Agaricus Subrufescens ameliorates ovarian dysfunction and regulates altered biochemical parameters in rats with Letrozole induced polycystic ovarian syndrome
Authors: Bukke Sarad Pawar Naik , Pathange Bharghava Bhushan Rao , Karumanchi Srikanth Kumar , Marri Jalaiah , Boyina Revathi , Rachamsetty Kavya , Manchikalapati Bhargavi , Odoma Saidi , Hussaini Bello 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Objective
The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of an ethanolic extract derived from Agaricus subrufescens on rat models exhibiting Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) induced by Letrozole.

Methods
A total of thirty female Wistar rats were divided into five groups, each consisting of six rats. The negative control group was administered a volume of 1 mL of a 0.5% solution of carboxy methylcellulose (CMC). Letrozole (1 mg/kg) was administered to additional groups for a duration of 21 days in order to induce polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Animals designated as positive controls were euthanized on the 22nd day. Both the test group and the standard group were subjected to treatment from the 22nd day to the 36th day. The experimental group was administered ethanolic extract of Agaricus subrufescens at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg p.o, while the control group received clomiphene citrate at a dose of 1 mg/kg. The study observed various physiological markers in individuals with polycystic ovarian disease, including estimated blood glucose levels, total cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, and hormonal fluctuations such as increased testosterone and estrogen levels, as well as decreased progesterone levels. The presence of menstrual irregularities was confirmed through the examination of vaginal smears and histopathological changes in the ovaries.

Results
The consumption of Agaricus subrufescens was found to have a significant impact on various physiological parameters, including blood glucose levels, testosterone levels, anovulation, and menstrual irregularity. All therapeutic interventions significantly normalized the levels of serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT). The rats with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) that were induced by Letrozole exhibited increased levels of urea and creatinine. The findings of this study indicate that the administration of Agaricus subrufescens therapy has a protective effect on renal function, as evidenced by a reduction in serum levels of urea and creatinine. In rats with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) induced by Letrozole, the inhibition of hepatic synthesis, promotion of ovarian follicle immaturity, and elevation of androgen secretions result in an increase in the weight of the liver and ovaries. The weight of endocrine organs exhibited a decrease across all treatment groups. The histopathological examination of PCOS specimens revealed an increased presence of cysts and theca lutein cells. The group of rats with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) that did not receive treatment exhibited a higher number of cysts compared to the groups that received treatment.

Conclusion
This study demonstrated that the administration of Letrozole orally resulted in the development of polycystic ovarian disease. The results indicated heightened levels of blood glucose, total cholesterol, and triglycerides, as well as alterations in hormone levels such as increased testosterone and estrogen, and decreased progesterone. These hormonal changes were accompanied by menstrual irregularities, which were confirmed through the examination of vaginal smears and histopathological analysis of the ovaries in the control group with polycystic ovarian disease. The treatment groups that received Agaricus subrufescens exhibited a decrease in blood glucose, total cholesterol, and testosterone levels.