Corilagin decreases insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome rat model through regulating AMPK/GSK3β 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 3β (GSK3β) 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-GSK3β/GSK3β 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/GSK3β pathway.