Low-Intensity pulsed ultrasound inhibits the ROS/NF-κB signaling pathway and improves inflammation in ovarian granulosa cells of PCOS rats.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine and metabolic condition among women of reproductive age, frequently associated with oxidative stress (OS) and chronic low-grade inflammation. Low-Intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is a safe, non-invasive physical therapy method widely used in promoting fracture healing, soft tissue repair, and reducing inflammation. This study explored the improving effect of LIPUS on ovarian function in PCOS rat models induced by letrozole and a high-fat diet. The results showed that LIPUS could significantly reduce ovarian weight, improve estrous cycle disorder, decrease testosterone, inflammation and OS levels in vitro and in vivo. Also, the number of cystic follicles in LIPUS-treated rats decreased, while the number of corpora lutea increased, indicating improved follicular development. LIPUS intervention markedly downregulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) and the pro-apoptotic factor (BAX) in the ovaries of PCOS rats, while upregulating the expression level of the anti-apoptotic factor (BCL-2). Moreover, we also discovered that LIPUS significantly decreased NF-κB signaling pathway. As a result, this study provides new insight into the mechanism by which LIPUS improve the function of the ovaries in PCOS rats, offering a promising approach for the clinical treatment of PCOS.