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Abruzzese GA, Silva AF, Velazquez ME, Ferrer MJ, Motta AB. Hyperandrogenism and Polycystic ovary syndrome: Effects in pregnancy and offspring development. WIREs Mech Dis 2022; 14:e1558. [PMID: 35475329 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the major endocrine disorders affecting women of reproductive age. Its etiology remains unclear. It is suggested that environmental factors, and particularly the intrauterine environment, play key roles in PCOS development. Besides the role of androgens in PCOS pathogenesis, exposure to endocrine disruptors, as is Bisphenol A, could also contribute to its development. Although PCOS is considered one of the leading causes of ovarian infertility, many PCOS patients can get pregnant. Some of them by natural conception and others by assisted reproductive technique treatments. As hyperandrogenism (one of PCOS main features) affects ovarian and uterine functions, PCOS women, despite reaching pregnancy, could present high-risk pregnancies, including implantation failure, an increased risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and preterm birth. Moreover, hyperandrogenism may also be maintained in these women during pregnancy. Therefore, as an altered uterine milieu, including hormonal imbalance, could affect the developing organisms, monitoring these patients throughout pregnancy and their offspring development is highly relevant. The present review focuses on the impact of androgenism and PCOS on fertility issues and pregnancy-related outcomes and offspring development. The evidence suggests that the increased risk of pregnancy complications and adverse offspring outcomes of PCOS women would be due to the factors involved in the syndrome pathogenesis and the related co-morbidities. A better understanding of the involved mechanisms is still needed and could contribute to a better management of these women and their offspring. This article is categorized under: Reproductive System Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology Reproductive System Diseases > Environmental Factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giselle A Abruzzese
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Aimé F Silva
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariela E Velazquez
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria-José Ferrer
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alicia B Motta
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Stener-Victorin E, Padmanabhan V, Walters KA, Campbell RE, Benrick A, Giacobini P, Dumesic DA, Abbott DH. Animal Models to Understand the Etiology and Pathophysiology of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Endocr Rev 2020; 41:bnaa010. [PMID: 32310267 PMCID: PMC7279705 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnaa010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
More than 1 out of 10 women worldwide are diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the leading cause of female reproductive and metabolic dysfunction. Despite its high prevalence, PCOS and its accompanying morbidities are likely underdiagnosed, averaging > 2 years and 3 physicians before women are diagnosed. Although it has been intensively researched, the underlying cause(s) of PCOS have yet to be defined. In order to understand PCOS pathophysiology, its developmental origins, and how to predict and prevent PCOS onset, there is an urgent need for safe and effective markers and treatments. In this review, we detail which animal models are more suitable for contributing to our understanding of the etiology and pathophysiology of PCOS. We summarize and highlight advantages and limitations of hormonal or genetic manipulation of animal models, as well as of naturally occurring PCOS-like females.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vasantha Padmanabhan
- Departments of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Kirsty A Walters
- Fertility & Research Centre, School of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rebecca E Campbell
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Anna Benrick
- Department of Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- School of Health Sciences and Education, University of Skövde, Skövde, Sweden
| | - Paolo Giacobini
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172 - LilNCog - Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Daniel A Dumesic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, California
| | - David H Abbott
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
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Puttabyatappa M, Matiller V, Stassi AF, Salvetti NR, Ortega HH, Padmanabhan V. Developmental Programming: Prenatal Testosterone Excess on Ovarian SF1/DAX1/FOXO3. Reprod Sci 2020; 27:342-354. [PMID: 32046386 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-019-00029-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal testosterone (T) excess, partly via androgenic programming, enhances follicular recruitment/persistence in sheep as in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Decreased anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) in early growing and increased AMH in antral follicles may underlie enhanced recruitment and persistence, respectively. Changes in AMH may be mediated by steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1), an enhancer of AMH, and dosage-sensitive sex reversal, adrenal hypoplasia critical region, on chromosome X, gene 1 (DAX1), that antagonizes SF1. Another mediator could be forkhead box 03 (FOXO3) which regulates follicular recruitment/atresia. To test if androgen-programmed changes in SF1, DAX1, and FOXO3 proteins contribute to follicular defects in prenatal T-treated sheep, ovaries from control, prenatal T-, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-treated (days 30-90 of gestation) animals at fetal day (FD) 90, FD140, and 1 and 2 years-of-age were studied. Prenatal T increased DAX1 in granulosa cells of primordial through large preantral and theca cells of large preantral follicles at FD140 and increased SF1 in the granulosa cells of preantral and antral and theca cells of large preantral follicle at 2 years-of-age. Prenatal T increased FOXO3 only in theca cells of preantral (FD140) and antral (2 years-of-age) follicles. Prenatal DHT increased DAX1 in granulosa cells from small preantral follicles at FD140 while increasing SF1 in granulosa cells from antral follicles at 1 year-of-age. These age-dependent changes in DAX1/SF1 partly via androgen-programming are consistent with changes in AMH and may contribute to the enhanced follicular recruitment/persistence, and multifollicular phenotype of prenatal T-treated females and may be of translational relevance to PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muraly Puttabyatappa
- Department of Pediatrics and the Reproductive Sciences Program, University of Michigan, Room 7510 MSRB I, 1150 Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5718, USA
| | - Valentina Matiller
- Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICiVet-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Antonela F Stassi
- Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICiVet-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Natalia R Salvetti
- Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICiVet-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Hugo H Ortega
- Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICiVet-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Vasantha Padmanabhan
- Department of Pediatrics and the Reproductive Sciences Program, University of Michigan, Room 7510 MSRB I, 1150 Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5718, USA.
