Possible protective effects of tirzepatide on polycystic ovary syndrome in female rat model induced by testosterone propionate in comparison to metformin.

Olewi NZ, Hassan AF

Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology1 May 2026Cited by 1 (Europe PMC)

PMID42065757DOI10.1007/s00210-026-05346-1PepBankPUB-42065757

Publisher page PubMedAsk about this study

Summary

The text of this summary is not shown here, because the article license does not allow reuse. Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)

Text rights: Publisher copyright. Results still quote short attributed sentences.

Results from this study18

18 results from studies that gave the peptide. No result from this study comes from people.

01AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
In rats with testosterone propionate-induced PCOS, tirzepatide significantly improved serum estradiol.
In plain wordsIn rats with induced PCOS, tirzepatide improved estradiol levels.
Peptide
Tirzepatide
Outcome
Direction not reportedEstradiol
Study
ratn = 6
Testosterone propionate-induced PCOS in Wistar rats
Comparator
Vehicle
Outcome group
Sex hormones and fertility · Reproductive and sexual health
Studied dose
0.88 and 1.32 mg/kg/week · subcutaneous · 14 daysAs given in this study (rat).
Source sentences
Summary
Tirzepatide induced significant improvements in estradiol, testosterone, LH, FSH, and LH/FSH ratio.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
PCOS was induced by testosterone propionate (10 mg/kg/day, subcutaneous) for 30 days.
Summary · context
Rats were then given tirzepatide (0.88 and 1.32 mg/kg/week, subcutaneous), metformin (300 mg/kg/day, oral), or vehicle for 14 days.
Report a problemFND-4206575701
02AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
In rats with testosterone propionate-induced PCOS, tirzepatide significantly improved serum testosterone.
In plain wordsIn rats with induced PCOS, tirzepatide improved testosterone levels.
Peptide
Tirzepatide
Outcome
Direction not reportedTestosterone
Study
ratn = 6
Testosterone propionate-induced PCOS in Wistar rats
Comparator
Vehicle
Outcome group
Sex hormones and fertility · Reproductive and sexual health
Studied dose
0.88 and 1.32 mg/kg/week · subcutaneous · 14 daysAs given in this study (rat).
Source sentences
Summary
Tirzepatide induced significant improvements in estradiol, testosterone, LH, FSH, and LH/FSH ratio.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
PCOS was induced by testosterone propionate (10 mg/kg/day, subcutaneous) for 30 days.
Summary · context
Rats were then given tirzepatide (0.88 and 1.32 mg/kg/week, subcutaneous), metformin (300 mg/kg/day, oral), or vehicle for 14 days.
Report a problemFND-4206575702
03AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
In rats with testosterone propionate-induced PCOS, tirzepatide significantly improved serum LH.
In plain wordsIn rats with induced PCOS, tirzepatide improved LH levels.
Peptide
Tirzepatide
Outcome
Direction not reportedLuteinizing hormone (LH)
Study
ratn = 6
Testosterone propionate-induced PCOS in Wistar rats
Comparator
Vehicle
Outcome group
Sex hormones and fertility · Reproductive and sexual health
Studied dose
0.88 and 1.32 mg/kg/week · subcutaneous · 14 daysAs given in this study (rat).
Source sentences
Summary
Tirzepatide induced significant improvements in estradiol, testosterone, LH, FSH, and LH/FSH ratio.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
PCOS was induced by testosterone propionate (10 mg/kg/day, subcutaneous) for 30 days.
Summary · context
Rats were then given tirzepatide (0.88 and 1.32 mg/kg/week, subcutaneous), metformin (300 mg/kg/day, oral), or vehicle for 14 days.
Report a problemFND-4206575703
04AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
In rats with testosterone propionate-induced PCOS, tirzepatide significantly improved serum FSH.
In plain wordsIn rats with induced PCOS, tirzepatide improved FSH levels.
Peptide
Tirzepatide
Outcome
Direction not reportedFollicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Study
ratn = 6
Testosterone propionate-induced PCOS in Wistar rats
Comparator
Vehicle
Outcome group
Sex hormones and fertility · Reproductive and sexual health
