Resveratrol Improves Follicular Development of PCOS Rats by Regulating the Glycolytic Pathway

Scope Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder that can cause infertility; however, the underlying mechanisms remain ill‐defined, and there are no available drugs or strategies for the treatment of PCOS. This study examined the therapeutic effect of resveratrol in a rat model of PCOS. Methods and Results PCOS is induced in rats by administration of letrozole and a high fat diet to determine whether resveratrol has a protective effect. Oral administration of resveratrol significantly decreased body weight, as well as the serum levels of testosterone and follicle stimulating hormone. Resveratrol improved the estrous cycle by restoring the thickness and number of granular cells. Resveratrol increased the levels of lactate and ATP, decreased pyruvate levels, and restored the glycolytic process, upregulating LDHA, HK2, and PKM2. Resveratrol also upregulated SIRT2, thereby modulating the expression of rate‐limiting enzymes of glycolysis. Conclusion Resveratrol suppressed damage to the ovaries in PCOS rats by restoring glycolytic activity, providing potential targets for the treatment of PCOS.