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Abbott DH, Kraynak M, Dumesic DA, Levine JE. In utero Androgen Excess: A Developmental Commonality Preceding Polycystic Ovary Syndrome? FRONTIERS OF HORMONE RESEARCH 2019; 53:1-17. [PMID: 31499494 DOI: 10.1159/000494899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In utero androgen excess reliably induces polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)-like reproductive and metabolic traits in female monkeys, sheep, rats, and mice. In humans, however, substantial technical and ethical constraints on fetal sampling have curtailed safe, pathogenic exploration during gestation. Evidence consistent with in utero origins for PCOS in humans has thus been slow to amass, but the balance now leans toward developmental fetal origins. Given that PCOS is familial and highly heritable, difficulties encountered in discerning genetic contributions to PCOS pathogenesis are puzzling and, to date, accounts for <10% of PCOS presentations. Unaccounted heritability notwithstanding, molecular commonality in pathogenic mechanisms is emerging, suggested by co-occurrence at the same gene loci of (1) PCOS genetic variants (PCOS women), (2) epigenetic alterations in DNA methylation (PCOS women), and (3) bioinformatics, gene networks-identified, epigenetic alterations in DNA methylation (female rhesus monkeys exposed to testosterone (T) in utero). In addition, naturally occurring hyperandrogenism in female monkeys singles out individuals with PCOS-like reproductive and metabolic traits accompanied by somatic biomarkers of in utero T exposure. Such phenotypic and molecular convergence between highly related species suggests not only dual genetic and epigenetic contributions to a developmental origin of PCOS but also common molecular pathogenesis extending beyond humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H Abbott
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA, .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA, .,Endocrinology-Reproductive Physiology Training Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA,
| | - Marissa Kraynak
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,Endocrinology-Reproductive Physiology Training Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Daniel A Dumesic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jon E Levine
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,Endocrinology-Reproductive Physiology Training Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Bertoldo MJ, Caldwell ASL, Riepsamen AH, Lin D, Gonzalez MB, Robker RL, Ledger WL, Gilchrist RB, Handelsman DJ, Walters KA. A Hyperandrogenic Environment Causes Intrinsic Defects That Are Detrimental to Follicular Dynamics in a PCOS Mouse Model. Endocrinology 2019; 160:699-715. [PMID: 30657917 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-00966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of female infertility. Hyperandrogenism is both a major symptom and key diagnostic trait of PCOS; however, the direct impact of this androgen excess on ovarian dynamics is unclear. By combining a DHT-induced PCOS mouse model with an ex vivo follicle culture system, we investigated the impact of hyperandrogenism on ovarian function. Ovaries from PCOS mice exhibited the characteristic polycystic ovary morphology with numerous large cystic follicles and no corpora lutea present. Isolation and individual culture of preantral and antral follicles from PCOS mice resulted in slower growth rates during 5 days compared with the follicles isolated from control mice (P < 0.01). In contrast, preovulatory follicles from PCOS mice exhibited a significant increase in growth rate compared with controls (P < 0.01). Preantral follicles from PCOS ovaries maintained comparable follicular health as control follicles, but antral and preovulatory PCOS follicles exhibited reduced follicle health (P < 0.01) and survival rates (P < 0.01). Compared with controls, PCOS females also exhibited a poorer response to hyperstimulation (P < 0.01), impaired oocyte function evident by increased levels of reactive oxygen species (P < 0.01), and a reduction in on-time embryo development (P < 0.01). These results demonstrate that prolonged exposure to androgen excess leads to aberrant follicle development, which persists even after removal from the hyperandrogenic environment, causing perturbed follicular developmental trajectories. These findings indicate that an in vivo hyperandrogenic environment in patients with PCOS may intrinsically induce detrimental effects on follicles and oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Bertoldo
- Fertility & Research Centre, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Aimee S L Caldwell
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Angelique H Riepsamen
- Fertility & Research Centre, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dianliang Lin
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Fujian Provincial Reproductive Medicine Center, Fujian Provincial Maternity and Children's Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Macarena B Gonzalez
- School of Medicine, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Rebecca L Robker
- School of Medicine, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - William L Ledger
- Fertility & Research Centre, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robert B Gilchrist