Studied dose
0.88 and 1.32 mg/kg/week · subcutaneous · 14 daysAs given in this study (rat).
Source sentences
Summary
Tirzepatide induced significant improvements in estradiol, testosterone, LH, FSH, and LH/FSH ratio.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
PCOS was induced by testosterone propionate (10 mg/kg/day, subcutaneous) for 30 days.
Summary · context
Rats were then given tirzepatide (0.88 and 1.32 mg/kg/week, subcutaneous), metformin (300 mg/kg/day, oral), or vehicle for 14 days.
Report a problemFND-4206575704
05AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
In rats with testosterone propionate-induced PCOS, tirzepatide significantly improved the LH/FSH ratio.
In plain wordsIn rats with induced PCOS, tirzepatide improved the LH/FSH ratio.
Peptide
Tirzepatide
Outcome
Direction not reportedLH/FSH ratio
Study
ratn = 6
Testosterone propionate-induced PCOS in Wistar rats
Comparator
Vehicle
Outcome group
Sex hormones and fertility · Reproductive and sexual health
Studied dose
0.88 and 1.32 mg/kg/week · subcutaneous · 14 daysAs given in this study (rat).
Source sentences
Summary
Tirzepatide induced significant improvements in estradiol, testosterone, LH, FSH, and LH/FSH ratio.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
PCOS was induced by testosterone propionate (10 mg/kg/day, subcutaneous) for 30 days.
Summary · context
Rats were then given tirzepatide (0.88 and 1.32 mg/kg/week, subcutaneous), metformin (300 mg/kg/day, oral), or vehicle for 14 days.
Report a problemFND-4206575705
06AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
In rats with testosterone propionate-induced PCOS, the higher tirzepatide dose gave a greater reduction in body weight, a dose-dependent improvement.
In plain wordsIn rats with induced PCOS, the higher tirzepatide dose reduced body weight more.
Peptide
Tirzepatide
Outcome
DecreaseBody weight
Study
ratn = 6
Testosterone propionate-induced PCOS in Wistar rats
Comparator
Lower tirzepatide dose (0.88 mg/kg/week)
Outcome group
Body weight · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
0.88 and 1.32 mg/kg/week · subcutaneous · 14 daysAs given in this study (rat).
Source sentences
Summary
A greater reduction in body weight, cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR was achieved with the higher dose of tirzepatide, demonstrating a clear dose-dependent improvement.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
PCOS was induced by testosterone propionate (10 mg/kg/day, subcutaneous) for 30 days.
Summary · context
Rats were then given tirzepatide (0.88 and 1.32 mg/kg/week, subcutaneous), metformin (300 mg/kg/day, oral), or vehicle for 14 days.
Report a problemFND-4206575706
07AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
In rats with testosterone propionate-induced PCOS, the higher tirzepatide dose gave a greater reduction in cholesterol, a dose-dependent improvement.
In plain wordsIn rats with induced PCOS, the higher tirzepatide dose lowered cholesterol more.
Peptide
Tirzepatide
Outcome
DecreaseCholesterol
Study
ratn = 6
Testosterone propionate-induced PCOS in Wistar rats
Comparator
Lower tirzepatide dose (0.88 mg/kg/week)
Outcome group
Lipids · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
0.88 and 1.32 mg/kg/week · subcutaneous · 14 daysAs given in this study (rat).
Source sentences
Summary
A greater reduction in body weight, cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR was achieved with the higher dose of tirzepatide, demonstrating a clear dose-dependent improvement.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
PCOS was induced by testosterone propionate (10 mg/kg/day, subcutaneous) for 30 days.
Summary · context
Rats were then given tirzepatide (0.88 and 1.32 mg/kg/week, subcutaneous), metformin (300 mg/kg/day, oral), or vehicle for 14 days.
Report a problemFND-4206575707
08AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
In rats with testosterone propionate-induced PCOS, the higher tirzepatide dose gave a greater reduction in triglycerides, a dose-dependent improvement.
In plain wordsIn rats with induced PCOS, the higher tirzepatide dose lowered triglycerides more.
Peptide
Tirzepatide
Outcome
DecreaseTriglycerides
Study
ratn = 6
