Objective To observe the effect of low-frequency electroacupuncture(EA)treatment on oxidative stress and metabolism disorder in polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)rats

so as to study its underlying mechanisms in improving PCOS.Methods Thirty female SD rats were randomized into control group

model group and EA group(n=10in each group).The PCOS model was established by subcutaneous injection of testosterone propionate(1mg/100 g

10mg/mL)for 8weeks.EA(2Hz)was applied to"Zhongwan"(CV 12)

"Guanyuan"(CV 4)and bilateral"Sanyinjiao"(SP 6)or"Housanli"(ST 36)for 30 min

once daily(except weekends)for 5weeks.Serum testosterone(T)

sex hormone-binding globulin(SHBG)and fasting serum insulin(FINS)contents were detected by ELISA

serum malondialdehyde(MDA)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)levels were assayed by thiobarbituric acid(TBA)and xanthine oxidation(XTO)methods

respectively

and fasting blood glucose(FBG)was determined by roche glucose meter.In addition

homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)and modified B cell function index(MBCI)were calculated.Results Compared with the control group

serum T

FBG

FINS

HOMAIR

and serum MDA levels were significantly increased in the model group(P<0.01)

while serum SHBG

MBCI and SOD levels were considerably decreased in the model group(P<0.01).Following EA treatment

all the increased serum T

FBG

FINS

HOMA-IR

and serum MDA levels

and the decreased serum SHBG

MBCI and SOD levels were reversed obviously(P<0.05

P<0.01).Conclusion EA treatment may normalize insulin sensitivity

ameliorate insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia in PCOS rats

probably by regulating the function of pancreatic isletsβcell and by reducing oxidative stress and free androgen.