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Akbarinejad V, Cushman RA. Developmental programming of reproduction in the female animal. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 263:107456. [PMID: 38503204 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Successful reproduction is a cornerstone in food animal industry in order to sustain food production for human. Therefore, various methods focusing on genetics and postnatal environment have been identified and applied to improve fertility in livestock. Yet there is evidence indicating that environmental factors during prenatal and/or neonatal life can also impact the function of reproductive system and fertility in the animals during adulthood, which is called the developmental programming of reproduction. The current review summarizes data associated with the developmental origins of reproduction in the female animals. In this regard, this review focuses on the effect of plane of nutrition, maternal body condition, hypoxia, litter size, maternal age, parity, level of milk production and milk components, lactocrine signaling, stress, thermal stress, exposure to androgens, endocrine disrupting chemicals, mycotoxins and pollutants, affliction with infection and inflammation, and maternal gut microbiota during prenatal and neonatal periods on the neuroendocrine system, puberty, health of reproductive organs and fertility in the female offspring. It is noteworthy that these prenatal and neonatal factors do not always exert their effects on the reproductive performance of the female by compromising the development of organs directly related to reproductive function such as hypothalamus, pituitary, ovary, oviduct and uterus. Since they can impair the development of non-reproductive organs and systems modulating reproductive function as well (e.g., metabolic system and level of milk yield in dairy animals). Furthermore, when these factors affect the epigenetics of the offspring, their adverse effects will not be limited to one generation and can transfer transgenerationally. Hence, pinpointing the factors influencing developmental programming of reproduction and considering them in management of livestock operations could be a potential strategy to help improve fertility in food animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Akbarinejad
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Robert A Cushman
- USDA, Agricultural Research Service, US. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE 68933-0166, United States
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Varde M, Newman RB, Wenzel AG, Kucklick JR, Wineland RJ, Brock JW, Bloom MS. Racial disparities affect the association between gestational urinary phthalate mixtures and infant genital measures. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2023; 5:1304725. [PMID: 38146361 PMCID: PMC10749323 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2023.1304725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Phthalates are ubiquitous anti-androgenic endocrine disrupting chemicals found in personal care products, medications, and many plastics. Studies have shown a racial disparity in phthalates exposure among U.S. women, which may also impact fetal development. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study of gestational exposure to a phthalates mixture in a racially-diverse population to determine their association with genital development. Mid-gestation (18-22 weeks) urine was collected from 152 women who self-identified as non-Hispanic Black and 158 women who self-identified as non-Hispanic White in Charleston, South Carolina between 2011 and 2014. We measured eight phthalate monoester metabolites in urine using liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry. Mid-gestational penile dimensions were measured using ultrasound and anogenital distances were measured postnatally. We used Bayesian kernel machine regression to estimate the associations among the mixture of phthalate metabolites and mid-gestation penile dimensions and postnatal anogenital distance measures among singleton male (n = 179) and female (n = 131) infants, adjusted for urinary specific gravity, maternal age, body mass index, education level, cigarette smoking, and gestational age at enrollment or birth weight z-score. Results We found a stronger association between greater phthalates and decreased anopenile distance among infants born to women who self-identified as Black. Mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) was the driving mixture component among Black women, and monobutyl phthalate (MBP) and monoethyl phthalate (MEP) were drivers among White women. We also identified a non-linear association between phthalates and lesser ultrasound penile volume among women who self-identified as Black with monoisobutyl phthalate (MiBP) and MBP being most important. We also found an association between greater phthalates and shorter anoclitoral distance among infants born to women who self-identified as Black, with MEP and monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP) contributing most to this association. Conclusion Our results suggest a disparity in the association between gestational exposure to a mixture of phthalates and fetal genital development among women who self-identified as Black compared to White.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghana Varde
- Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States
| | - Roger B. Newman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Abby G. Wenzel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - John R. Kucklick
- Hollings Marine Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Rebecca J. Wineland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - John W. Brock
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina Asheville, Asheville, NC, United States
| | - Michael S. Bloom
- Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States
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Thacharodi A, Hassan S, Acharya G, Vithlani A, Hoang Le Q, Pugazhendhi A. Endocrine disrupting chemicals and their effects on the reproductive health in men. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 236:116825. [PMID: 37544467 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) are harmful compounds that enter the environment naturally or through anthropogenic activities and disrupt normal endocrine functions in humans, adversely affecting reproductive health. Among the most significant sources of EDC contaminants are the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and packaging industries. EDCs have been identified to have a deteriorating effect on male reproductive system, as evidenced by the increasing number of male infertility cases. A large number of case studies have been published in which men exposed to EDCs experienced testicular cancer, undescended testicles, a decrease in serum testosterone levels, and poor semen quality. Furthermore, epidemiological evidence suggested a link between prenatal EDC exposure and cryptorchidism or undescended testicles, hypospadias, and decreased anogenital distance in infants. The majority of these findings, however, are incongruent due to the lack of long-term follow-up studies that would demonstrate EDCs to be associated with male reproductive disorders. This review aims to provide an overview on recent scientific progress on the association of EDCs to male reproductive health with special emphasis on its toxicity and possible mechanism of EDCs that disrupt male reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aswin Thacharodi
- Dr. Thacharodi's Laboratories, Department of Research and Development, Puducherry, 605005, India
| | - Saqib Hassan
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio and Chemical Engineering, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600119, India; American Society for Microbiology, Washington, 20036, USA
| | - Gururaj Acharya
- Department of Civil Engineering, NMAM Institute of Technology, NITTE (Deemed to be university), Karnataka, 574110, India
| | - Avadh Vithlani
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Quynh Hoang Le
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Viet Nam; Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Viet Nam
| | - Arivalagan Pugazhendhi
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Viet Nam; Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Viet Nam.