Testosterone propionate-induced PCOS in Wistar rats
Comparator
Lower tirzepatide dose (0.88 mg/kg/week)
Outcome group
Lipids · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
0.88 and 1.32 mg/kg/week · subcutaneous · 14 daysAs given in this study (rat).
Source sentences
Summary
A greater reduction in body weight, cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR was achieved with the higher dose of tirzepatide, demonstrating a clear dose-dependent improvement.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
PCOS was induced by testosterone propionate (10 mg/kg/day, subcutaneous) for 30 days.
Summary · context
Rats were then given tirzepatide (0.88 and 1.32 mg/kg/week, subcutaneous), metformin (300 mg/kg/day, oral), or vehicle for 14 days.
Report a problemFND-4206575708
09AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
In rats with testosterone propionate-induced PCOS, the higher tirzepatide dose gave a greater reduction in fasting glucose, a dose-dependent improvement.
In plain wordsIn rats with induced PCOS, the higher tirzepatide dose lowered fasting glucose more.
Peptide
Tirzepatide
Outcome
DecreaseFasting glucose
Study
ratn = 6
Testosterone propionate-induced PCOS in Wistar rats
Comparator
Lower tirzepatide dose (0.88 mg/kg/week)
Outcome group
Glycemic control · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
0.88 and 1.32 mg/kg/week · subcutaneous · 14 daysAs given in this study (rat).
Source sentences
Summary
A greater reduction in body weight, cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR was achieved with the higher dose of tirzepatide, demonstrating a clear dose-dependent improvement.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
PCOS was induced by testosterone propionate (10 mg/kg/day, subcutaneous) for 30 days.
Summary · context
Rats were then given tirzepatide (0.88 and 1.32 mg/kg/week, subcutaneous), metformin (300 mg/kg/day, oral), or vehicle for 14 days.
Report a problemFND-4206575709
10AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
In rats with testosterone propionate-induced PCOS, the higher tirzepatide dose gave a greater reduction in insulin, a dose-dependent improvement.
In plain wordsIn rats with induced PCOS, the higher tirzepatide dose lowered insulin more.
Peptide
Tirzepatide
Outcome
DecreaseInsulin
Study
ratn = 6
Testosterone propionate-induced PCOS in Wistar rats
Comparator
Lower tirzepatide dose (0.88 mg/kg/week)
Outcome group
Glycemic control · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
0.88 and 1.32 mg/kg/week · subcutaneous · 14 daysAs given in this study (rat).
Source sentences
Summary
A greater reduction in body weight, cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR was achieved with the higher dose of tirzepatide, demonstrating a clear dose-dependent improvement.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
PCOS was induced by testosterone propionate (10 mg/kg/day, subcutaneous) for 30 days.
Summary · context
Rats were then given tirzepatide (0.88 and 1.32 mg/kg/week, subcutaneous), metformin (300 mg/kg/day, oral), or vehicle for 14 days.
Report a problemFND-4206575710
11AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
In rats with testosterone propionate-induced PCOS, the higher tirzepatide dose gave a greater reduction in HOMA-IR, a dose-dependent improvement.
In plain wordsIn rats with induced PCOS, the higher tirzepatide dose lowered insulin resistance score more.
Peptide
Tirzepatide
Outcome
DecreaseHOMA-IR
Study
ratn = 6
Testosterone propionate-induced PCOS in Wistar rats
Comparator
Lower tirzepatide dose (0.88 mg/kg/week)
Outcome group
Glycemic control · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
0.88 and 1.32 mg/kg/week · subcutaneous · 14 daysAs given in this study (rat).
Source sentences
Summary
A greater reduction in body weight, cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR was achieved with the higher dose of tirzepatide, demonstrating a clear dose-dependent improvement.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
PCOS was induced by testosterone propionate (10 mg/kg/day, subcutaneous) for 30 days.
Summary · context
Rats were then given tirzepatide (0.88 and 1.32 mg/kg/week, subcutaneous), metformin (300 mg/kg/day, oral), or vehicle for 14 days.
