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11-11-2023 | Polycystic Ovary Syndrome | Original Article

Androgens exacerbate hepatic triglyceride accumulation in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome by downregulating MTTP expression

Authors: Dongxu Wang, Han Zhao, Chuan Xing, Bo Lv, Xiaochen Wang, Bing He

Published in: Endocrine | Issue 2/2024

Abstract

Purpose

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive endocrine disorder, which is closely associated with insulin resistance, glucose and lipid metabolism disorders. Patients with PCOS have a significantly higher risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and are associated with hyperandrogenemia (HA). However, the exact mechanism by which HA exacerbates hepatic steatosis in PCOS has not yet been fully elucidated. This work aims to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of androgens on hepatic triglyceride (TG) metabolism in rats with PCOS.

Methods

Twenty-four female Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (6 rats/group): control, high-fat diet (HFD), PCOS, and PCOS + flutamide (Flu). Changes in the estrous cycle, liver and ovarian tissue sections, serum total testosterone, serum and liver biochemical indicators, and key enzymes involved in TG metabolism were studied.

Results

Hepatocyte steatosis and TG accumulation were more evident in the PCOS group than in the control and HFD groups. The PCOS group showed apparent increases in the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, TG, free fatty acid, fasting insulin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance. Hepatic VLDL and apoB-100 levels decreased in the PCOS group. After Flu was administered to block the actions of androgens, the above abnormalities had been improved. The expression of MTTP was greatly decreased in the PCOS group and significantly increased after Flu administration.

Conclusion

Hepatic steatosis in PCOS rats was correlated with HA. Androgens may exacerbate hepatic TG accumulation by downregulating MTTP expression in PCOS.

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Title: Androgens exacerbate hepatic triglyceride accumulation in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome by downregulating MTTP expression
Authors: Dongxu Wang
Han Zhao
Chuan Xing
Bo Lv
Xiaochen Wang
Bing He
Publication date: 11-11-2023
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Fatty Liver
Flutamide
Androgens
Testosterone
Published in: Endocrine / Issue 2/2024
Print ISSN: 1355-008X
Electronic ISSN: 1559-0100
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12020-023-03590-6

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