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Schliep KC, Ghabayen L, Shaaban M, Hughes FR, Pollack AZ, Stanford JB, Brady KA, Kiser A, Peterson CM. Examining the co-occurrence of endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome. AJOG GLOBAL REPORTS 2023; 3:100259. [PMID: 37663310 PMCID: PMC10472311 DOI: 10.1016/j.xagr.2023.100259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycystic ovarian syndrome and endometriosis are 2 of the most common reproductive disorders among women but are thought to be unrelated. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the overlap and common symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome and endometriosis. STUDY DESIGN The study population included the Endometriosis, Natural History, Diagnosis, and Outcomes Study (2007-2009) operative cohort: 473 women, aged 18 to 44 years, who underwent a diagnostic and/or therapeutic laparoscopy or laparotomy at 1 of 14 surgical centers located in Salt Lake City, Utah, or San Francisco, California, in addition to a population cohort composed of 127 women from the surgical centers' catchment areas. Age and site-adjusted multinomial regression models were used to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals of reproductive history characteristics among women with endometriosis only, women with polycystic ovarian syndrome only, and women with both endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome. RESULTS Among the operative cohort, 35% had endometriosis only, 9% had polycystic ovarian syndrome only, and 5% had endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Among the population cohort, 10% had endometriosis only, 8% had polycystic ovarian syndrome only, and 2% had endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome. In the operative cohort, a history of subfertility was associated with a higher adjusted probability of having both conditions (adjusted prevalence ratio, 10.33; 95% confidence interval, 3.94-27.08), followed by having endometriosis only (adjusted prevalence ratio, 2.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.56-3.84) or polycystic ovarian syndrome only (adjusted prevalence ratio, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 0.51-2.61), than having neither condition. In addition, experiencing chronic pelvic pain within the past 12 months was associated with a higher probability of having both conditions (adjusted prevalence ratio, 2.53; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-6.00) than having neither condition. CONCLUSION Among a cohort of women undergoing gynecologic laparoscopy or laparotomy, our study found that nearly 1 in 20 women had both an incident endometriosis diagnosis and symptoms consistent with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Among a population cohort of women not seeking gynecologic care, polycystic ovarian syndrome and endometriosis overlap prevalence was approximately 1 in 50 women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen C. Schliep
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (Dr Schliep, Mses Ghabayen, Shaaban, and Hughes, and Dr Stanford)
| | - Lina Ghabayen
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (Dr Schliep, Mses Ghabayen, Shaaban, and Hughes, and Dr Stanford)
| | - May Shaaban
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (Dr Schliep, Mses Ghabayen, Shaaban, and Hughes, and Dr Stanford)
| | - Felicity R. Hughes
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (Dr Schliep, Mses Ghabayen, Shaaban, and Hughes, and Dr Stanford)
| | - Anna Z. Pollack
- College of Health and Human Services, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA (Dr Pollack)
| | - Joseph B. Stanford
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (Dr Schliep, Mses Ghabayen, Shaaban, and Hughes, and Dr Stanford)
| | - Kristy Allen Brady
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (Dr Allen Brady)
| | - Amber Kiser
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (Ms Kiser)
| | - C. Matthew Peterson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (Dr Peterson)
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Yarsilikal Guleroglu F, Balkan Ozmen A, Turan Bakirci I, Ekmez M, Cetin A. Relationship among anogenital distance, adrenal gland volume, and penile length and width at 22-36 weeks of pregnancy. J Perinat Med 2023; 51:356-362. [PMID: 35985035 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2022-0239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The subject of current work was to determine the relationship of fetal ultrasonographic biomarkers, including anogenital distance (AGD), adrenal gland volume, and penile length and width in mothers with male fetuses at 22-36 weeks of gestation for the assessment of the effect of fetal adrenal gland producing androgens on the male anogenital structures that are exposed to androgen effects as anogenital region and penis. METHODS This study is a prospective cross-sectional study conducted in our hospital's outpatient perinatal care unit. One hundred and seventy pregnant women with a male fetus aged 22-36 weeks of gestation were included in the study. The fetal adrenal gland length, width, and depth for the calculation of adrenal volume, AGD, and penile length and width were measured for each participant. The Pearson coefficients were calculated to assess the correlation among these parameters. RESULTS The adrenal gland volume had a meaningful, positive moderate relationship with both the AGD (r=0.60) and penile length and width (r=0.57 and r=0.59, respectively; p<0.001). The AGD had a positive, strong correlation with the penile length and width (r=0.74 and r=0.76, respectively; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The fetal adrenal gland as one of the androgen sources of the fetus is an influencer of the development of the anogenital and penile region. The findings of the current study support that the adrenal gland considerably affects the masculinization of male fetuses, since there were remarkable correlations among the AGD, adrenal gland volume, and penile length and width.