Investigation of the synergistic effect of selenium nanoparticles and metformin on ovarian tissue, oocyte quality, and maturity in a mouse model of polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine and metabolic disorder characterized by disrupted folliculogenesis, hyperandrogenism, and impaired oocyte maturation. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and metformin (MET), alone or in combination, in a PCOS mouse model. After 5 weeks of treatment with SeNPs and/or MET, assessments included body weight, body mass index (BMI), serum testosterone levels, stereological analysis of ovarian tissue, oocyte maturation (MII rate, COC expansion), and oocyte quality. Letrozole-induced PCOS was associated with significant increases in body weight, BMI, ovarian cyst formation, and testosterone levels, accompanied by a decrease in the number and size of follicles, corpus luteum, and mature oocytes. Treatment with SeNPs and/or MET significantly improved these changes. The combined SeNPs and MET therapy improved folliculogenesis, enhanced granulosa cell proliferation, and improved oocyte maturation and COC expansion.