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Perturbed ovarian and uterine glucocorticoid receptor signaling accompanies the balanced regulation of mitochondrial function and NFκB-mediated inflammation under conditions of hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance. Life Sci 2019; 232:116681. [PMID: 31344428 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.116681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to determine whether glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling, mitochondrial function, and local inflammation in the ovary and uterus are intrinsically different in rats with hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance compared to controls. MAIN METHODS Female Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to daily injections of human chorionic gonadotropin and/or insulin. KEY FINDINGS In both the ovary and the uterus, decreased expression of the two GR isoforms was concurrent with increased expression of Fkbp51 but not Fkbp52 mRNA in hCG + insulin-treated rats. However, these rats exhibited contrasting regulation of Hsd11b1 and Hsd11b2 mRNAs in the two tissues. Further, the expression of several oxidative phosphorylation-related proteins decreased in the ovary and uterus following hCG and insulin stimulation, in contrast to increased expression of many genes involved in mitochondrial function and homeostasis. Additionally, hCG + insulin-treated rats showed increased expression of ovarian and uterine NFκB signaling proteins and Tnfaip3 mRNA. The mRNA expression of Il1b, Il6, and Mmp2 was decreased in both tissues, while the mRNA expression of Tnfa, Ccl2, Ccl5, and Mmp3 was increased in the uterus. Ovaries and uteri from animals co-treated with hCG and insulin showed increased collagen deposition compared to controls. SIGNIFICANCE Our observations suggest that hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance disrupt ovarian and uterine GR activation and trigger compensatory or adaptive effects for mitochondrial homeostasis, allowing tissue-level maintenance of mitochondrial function in order to limit ovarian and uterine dysfunction. Our study also suggests that hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance activate NFκB signaling resulting in aberrant regulation of inflammation-related gene expression.
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Hoefel AL, Arbo BD, Vieira-Marques C, Cecconello AL, Cozer AG, Ribeiro MFM, Kucharski LC. Female rats are more susceptible to metabolic effects of dehydroepiandrosterone treatment. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2018; 96:1069-1075. [PMID: 30011383 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2018-0159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid hormone that presents several effects on metabolism; however, most of the studies have been performed on male animals, while few authors have investigated possible sex differences regarding the metabolic effects of DHEA. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different doses of DHEA on metabolic parameters of male and ovariectomized female Wistar rats. Sex differences were found in the metabolism of distinct substrates and in relation to the effect of DHEA. In respect to the glucose metabolism in the liver, the conversion of glucose to CO2 and the synthesis of lipids from glucose were 53% and 33% higher, respectively, in males. Also, DHEA decreased hepatic lipogenesis only in females. Regarding the hepatic glycogen synthesis pathway, females presented 73% higher synthesis than males, and the effect of DHEA was observed only in females, where it decreased this parameter. In the adipose tissue, glucose uptake was 208% higher in females and DHEA decreased this parameter. In the muscle, glucose uptake was 168% higher in females and no DHEA effect was observed. In summary, males and females present a different metabolic profile, with females being more susceptible to the metabolic effects of DHEA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Lúcia Hoefel
- a Laboratório de Metabolismo e Endocrinologia Comparada, Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.,b Laboratório de Interação Neuro-humoral, Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Bruno Dutra Arbo
- c Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Claudia Vieira-Marques
- a Laboratório de Metabolismo e Endocrinologia Comparada, Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.,b Laboratório de Interação Neuro-humoral, Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Ana Lúcia Cecconello
- b Laboratório de Interação Neuro-humoral, Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Aline Gonçalves Cozer
- a Laboratório de Metabolismo e Endocrinologia Comparada, Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Maria Flávia Marques Ribeiro
- b Laboratório de Interação Neuro-humoral, Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Luiz Carlos Kucharski
- a Laboratório de Metabolismo e Endocrinologia Comparada, Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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Mahamed RR, Maganhin CC, Sasso GRS, de Jesus Simões M, Baracat MCP, Baracat EC, Soares- JM. Metformin improves ovarian follicle dynamics by reducing theca cell proliferation and CYP-17 expression in an androgenized rat model. J Ovarian Res 2018; 11:18. [PMID: 29490689 PMCID: PMC5831207 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-018-0392-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Metformin influences insulin receptor signaling, which might interfere with the proliferation of ovarian follicular structures and steroidogenesis. We hypothesize that reductions in glucose and insulin levels might interfere with CYP-17 expression and histomorphological changes in an androgenized rat model. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of metformin on CYP-17 expression, follicular dynamics, and proliferative parameters in neonatally androgenized female rats. Methods Thirty-six newborn rats were randomly allocated to the following three groups on the third day of life: control (CG, n = 12), androgenized (GA, n = 12), and androgenized + metformin (GAmet, n = 12). The GA and GAmet animals were administered 0.1 mL of testosterone propionate (1.25 mg/animal) diluted in castor oil (vehicle) in a single dose; the CG rats received a subcutaneous injection of the vehicle in the dorsum. After 90 days, gavage treatment was initiated, distilled water was administered to the CG and GA rats, and metformin (150 mg/kg) was administered to the GAmet animals. The treatment was administered daily for six weeks. Following anesthesia, blood was drawn for biochemical measurements, and the ovaries were removed for histological and immunohistochemical analyses of Ki67, VEGFA and CYP17 expression. The glucose and insulin levels were also measured. Results The comparison of the GA and GAmet animals revealed that metformin decreased the weight as well as the glucose and insulin levels, slowed the proliferation of the theca interna and interstitial cells, as evidenced by Ki-67 and VEGF-A expression, and diminished CYP17 expression in the analyzed ovarian structures. In addition, metformin reduced the number of degenerating follicles and interstitial cells and improved angiogenesis. Conclusion Metformin improves the carbohydrate metabolism, reduces proliferation, and decreases CYP-17 expression in the follicular structures of androgenized rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Rassi Mahamed
- Department of Gynecology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratory of Molecular and Structural Gynecology (LIM 58) of Disciplina de Ginecologia, Departamento de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Dr Arnaldo, 455- sala 2113, São Paulo, SP, Zip Code 01246903, Brazil
| | - Carla Cristina Maganhin
- Laboratory of Molecular and Structural Gynecology (LIM 58) of Disciplina de Ginecologia, Departamento de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Dr Arnaldo, 455- sala 2113, São Paulo, SP, Zip Code 01246903, Brazil.
