Investigating Dapagliflozin’s Effect on Purified Aromatase from Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Women’s Serum, with Molecular Docking Study

Abstract

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is associated with altered gonadotropin and steroid hormone profiles, including elevated LH, testosterone, and AMH, with normal or slightly reduced FSH. Aromatase, a key enzyme in androgen-to-estrogen conversion, was partially purified from PCOS patients undergoing metformin therapy to investigate its kinetic properties and concentration. The purification involved ammonium sulfate precipitation, dialysis, ion exchange, and gel filtration chromatography, with ELISA used for quantification. HPLC confirmed enzyme purity (~84.91 kDa). The enzyme exhibited optimal activity at pH 7.2 and 37°C, with Vmax = 8.199 µmol/min·ml and Km = 0.2719 mM (no inhibitor). Inhibition reduced Vmax to 3.1918 µmol/min·ml and Km to 0.1299 mM. Aromatase levels were significantly higher in metformin-treated PCOS patients versus controls (P < 0.05). Dapagliflozin acted as an aromatase inhibitor, and the study provides insight into molecular interactions between metformin derivatives and this enzyme.