- Fertility & Research Centre, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David J Handelsman
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kirsty A Walters
- Fertility & Research Centre, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Abbott DH, Dumesic DA, Levine JE. Hyperandrogenic origins of polycystic ovary syndrome - implications for pathophysiology and therapy. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2019; 14:131-143. [PMID: 30767580 PMCID: PMC6992448 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2019.1576522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) diagnosis comprises combinations of female hyperandrogenism, menstrual irregularity and polycystic ovaries. While it is a familial and highly prevalent endocrine disorder, progress towards a cure is hindered by absence of a definitive pathogenic mechanism and lack of an animal model of naturally occurring PCOS. AREAS COVERED These include an overview of PCOS and its potential etiology, and an examination of insights gained into its pathogenic origins. Animal models derived from experimentally-induced hyperandrogenism during gestation, or from naturally-occurring PCOS-like traits, most reliably demonstrate reproductive, neuroendocrine and metabolic pathogenesis. EXPERT OPINION Genetic studies, while identifying at least 17 PCOS risk genes, account for <10% of women with PCOS. A number of PCOS risk genes involve regulation of gonadotropin secretion or action, suggesting a reproductive neuroendocrine basis for PCOS pathogenesis. Consistent with this notion, a number of animal models employing fetal androgen excess demonstrate epigenetic induction of PCOS-like traits, including reproductive neuroendocrine and metabolic dysfunction. Monkey models are most comprehensive, while mouse models provide molecular insight, including identifying the androgen receptor, particularly in neurons, as mediating androgen-induced PCOS-like programming. Naturally-occurring female hyperandrogenism is also demonstrated in monkeys. Animal models are poised to delineate molecular gateways to PCOS pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H Abbott
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Daniel A Dumesic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jon E Levine
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
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Abruzzese GA, Crisosto N, De Grava Kempinas W, Sotomayor-Zárate R. Developmental programming of the female neuroendocrine system by steroids. J Neuroendocrinol 2018; 30:e12632. [PMID: 29968423 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 06/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Developmental programming refers to processes that occur during early life that may have long-term consequences, modulating adult health and disease. Complex diseases, such as diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease, have a high prevalence in different populations, are multifactorial, and may have a strong environmental component. The environment interacts with organisms, affecting their behaviour, morphology and physiology. This interaction may induce permanent or long-term changes, and organisms may be more susceptible to environmental factors during certain developmental stages, such as the prenatal and early postnatal periods. Several factors have been identified as responsible for inducing the reprogramming of various reproductive and nonreproductive tissues. Among them, both natural and synthetic steroids, such as endocrine disruptors, are known to have either detrimental or positive effects on organisms depending on the dose of exposure, stage of development and biological sexual background. The present review focuses on the action of steroids and endocrine disruptors as agents involved in developmental programming and on their modulation and effects on female neuroendocrine functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giselle Adriana Abruzzese
- Laboratorio de Fisio-patología Ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nicolás Crisosto
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Laboratory West Division, School of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Endocrinology Unit, Clínica Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Wilma De Grava Kempinas
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista-UNESP, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ramón Sotomayor-Zárate
- Laboratorio de Neuroquímica y Neurofarmacología, Centro de Neurobiología y Fisiopatología Integrativa, Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
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Domonkos E, Borbélyová V, Kolátorová L, Chlupáčová T, Ostatníková D, Hodosy J, Stárka L, Celec P. Sex differences in the effect of prenatal testosterone exposure on steroid hormone production in adult rats. Physiol Res 2018; 66:S367-S374. [PMID: 28948821 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.933722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal hyperandrogenism during pregnancy might have metabolic and endocrine consequences on the offspring as shown for the polycystic ovary syndrome. Despite numerous experiments, the impact of prenatal hyperandrogenic environment on postnatal sex steroid milieu is not yet clear. In this study, we investigated the effect of prenatal testosterone excess on postnatal concentrations of luteinizing hormone, corticosterone and steroid hormones including