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filiz Yarsilikal Guleroglu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Istanbul Haseki Training and Research Hospital affiliated with the University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Aliye Balkan Ozmen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bursa City Hospital, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Isil Turan Bakirci
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Basaksehir Cam ve Sakura City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Murat Ekmez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Istanbul Haseki Training and Research Hospital affiliated with the University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ali Cetin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Istanbul Haseki Training and Research Hospital affiliated with the University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
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Crespi BJ, Evans SF. Prenatal Origins of Endometriosis Pathology and Pain: Reviewing the Evidence of a Role for Low Testosterone. J Pain Res 2023; 16:307-316. [PMID: 36762368 PMCID: PMC9904225 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s389166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a polygenic, estrogen-dependent, inflammatory disorder of uncertain aetiology associated with pain, infertility and reduced quality of life. While the positive association between endometriosis and estrogen is established, a suite of recent studies has demonstrated an inverse association between the presence of endometriosis lesions and levels of testosterone both prenatally and postnatally. The following narrative review provides new insights into the roles of testosterone in the aetiology, diagnosis, and management of endometriosis and associated symptoms, especially pain. A relatively short anogenital distance (AGD) is indicative of lower levels of testosterone during fetal development. A shorter AGD has recently been correlated with both a higher risk of developing endometriosis in adult life, and with known correlates of endometriosis including earlier onset of reproductive cycling, lower ovarian follicle number, lower postnatal testosterone, and premature ovarian insufficiency. During adult life, lower levels of testosterone are positively associated with key comorbidities of endometriosis, including days per month of pelvic pain and increased pain sensitivity. Biochemically, lower levels of testosterone are associated with higher levels of pro-inflammatory IL-1β and lower levels of β-endorphin. In rodents, prenatal administration of testosterone to females reduces their pain sensitivity in adulthood. The emerging convergent links of endometriosis with low prenatal and postnatal testosterone provide evidence of a centrally mediated effect beginning in early prenatal development, and persisting through adult life, with notable effects on pain sensitivity. They generate a novel conceptual framework for understanding, studying and treating this disorder, whereby endometriosis is mediated by a combination of high estrogen in endometrial tissue with low systemic and ovarian testosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard J Crespi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada,Correspondence: Bernard J Crespi, Email
| | - Susan F Evans
- Adelaide Medical School, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Guerra MT, Erthal RP, Punhagui-Umbelino APF, Trinque CM, Torres de Bari MA, Nunes TDM, Costa WF, Cleto PH, Fernandes GSA. Reproductive toxicity of maternal exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate and butyl paraben (alone or in association) on both male and female Wistar offspring. J Appl Toxicol 2023; 43:242-261. [PMID: 35962557 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Parabens and phthalates are commonly found as contaminants in human fluids and are able to provoke reproductive toxicity, being considered endocrine disruptors. To evaluate the effects of phthalate and paraben, alone or in combination, on reproductive development of the offspring, female pregnant Wistar rats were allocated in six experimental groups: Three control groups (gavage [CG], subcutaneous [CS], and gavage + subcutaneous) received corn oil as vehicle, and the remaining groups were exposed to di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) (500 mg/kg, gavage), butyl paraben (BP) (100 mg/kg, subcutaneously), or MIX (DEHP + BP), from Gestational Day 12 until Postnatal Day (PND) 21. The following parameters were assessed on the offspring: anogenital distance and weight at PND 1, nipple counting at PND 13, puberty onset, estrous cycle, weights of reproductive and detoxifying organs, histological evaluation of reproductive organs, and sperm evaluations (counts, morphology, and motility). Female pups from MIX group presented reduced body weight at PND 1, lower AGD, and decreased endometrium thickness. Male animals showed decreased body weight at PND 1 and lower number of Sertoli cells on DEHP and MIX groups, MIX group revealed increase of abnormal seminiferous tubules, DEHP animals presented delayed preputial separation and higher percentage of immotile sperms, and BP males presented diminished number of Leydig cells. In conclusion, the male offspring was more susceptible to DEHP toxicity; even when mixed to paraben, the main negative effects observed seem to be due to antiandrogenic phthalate action. On the other hand, DEHP seems to be necessary to improve the effects of BP on reducing estrogen-dependent and increasing androgen-dependent events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rafaela Pires Erthal
