secondary, tertiary, and De Graaf follicles. Exercise significantly improved the number of secondary (P=0.007), tertiary (P=0.001), and De Graaf follicles (P=0.000), but not primary follicles or corpora lutea (P>0.05).Conclusion: Insulin resistance impairs folliculogenesis in PCOS patients. Exercise may promote follicular maturation. The high-sucrose and cholic acid model may represent a promising tool for PCOS research.