EXPERIMENTAL INDUCTION AND EVALUTION OF POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN DISEASE (PCOD) IN RODENT MODELS: MECHANISM, METHODS, AND PHARMACOLOGICAL INSIGHTS

Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD), also widely known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a complex endocrine and metabolic disorder affecting a significant proportion of women of childbearing age worldwide. Characterized by menstrual irregularities, hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovarian morphology, and metabolic abnormalities such as insulin resistance and dyslipidemia, PCOD presents a multifaceted clinical challenge. Understanding its pathophysiology is critical for developing effective therapeutic strategies. Rodent models, contain rats and mice, have emerged as indispensable tools for elucidating the underlying mechanisms of PCOD. These models replicate key features of the disorder, including hormonal imbalance, ovarian cyst formation, anovulation, and metabolic disturbances, under controlled experimental conditions. Several induction methods, including hormonal administration (androgens and Estrogen), pharmacological agents such as letrozole, and diet-induced approaches using high-fat or high-sugar diets, have been employed to create reliable PCOD models in rodents. Evaluation of these models involves comprehensive assessment of ovarian morphology, serum hormonal profiles, metabolic parameters, and molecular markers related to oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Furthermore, rodent models serve as effective platforms to evaluate pharmacological interventions, ranging from conventional agents like metformin to herbal and novel bioactive compounds. By bridging preclinical findings with clinical relevance, these models provide valuable insights into disease mechanisms, potential therapeutic targets, and translational applications for human PCOD. This review consolidates current experimental strategies, evaluation techniques, and therapeutic insights, emphasizing the importance of rodent models as a cornerstone in PCOD research and highlighting their role in advancing our understanding and management of this prevalent disorder.