Ameliorative Effect of Apple Cider Vinegar on Pancreatic Islet Degeneration and Hyperglycemia in Letrozole-Induced PCOS in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Aims: To investigate the protective and ameliorative effects of apple cider vinegar (ACV) on pancreatic islet degeneration and hyperglycemia in a letrozole-induced rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Study Design: Experimental in vivo study utilizing a controlled rat model of PCOS induced by letrozole, with intervention groups receiving ACV treatment. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Nigeria, over a period of approximately two months, 2025. Methodology: Twenty-one adult female Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control, PCOS control, and letrozole + ACV treatment (n=7 per group). PCOS was induced via oral administration of letrozole (1 mg/kg) daily for 14 days. ACV (2 ml/kg) was administered concurrently during the treatment phase. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) was measured at baseline, mid-induction, post-induction, mid-treatment, and post-treatment. Pancreatic tissues were collected for histological analysis with Hematoxylin and Eosin staining to assess tissue architecture and pathology. Statistical analysis was performed using repeated-measures ANOVA with significance set at P<0.05. Results: Histological analysis showed normal pancreatic architecture in control rats, whereas PCOS rats exhibited significant islet necrosis and fibrosis. ACV-treated rats showed significant histological improvement with reduced necrosis and fibrosis compared to PCOS control). Fasting blood glucose levels increased during induction, but after ACV treatment, glucose levels significantly decreased compared to untreated PCOS rats, approaching baseline levels. Specifically, post-treatment FBG in the ACV group was significantly lower than in the PCOS control group, with. Conclusion: ACV exerts significant protective and restorative effects on pancreatic tissue and glucose regulation in a rat model of PCOS, likely through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These findings support further exploration of ACV as a natural adjunct therapy for managing metabolic disturbances in women with PCOS.