Objective:

To investigate the effects of the H2S donor sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) on ovarian steroidogenesis, apoptosis, and follicular remodeling in a dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-induced rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Approach:

Key Findings:

• DHEA treatment disrupted estrous cyclicity and elevated serum estradiol and progesterone levels.
• DHEA reduced numbers of primordial, primary, Graafian follicles, and corpora lutea, while increasing cystic and atretic follicles.
• NaHS administration improved estrous cyclicity, reduced follicular damage and apoptosis, and downregulated steroidogenic enzyme overexpression, while partially restoring CBS and CTH expression.

Interpretation:

NaHS modulated steroidogenic enzyme expression, apoptotic activity, and follicular architecture in a DHEA-induced PCOS model.

Limitations:

• Sample size determination was not based on formal power analysis due to insufficient variance data.
• The study was conducted in a rat model, which may not fully replicate human PCOS.

Conclusion:

Pharmacological supplementation with NaHS may influence ovarian health and steroidogenesis in PCOS, warranting further mechanistic investigation.

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