Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Aloe vera gel has been proven to have hypoglycaemic, hypolipidemic, and steroid enzyme regulating properties. These are of clinical significance in reproductive pathology namely polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Preliminary, ‘in-vitro’ studies suggested that non-polar component is responsible for the steroid enzyme modulating effect. This study investigates the role of non polar phytocomponent’s of aloe vera gel, which could be responsible in management of this pathology.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of non-polar phyto-components on the PCOS pathology using rodent model.

Design and methods: Rodent model was developed using letrozole (0.5 g/kg body weight daily orally for 21 days) and validated for PCOS pathology. Later, the non-polar component, extracted using petroleum ether (containing phytosterols validated by HPTLC) was administered to PCOS rats daily (~25 μg/kg body weight) for 2 months, with respective controls (Aloe and vehicle). After the course of treatment, ovarian expression profile (mRNA and protein) of major steroidogenic genes namely StAR, 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), aromatase, LHR, and FSH-R were monitored in addition to biochemical parameters. Parallely, phytochemical elucidation of non-polar fraction was evaluated.

Results: Expression of StAR, 3β-HSD, and LHR was found to be decreased (P<0.01), both at transcript as well as protein level in non-polar fraction treated PCOS group as compared with untreated PCOS control while other genes studied did not show any significant change. Phytochemically, aloe vera non-polar fraction exhibited the presence of β-sitosterol in major quantity, along with minor amounts of stigmasterol, lupeol, and its derivatives.

Conclusion: Non-polar fraction of aloe vera gel has a potential to manage PCOS phenotype, by modifying steroidogenic targets. This study may serve as platform for designing drugs by exploring these novel targets.

Disclosure: This work was supported partly by University Grants commision, India (F.no: 41-1276/2012(SR) and by Department of Science and Technology (SB/SO/HS-190/2013).