Report a problemFND-4206575711
12AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
In rats with testosterone propionate-induced PCOS, tirzepatide significantly decreased ovarian TNF-α.
In plain wordsIn rats with induced PCOS, tirzepatide lowered the inflammation marker TNF-α in the ovary.
Peptide
Tirzepatide
Outcome
DecreaseOvarian TNF-α
Study
ratn = 6
Testosterone propionate-induced PCOS in Wistar rats
Comparator
Vehicle
Outcome group
Inflammation markers · Immune and inflammation
Studied dose
0.88 and 1.32 mg/kg/week · subcutaneous · 14 daysAs given in this study (rat).
Source sentences
Summary
Ovarian TNF-α, IL-6, and caspase 3 protein levels were significantly decreased by tirzepatide treatment, with similar effectiveness as metformin.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
PCOS was induced by testosterone propionate (10 mg/kg/day, subcutaneous) for 30 days.
Summary · context
Rats were then given tirzepatide (0.88 and 1.32 mg/kg/week, subcutaneous), metformin (300 mg/kg/day, oral), or vehicle for 14 days.
Report a problemFND-4206575712
13AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
In rats with testosterone propionate-induced PCOS, tirzepatide significantly decreased ovarian IL-6.
In plain wordsIn rats with induced PCOS, tirzepatide lowered the inflammation marker IL-6 in the ovary.
Peptide
Tirzepatide
Outcome
DecreaseOvarian IL-6
Study
ratn = 6
Testosterone propionate-induced PCOS in Wistar rats
Comparator
Vehicle
Outcome group
Inflammation markers · Immune and inflammation
Studied dose
0.88 and 1.32 mg/kg/week · subcutaneous · 14 daysAs given in this study (rat).
Source sentences
Summary
Ovarian TNF-α, IL-6, and caspase 3 protein levels were significantly decreased by tirzepatide treatment, with similar effectiveness as metformin.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
PCOS was induced by testosterone propionate (10 mg/kg/day, subcutaneous) for 30 days.
Summary · context
Rats were then given tirzepatide (0.88 and 1.32 mg/kg/week, subcutaneous), metformin (300 mg/kg/day, oral), or vehicle for 14 days.
Report a problemFND-4206575713
14AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
In rats with testosterone propionate-induced PCOS, tirzepatide significantly decreased ovarian caspase 3 protein.
In plain wordsIn rats with induced PCOS, tirzepatide lowered the cell-death marker caspase 3 in the ovary.
Peptide
Tirzepatide
Outcome
DecreaseOvarian caspase 3 protein
Study
ratn = 6
Testosterone propionate-induced PCOS in Wistar rats
Comparator
Vehicle
Outcome group
Inflammation markers · Reproductive and sexual health
Studied dose
0.88 and 1.32 mg/kg/week · subcutaneous · 14 daysAs given in this study (rat).
Source sentences
Summary
Ovarian TNF-α, IL-6, and caspase 3 protein levels were significantly decreased by tirzepatide treatment, with similar effectiveness as metformin.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
PCOS was induced by testosterone propionate (10 mg/kg/day, subcutaneous) for 30 days.
Summary · context
Rats were then given tirzepatide (0.88 and 1.32 mg/kg/week, subcutaneous), metformin (300 mg/kg/day, oral), or vehicle for 14 days.
Report a problemFND-4206575714
15AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
In rats with testosterone propionate-induced PCOS, tirzepatide decreased ovarian TNF-α, IL-6 and caspase 3 with similar effectiveness as metformin.
In plain wordsIn rats with induced PCOS, tirzepatide lowered these ovarian markers about as well as metformin.
Peptide
Tirzepatide
Outcome
No significant changeOvarian TNF-α, IL-6 and caspase 3 versus metformin
Study
ratn = 6
Testosterone propionate-induced PCOS in Wistar rats
Comparator
Metformin
Outcome group
Inflammation markers · Immune and inflammation
Studied dose
0.88 and 1.32 mg/kg/week · subcutaneous · 14 daysAs given in this study (rat).
Source sentences
Summary
Ovarian TNF-α, IL-6, and caspase 3 protein levels were significantly decreased by tirzepatide treatment, with similar effectiveness as metformin.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
PCOS was induced by testosterone propionate (10 mg/kg/day, subcutaneous) for 30 days.
Summary · context
