Transmission of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome via Epigenetic Inheritance

Intergenerational metabolism-disrupting effects of maternal exposure to plasticizer acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC)

Environmental chemicals and pollutants are increasingly recognized for their potential transgenerational effects. Acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC), a widely used plasticizer substituting di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), was identified as an inducer of lipogenesis in male mice by our previous research. This study aimed to investigate the impact of ATBC exposure on the metabolic homeostasis of female mice and simultaneously evaluate its intergenerational effects. Female C57BL/6J mice were orally exposed to ATBC (0.01 or 1 μg/kg/day) for 10 weeks before mating with unexposed male mice. The resulting F1 female mice were bred with unexposed males to generate F2 offspring. Our results indicated that 10-week ATBC exposure disrupted glucose metabolism homeostasis and the reproductive system in F0 female mice. In F1 female mice, elevated liver lipid levels and mild insulin resistance were observed. In the F2 generation, maternal ATBC exposure resulted in increased weight gain, elevated liver triglycerides, and higher fasting blood glucose levels, primarily in F2 male mice. These findings suggest that maternal ATBC exposure may exert intergenerational disturbing effects on glucose metabolism across generations of mice. Further investigation is needed to evaluate the health risks associated with ATBC exposure.

The Influences of Perinatal Androgenic Exposure on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease of Offspring of PCOS

Hyperandrogenism is an endocrine disorder affecting a large population of reproductive-aged women, thus proportionally high number of fetuses are subjected to prenatal androgenic exposure (PNA). The short-term stimulations at critical ontogenetic stages can wield lasting influences on the health. The most commonly diagnosed conditions in reproductive age women is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PNA may affect the growth and development of many systems in the whole body and disrupts the normal metabolic trajectory in the offspring of PCOS, contributing to the prevalence of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases (CVMD), including myocardial hypertrophy, hypertension, hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, obesity, and dyslipidemia, which are the leading causes of hospitalizations in young PCOS offspring. In this review, we focus on the effects of prenatal androgenic exposure on the cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in offspring, discuss the possible pathogenesis respectively, and summarize potential management strategies to improve metabolic health of PCOS offspring. It is expected that the incidence of CVMD and the medical burden will be reduced in the future.

Transgenerational Effects and Mechanisms of Tributyltin Exposure on Neurodevelopment in the Male Offspring of Rats

This study aimed to investigate the transgenerational effects of tributyltin exposure on rat neurodevelopment in male offspring and the potential mechanisms. Neonatal female rats were exposed to the environmental level of tributyltin and then mated with nonexposed males after sexual maturity to produce the F1 generation. The F1 generation (with primordial germ cell exposure) was mated with nonexposed males to produce nonexposed offspring (the F2 and F3 generations). Neurodevelopmental indicators and behavior were observed for the F1, F2, and F3 generations during postnatal days 1-25 and 35-56, respectively. We found premature eye-opening and delayed visual positioning in newborn F1 rats and anxiety and cognitive deficits in prepubertal F1 male rats. These neurodevelopmental impacts were also observed in F2 and F3 males. Additionally, F1-F3 males exhibited increased serotonin and dopamine levels and a loose arrangement of neurons in the hippocampus. We also observed a reduction in the expression of genes involved in intercellular adhesion and increased DNA methylation of the Dsc3 promoter in F1-F3 males. We concluded that tributyltin exposure led to transgenerational effects on neurodevelopment via epigenetic reprogramming in male offspring. These findings provide insights into the risks of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring from parents exposed to tributyltin.

Anti-Müllerian Hormone and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Women and Its Male Equivalent

This article reviews the main findings on anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and its involvement in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its male equivalent. In women, AMH is produced by granulosa cells from the mid-fetal life to menopause and is a reliable indirect marker of ovarian reserve. AMH protects follicles from atresia, inhibits their differentiation in the ovary, and stimulates gonadotrophin-releasing hormone neurons pulsatility. AMH overexpression in women with PCOS likely contributes to the increase of the follicle cohort and of androgen levels, leading to follicular arrest and anovulation. In the male, AMH is synthesized at high levels by Sertoli cells from fetal life to puberty when serum AMH falls to levels similar to those observed in women. AMH is involved in the differentiation of the genital tract during fetal life and plays a role in Sertoli and Leydig cells differentiation and function. Serum AMH is used to assess Sertoli cell function in children with disorders of sex development and various conditions affecting the hypothalamic–pituitary–testicular axis. Although the reproductive function of male relative of women with PCOS has been poorly investigated, adolescents have elevated levels of AMH which could play a detrimental role on their fertility.