Ameliorative Effect of Apple Cider Vinegar on Pancreatic Islet Degeneration and Hyperglycemia in Letrozole-Induced PCOS in Wistar Rats

Aims: To investigate the protective and ameliorative effects of apple cider vinegar (ACV) on pancreatic islet degeneration and hyperglycemia in a letrozole-induced rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Study Design: Experimental in vivo study utilizing a controlled rat model of PCOS induced by letrozole, with intervention groups receiving ACV treatment. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Nigeria, over a period of approximately two months, 2025. Methodology: Twenty-one adult female Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control, PCOS control, and letrozole + ACV treatment (n=7 per group). PCOS was induced via oral administration of letrozole (1 mg/kg) daily for 14 days. ACV (2 ml/kg) was administered concurrently during the treatment phase. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) was measured at baseline, mid-induction, post-induction, mid-treatment, and post-treatment. Pancreatic tissues were collected for histological analysis with Hematoxylin and Eosin staining to assess tissue architecture and pathology. Statistical analysis was performed using repeated-measures ANOVA with significance set at P