- Department of Pathological Sciences, Biological Sciences Center, State University of Londrina-UEL, Londrina, Brazil
| | | | - Camila Moreira Trinque
- Department of General Biology, Biological Sciences Center, State University of Londrina-UEL, Londrina, Brazil
| | | | | | - Wagner Ferrari Costa
- Department of General Biology, Biological Sciences Center, State University of Londrina-UEL, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Pedro Horácio Cleto
- Department of General Biology, Biological Sciences Center, State University of Londrina-UEL, Londrina, Brazil
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Fujii S, Oguchi T. Shapes of the uterine cavity are different in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Reprod Med Biol 2023; 22:e12508. [PMID: 36845000 PMCID: PMC9949362 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate differences in uterine morphology between women with or without polycystic ovary syndrome. Methods The authors recruited 333 infertile reproductive-age women including 93 with polycystic ovary syndrome diagnosed using the criteria of the Japanese Society of Obstetrics Gynecology-2007. Shapes of uterine cavity were measured by transvaginal three-dimensional ultrasound. Results The polycystic ovary syndrome group had a significantly deeper indentation (2.2 ± 0.4 mm vs. 0.0 ± 0.2 mm, p < 0.0001) and a significantly more acute indentation angle (162.9 ± 2.2 deg vs. 175.2 ± 1.3 deg, p < 0.0001) than the control group. Conclusion The depth and the apical angle of fundal indentation of uterine cavity are different in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
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Evidence that Murciano-Granadina does with longer anogenital distance are more fertile and prolific and produce heavier and male-biased litters. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 244:107047. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.107047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Noroozzadeh M, Salehi Jahromi M, Gholami H, Amiri M, Ramezani Tehrani F. Ovarian expression of follicle stimulating hormone and activin receptors genes in a prenatally-androgenized rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome in adulthood. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:7765-7771. [PMID: 35668149 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07601-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The expression of genes involved in basic pathways, such as folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis may be affected following prenatal androgen exposure. Besides, exposure to androgens during prenatal life plays a central role in developing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in females in later life. In the present study, we aimed to examine the expression of the follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) and activin receptor (actR) genes in ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) of a prenatally-androgenized rat model of PCOS in adulthood. METHODS AND RESULTS In the adult rat model of PCOS and their controls (n = 8 in each group), different phases of the estrous cycle were determined by vaginal smear. Total RNA was extracted from the ovarian GCs using the TRIzol protocol, a reverse transcription kit was used for complementary DNA (cDNA) synthesis, and the expression of FSHR and actR genes was measured by SYBR-Green Real-Time PCR. GraphPad Prism was used for statistical analysis of data, and the t-Student's test was used to compare the results between the two groups. PCOS rats had longer and irregular estrous cycles compared to controls. The expression of FSHR and actR genes were significantly decreased in the rat model of PCOS compared to control rats. In PCOS rats, genes expression ratios for FSHR and actR were 0.91 ± 0.11 times (P = 0.008) and 0.42 ± 0.13 times (P = 0.048) less than controls, respectively. CONCLUSION Reduced expression of the FSHR and actR genes in ovarian GCs may be one of the mechanisms mediating PCOS-related disorders, especially abnormal ovarian folliculogenesis and ovulation dysfunction, following exposure to androgens during fetal life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Noroozzadeh
- Reproductive Endocrinology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, 23 Arabi Ave, Yaman Street, Velenjak, 1985717413, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marziyeh Salehi Jahromi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Hanieh Gholami
- Endocrine Physiology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Amiri
- Reproductive Endocrinology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, 23 Arabi Ave, Yaman Street, Velenjak, 1985717413, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Fahimeh Ramezani Tehrani
- Reproductive Endocrinology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, 23 Arabi Ave, Yaman Street, Velenjak, 1985717413, Tehran, Iran.
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