testosterone, pregnenolone, progesterone, estradiol and 7beta-hydroxy-epiandrosterone in the offspring of both sexes. Pregnant rats were injected daily with either testosterone propionate or vehicle from gestational day 14 until parturition. The hormones were evaluated in plasma of the adult offspring. As expected, females had lower testosterone and higher pregnenolone, progesterone and estradiol in comparison to males. In addition, corticosterone was higher in females than in males, and it was further elevated by prenatal testosterone treatment. In males, prenatal testosterone exposure resulted in higher 7beta-hydroxy-epiandrosterone in comparison to control group. None of the other analyzed hormones were affected by prenatal testosterone. In conclusion, our results did not show major effects on sex hormone production or luteinizing hormone release in adult rats resulting from testosterone excess during their fetal development. However, maternal hyperandrogenism seems to partially affect steroid biosynthesis in sex-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Domonkos
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia.
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Puttabyatappa M, Padmanabhan V. Developmental Programming of Ovarian Functions and Dysfunctions. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2018; 107:377-422. [PMID: 29544638 PMCID: PMC6119353 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2018.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the origin of several ovarian pathologies remain unclear. In addition to the genetic basis, developmental insults are gaining attention as a basis for the origin of these pathologies. Such early insults include maternal over or under nutrition, stress, and exposure to environmental chemicals. This chapter reviews the development and physiological function of the ovary, the known ovarian pathologies, the developmental check points of ovarian differentiation impacted by developmental insults, the role played by steroidal and metabolic factors as mediaries, the epigenetic mechanisms via which these mediaries induce their effects, and the knowledge gaps for targeting future studies to ultimately aid in the development of improved treatments.
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Ma Y, Andrisse S, Chen Y, Childress S, Xue P, Wang Z, Jones D, Ko C, Divall S, Wu S. Androgen Receptor in the Ovary Theca Cells Plays a Critical Role in Androgen-Induced Reproductive Dysfunction. Endocrinology 2017; 158:98-108. [PMID: 27841936 PMCID: PMC5412974 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Androgen and its receptor (AR) play a critical role in reproductive function under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Female AR global knockout mice are subfertile due to both neuroendocrine and ovarian defects. Female offspring from prenatally androgenized heterozygous AR pregnant mice showed rescued estrous cyclicity and fertility. Ar is expressed in granulosa cells, theca interstitial cells, and oocytes in the ovary. We created mice with theca-specific deletion of Ar (ThARKO) by crossing Cyp17-iCre mice that express Cre recombinase under cytochrome P450 17A1 (Cyp17) promoter with Arfl/fl mice. ThARKO mice exhibited no significant differences in pubertal onset or fertility compared with control littermates, and neither estrogen or testosterone levels were different between these groups. Therefore, Ar expression in theca cells likely does not influence fertility nor androgen levels in female mice. We then tested the role of AR in theca cells under hyperandrogenemic condition. After treatment with a pathophysiological level of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), control mice (control-DHT) showed acyclicity and infertility. However, estrous cycles and fertility were altered to a significantly less degree in ThARKO-DHT mice than in control-DHT mice. Messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of Lhcgr (luteinizing hormone receptor) and Timp1 (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1, and inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase) were significantly lower in control-DHT ovary compared with control-no DHT ovaries, whereas mRNA levels of Fshr (follicle-stimulating hormone receptor) were significantly higher. Timp1 gene expression was comparable in the ThARKO-DHT and the control-no DHT ovary. We speculate that the preserved level of Timp1 in ThARKO-DHT mice contributes to retained reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Ma
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, and
| | - Stanley Andrisse
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, and
| | - Yi Chen
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, and
| | - Shameka Childress
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, and
| | - Ping Xue
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, and
| | - Zhiqiang Wang
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, and
| | - Dustin Jones
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287
| | - CheMyong Ko
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61802; and
| | - Sara Divall
- Seattle Children’s Hospital, Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Seattle, Washington 98105
| | - Sheng Wu
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, and
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287
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