Potential Exacerbation of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome by Saccharin Sodium Using a Letrozole Rat Model

The most common cause of anovulatory infertility is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which is closely associated with obesity metabolic and syndrome. Artificial sweetener, notably saccharin sodium (SS), has been utilized in management of obesity in PCOS. However, accumulating evidence points towards SS deleterious effects on ovarian physiology, potentially through activation of ovarian sweet and bitter taste receptors, culminating in a phenotype reminiscent of PCOS. This research embarked on exploration of SS influence on ovarian functions within a PCOS paradigm. Rats were categorized into six groups: Control, Letrozole-model, two SS groups at 2 dose levels, and two groups receiving 2 doses of SS with letrozole. The study underscored SS capability to potentiate PCOS-related anomalies. Elevated cystic profile with outer thin granulosa cells, were discernible. This owed to increased apoptotic markers cleaved CASP-3, mirrored by high BAX and low BCL-2, with p38-MAPK/ERK