Synergistic effects of AgNPs and zileuton on PCOS via ferroptosis and inflammation mitigation

Redox Rep. 2025 Dec;30(1):2445398. doi: 10.1080/13510002.2024.2445398. Epub 2024 Dec 26.

Abstract

Background: The most prevalent endocrine disorder affecting women is PCOS. Programmed death of ovarian cells has yet to be elucidated. Ferroptosis is a kind of iron-dependent necrosis featured by significantly Fe+2-dependent lipid peroxidation. The ongoing study aimed to reinforce fertility by combining therapy with AgNPs and (Zileuton) in PCOS rats' model.

Methods: The study included 75 adult female rats divided into 5 groups; control, PCOS, PCOS treated with AgNPs, PCOS treated with Zileuton, and PCOS group treated with AgNPs and Zileuton. The study investigated the anti-ferroptotic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiapoptotic, histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations of COX-2 and VEGF.

Results: The combination of AgNPs and Zileuton showed significant reduction of inflammatory mediators (IL-6, TNF-α, NFk-B) compared with diseased group (P-value < 0.05), regression of ferroptosis marks (Panx1 and TLR4 expression, Fe+2 levels) compared with diseased group (P-value < 0.05), depression of apoptotic marker caspase 3 level compared with diseased animals (P-value < 0.05), depression of MDA level, elevation of HO-1, GPx4 activity, and reduction of Cox2 and VEGF as compared with the diseased, AgNPs or zileuton-treated groups (P-value < 0.05).

Conclusion: The study showed that the combination of AgNPs and zileuton guards against, inflammation, apoptosis, and ferroptosis in PCO.

Keywords: AgNPs; COX-2; Ferroptosis; PCOS; Panx1; TLR4; VEGF; Zileuton.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Female
  • Ferroptosis* / drug effects
  • Hydroxyurea* / analogs & derivatives
  • Hydroxyurea* / pharmacology
  • Inflammation* / drug therapy
  • Inflammation* / metabolism
  • Metal Nanoparticles / therapeutic use
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome* / drug therapy
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome* / metabolism
  • Rats
  • Silver

Substances

  • Hydroxyurea
  • zileuton
  • Silver
  • Antioxidants