Received March 28, 2021
Accepted September 30, 2021

Objective: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of female infertility worldwide. It has been shown that genistein, a natural isoflavone, can influence follicular competence by the production of gonadotropins in PCOS women. The current study aims to evaluate the effects of genistein on ovarian tissue in PCOS rats. Methods: Female Wistar rats (n=30) were randomly divided into four groups as follows; Control, PCOS (rats received 2 mg/kbW estradiol valerate), Genistein (received 1 mg/kg BW genistein for 14 days), and Genistein + PCOS groups. All animals were sacrificed under anesthesia and blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. Histological examination was used to monitor follicular morphology. Results: Histological examination exhibited enhanced follicular atresia at various stages in the PCOS rats compared to the control group (p<0.001). The induction of PCOS caused a significant reduction in gonadotropin levels, steroid hormones coincided with insulin resistance (p<0.01). Data showed that 14-day administration of genistein can improve follicular morphology in PCOS rats (p<0.001). Genistein treatment increased the production of gonadotropins and steroid hormones and alleviated insulin resistance in PCOS rats (p<0.001). Conclusions: This study indicated that genistein treatment exerted a beneficial effect on ovarian tissue in PCOS rats by improving follicular growth and hormone balance.