Corilagin decreases insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome rat model through regulating AMPK/GSK3 beta pathway

Background: This study aims to explore the effects of Corilagin on insulin resistance (IR) of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the underlying mechanisms. Methods: The PCOS rat model was established by subcutaneously injected with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) of 6 mg/kg/ day. Body weight and ovary weight were recorded. Serum glucose and insulin concentration were analyzed with commercial kits. The expression of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3 beta) was detected by Western blot. Results: The results showed that DHEA could induce ovarian dysfunction of rats and Corilagin alleviated DHEA-induced ovarian dysfunction. Corilagin reduced DHEA-induced increase of serum glucose and insulin concentration. Corilagin increased the expression level of p-AMPK/AMPK and p-GSK3 beta/GSK3 beta of rat ovarian induced by DHEA. Conclusions: The present research reported the protective effects of Corilagin on PCOS, and demonstrated the protection effect was related to decreasing IR through regulating AMPK/GSK3 beta pathway.