| | - Gisela Rodrigues Silva Sasso
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Manuel de Jesus Simões
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Candida Pinheiro Baracat
- Laboratory of Molecular and Structural Gynecology (LIM 58) of Disciplina de Ginecologia, Departamento de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Dr Arnaldo, 455- sala 2113, São Paulo, SP, Zip Code 01246903, Brazil
| | - Edmund Chada Baracat
- Laboratory of Molecular and Structural Gynecology (LIM 58) of Disciplina de Ginecologia, Departamento de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Dr Arnaldo, 455- sala 2113, São Paulo, SP, Zip Code 01246903, Brazil
| | - José Maria Soares-
- Laboratory of Molecular and Structural Gynecology (LIM 58) of Disciplina de Ginecologia, Departamento de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Dr Arnaldo, 455- sala 2113, São Paulo, SP, Zip Code 01246903, Brazil
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Insulin signalling and glucose transport in the ovary and ovarian function during the ovarian cycle. Biochem J 2017; 473:1483-501. [PMID: 27234585 PMCID: PMC4888492 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20160124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Data derived principally from peripheral tissues (fat, muscle and liver) show that insulin signals via diverse interconnecting intracellular pathways and that some of the major intersecting points (known as critical nodes) are the IRSs (insulin receptor substrates), PI3K (phosphoinositide kinase)/Akt and MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase). Most of these insulin pathways are probably also active in the ovary and their ability to interact with each other and also with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) signalling pathways enables insulin to exert direct modulating influences on ovarian function. The present paper reviews the intracellular actions of insulin and the uptake of glucose by ovarian tissues (granulosa, theca and oocyte) during the oestrous/menstrual cycle of some rodent, primate and ruminant species. Insulin signals through diverse pathways and these are discussed with specific reference to follicular cell types (granulosa, theca and oocyte). The signalling pathways for FSH in granulosa cells and LH in granulosa and theca cells are summarized. The roles of glucose and of insulin-mediated uptake of glucose in folliculogenesis are discussed. It is suggested that glucose in addition to its well-established role of providing energy for cellular function may also have insulin-mediated signalling functions in ovarian cells, involving AMPK (AMP-dependent protein kinase) and/or hexosamine. Potential interactions of insulin signalling with FSH or LH signalling at critical nodes are identified and the available evidence for such interactions in ovarian cells is discussed. Finally the action of the insulin-sensitizing drugs metformin and the thiazolidinedione rosiglitazone on follicular cells is reviewed.
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Zhang Y, Hu M, Meng F, Sun X, Xu H, Zhang J, Cui P, Morina N, Li X, Li W, Wu XK, Brännström M, Shao R, Billig H. Metformin Ameliorates Uterine Defects in a Rat Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. EBioMedicine 2017; 18:157-170. [PMID: 28336389 PMCID: PMC5405166 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2017.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Revised: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult rats treated concomitantly with insulin and human chorionic gonadotropin exhibit endocrine, metabolic, and reproductive abnormalities that are very similar to those observed in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients. In this study, we used this rat model to assess the effects of metformin on PCOS-related uterine dysfunction. In addition to reducing androgen levels, improving insulin sensitivity, and correcting the reproductive cycle, metformin treatment induced morphological changes in the PCOS-like uterus. At the molecular and cellular levels, metformin normalized the androgen receptor-mediated transcriptional program and restored epithelial–stromal interactions. In contrast to glucose transport, uterine inflammatory gene expression was suppressed through the PI3K–Akt–NFκB network, but without affecting apoptosis. These effects appeared to be independent of AMPK subunit and autophagy-related protein regulation. We found that when metformin treatment partially restored implantation, several implantation-related genes were normalized in the PCOS-like rat uterus. These results improve our understanding of how metformin rescues the disruption of the implantation process due to the uterine defects that result from hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance. Our data provide insights into the molecular and functional clues that might help explain, at least in part, the potential therapeutic options of metformin in PCOS patients with uterine dysfunction. The therapeutic dose of metformin sufficiently suppresses hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance. Metformin inhibits uterine androgen receptor (AR)-dependent gene expression to restore epithelial–stromal interactions. Metformin reduces uterine inflammation through the PI3K–Akt–NFκB pathway. Metformin partially restores implantation in PCOS-like rats.
