Journal of Nutrition,Fasting and Health

Journal of Nutrition,Fasting and Health

Effects of Aerobic Exercise and Myo-Inositol on PI3K/PDK1 Expression and LH/FSH Levels in PCOS Rats

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Farah Nameni 1
Mandana Gholami 2
Saman Sameni 3
1 Department of Exercise Physiology, VaP.C., Islamic Azad University, Varamin, Iran.
2 Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, SRB.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
3 Msc. Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
10.22038/jnfh.2026.97163.1636
Abstract
Introduction: PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome) is a common metabolic and endocrine disorder characterized by insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, and reproductive dysfunction. This study aimed to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise and myo-inositol (MI) supplementation on PI3K and PDK1 gene expression and serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in a rat model of PCOS.
Methods: In this study, 40 adult female rats were randomly assigned to five groups: healthy control, PCOS control, MI supplementation, aerobic exercise, and combined intervention (exercise + MI). PCOS was induced by estradiol valerate injection. The intervention groups completed an eight-week protocol of moderate-intensity treadmill exercise (three sessions/week) and oral MI (2 g/kg/day). PI3K and PDK1 gene expression in ovarian tissue was quantified using real-time PCR, while serum testosterone, LH, and FSH concentrations were measured by ELISA. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA (p < 0.05).
Results: Aerobic exercise and MI supplementation, individually and in combination, significantly increased PI3K and PDK1 gene expression (p < 0.05), with the combined intervention producing the greatest effect. Serum LH and FSH concentrations did not differ significantly from those of the PCOS control group (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that the interventions mainly improved insulin signaling rather than circulating gonadotropin levels.
Conclusion: Aerobic exercise and myo-inositol, particularly in combination, may improve insulin signaling and reduce hyperandrogenism in PCOS through modulation of the PI3K/PDK1 pathway. These results support the potential of combined lifestyle and nutritional interventions for managing PCOS and warrant further mechanistic and translational studies.
Keywords
Aerobic exercise
Myo-inositol
Polycystic ovary syndrome
PI3K/PDK1
Hormones
Subjects
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Journal of Nutrition,Fasting and Health

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 14 October 2026

  • Receive Date 06 July 2026
  • Revise Date 08 August 2026
  • Accept Date 12 October 2026