Rats were then given tirzepatide (0.88 and 1.32 mg/kg/week, subcutaneous), metformin (300 mg/kg/day, oral), or vehicle for 14 days.
Report a problemFND-4206575715
16AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
In rats with testosterone propionate-induced PCOS, tirzepatide reduced cystic follicles, especially at the higher dose.
In plain wordsIn rats with induced PCOS, tirzepatide reduced ovarian cysts, most at the higher dose.
Peptide
Tirzepatide
Outcome
DecreaseCystic follicles
Study
ratn = 6
Testosterone propionate-induced PCOS in Wistar rats
Comparator
Vehicle
Outcome group
Sex hormones and fertility · Reproductive and sexual health
Studied dose
0.88 and 1.32 mg/kg/week · subcutaneous · 14 daysAs given in this study (rat).
Source sentences
Summary
Histological analysis showed reduced cystic follicles, increased developing follicles, and the presence of corpora lutea, especially at higher doses of tirzepatide.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
PCOS was induced by testosterone propionate (10 mg/kg/day, subcutaneous) for 30 days.
Summary · context
Rats were then given tirzepatide (0.88 and 1.32 mg/kg/week, subcutaneous), metformin (300 mg/kg/day, oral), or vehicle for 14 days.
Report a problemFND-4206575716
17AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
In rats with testosterone propionate-induced PCOS, tirzepatide increased developing follicles, especially at the higher dose.
In plain wordsIn rats with induced PCOS, tirzepatide increased developing egg follicles, most at the higher dose.
Peptide
Tirzepatide
Outcome
IncreaseDeveloping follicles
Study
ratn = 6
Testosterone propionate-induced PCOS in Wistar rats
Comparator
Vehicle
Outcome group
Sex hormones and fertility · Reproductive and sexual health
Studied dose
0.88 and 1.32 mg/kg/week · subcutaneous · 14 daysAs given in this study (rat).
Source sentences
Summary
Histological analysis showed reduced cystic follicles, increased developing follicles, and the presence of corpora lutea, especially at higher doses of tirzepatide.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
PCOS was induced by testosterone propionate (10 mg/kg/day, subcutaneous) for 30 days.
Summary · context
Rats were then given tirzepatide (0.88 and 1.32 mg/kg/week, subcutaneous), metformin (300 mg/kg/day, oral), or vehicle for 14 days.
Report a problemFND-4206575717
18AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
In rats with testosterone propionate-induced PCOS, corpora lutea were present after tirzepatide, especially at the higher dose.
In plain wordsIn rats with induced PCOS, signs of ovulation (corpora lutea) were present after tirzepatide, most at the higher dose.
Peptide
Tirzepatide
Outcome
IncreaseCorpora lutea
Study
ratn = 6
Testosterone propionate-induced PCOS in Wistar rats
Comparator
Vehicle
Outcome group
Sex hormones and fertility · Reproductive and sexual health
Studied dose
0.88 and 1.32 mg/kg/week · subcutaneous · 14 daysAs given in this study (rat).
Source sentences
Summary
Histological analysis showed reduced cystic follicles, increased developing follicles, and the presence of corpora lutea, especially at higher doses of tirzepatide.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
PCOS was induced by testosterone propionate (10 mg/kg/day, subcutaneous) for 30 days.
Summary · context
Rats were then given tirzepatide (0.88 and 1.32 mg/kg/week, subcutaneous), metformin (300 mg/kg/day, oral), or vehicle for 14 days.
Report a problemFND-4206575718

AI wrote and checked these results. AI can make mistakes, so check important results against the source.

Version history

PepBank keeps every version of the data on this study. Status changes from Retraction Watch, Europe PMC and Crossref are listed with their source.

Version 2Current
12 Oct 2026, 12:10 UTC
Study results updated
Version 1
9 Oct 2026, 03:07 UTC
First added · source update from Europe PMC

Subjects

Terms as the source lists them.

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Possible protective effects of tirzepatide on polycystic ovary syndrome in female rat model induced by testosterone propionate in comparison to metformin.

Summary

Results from this study18

Version history

Subjects

Publication types

MeSH terms

Keywords