The systemic benefits of metformin therapy for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are widely appreciated, but knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of its action and to what extent it beneficially affects uterine function is limited. Using a PCOS-like rat model, we show that treatment with metformin can reverse the negative effects of androgenic and inflammatory conditions in the rat uterus. Importantly, we find that the sustained benefit of metformin is to rescue implantation failure in some PCOS-like rats. Thus, our data will be of translational value in the clinical management of metformin treatment in PCOS patients with uterine dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehui Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory and Unit of Infertility in Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 150040 Harbin, China; Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Min Hu
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Fanci Meng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory and Unit of Infertility in Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 150040 Harbin, China
| | - Xiaoyan Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory and Unit of Infertility in Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 150040 Harbin, China
| | - Hongfei Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory and Unit of Infertility in Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 150040 Harbin, China
| | - Jiao Zhang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Second Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 150001 Harbin, China
| | - Peng Cui
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Lab of Medical Neurobiology, Shanghai Medical College, Institute of Acupuncture Research (WHO Collaborating Center for Traditional Medicine), Institute of Brain Science, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China
| | - Njomeza Morina
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 200011 Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, 200011 Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory and Unit of Infertility in Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 150040 Harbin, China
| | - Xiao-Ke Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory and Unit of Infertility in Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 150040 Harbin, China
| | - Mats Brännström
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 41345 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ruijin Shao
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Håkan Billig
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
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Zhang Y, Sun X, Sun X, Meng F, Hu M, Li X, Li W, Wu XK, Brännström M, Shao R, Billig H. Molecular characterization of insulin resistance and glycolytic metabolism in the rat uterus. Sci Rep 2016; 6:30679. [PMID: 27461373 PMCID: PMC4962087 DOI: 10.1038/srep30679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism are the primary features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, how insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism affect uterine function and contribute to the pathogenesis of PCOS are open questions. We treated rats with insulin alone or in combination with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and showed that peripheral insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism alter uterine morphology, cell phenotype, and cell function, especially in glandular epithelial cells. These defects are associated with an aberration in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway that is used as an indicator for the onset of insulin resistance in classical metabolic tissues. Concomitantly, increased GSK3β (Ser-9) phosphorylation and decreased ERK1/2 phosphorylation in rats treated with insulin and hCG were also observed. We also profiled the expression of glucose transporter (Glut) isoform genes in the uterus under conditions of insulin resistance and/or hyperandrogenism. Finally, we determined the expression pattern of glycolytic enzymes and intermediates during insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism in the uterus. These findings suggest that the PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways play a role in the onset of uterine insulin resistance, and they also suggest that changes in specific Glut isoform expression and alterations to glycolytic metabolism contribute to the endometrial dysfunction observed in PCOS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehui Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory and Unit of Infertility in Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 150040 Harbin, China.,Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Xue Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory and Unit of Infertility in Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 150040 Harbin, China
| | - Xiaoyan Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory and Unit of Infertility in Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 150040 Harbin, China
| | - Fanci Meng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory and Unit of Infertility in Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 150040 Harbin, China
| | - Min Hu
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 200011 Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, 200011 Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory and Unit of Infertility in Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 150040 Harbin, China
| | - Xiao-Ke Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory and Unit of Infertility in Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 150040 Harbin, China
| | - Mats Brännström
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 41345 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ruijin Shao
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Håkan Billig
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
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Li H, Chen Y, Yan LY, Qiao J. Increased expression of P450scc and CYP17 in development of endogenous hyperandrogenism in a rat model of PCOS. Endocrine 2013; 43:184-90. [PMID: 22798247 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-012-9739-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2012] [Accepted: 06/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to characterize the effect of insulin plus hCG on the expression of steroidogenic enzymes (P450scc and CYP17) in polycystic ovaries of rats. Changes in estrous cycle, ovarian morphology, hormonal levels, and protein levels by immunohistochemistry and western-blot were determined. Rats treated with insulin plus hCG displayed abnormal estrous cycles with increasing androgen biosynthesis. Meanwhile, insulin plus hCG resulted in multiple large cysts with diminished granulosa layers and increased thecal layers and stromal-interstitial tissue. Moreover, there was an increase in the expression of P450scc and CYP17 in thecal and stromal cells in our PCOS rat model compared with control rats. These results indicate that administration of insulin with hCG can synergistically result in endogenous hyperandrogenism which may partially upregulate the expression of steroidogenic enzymes in ovarian tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49, Huayuan North Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
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