Explore the Relationship between Insulin Resistance and PGC1α in PCOS Mice

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the relationship between AMPKα, PGCα, insulin resistance and reproductive function in PCOS mice and to find out the molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic molecular targets of pathogenesis of PCOS. Methods: The PCOS mouse model was established by DHEA administering with Balb/c mice. And after AMPK agonist AICAR and inhibitor Compound C intervention, Fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin and testosterone levels were observed. The HOMA index was calculated. The changes of PGCα expression in ovarian tissue were observed by western blot and immunohistochemistry to determine the relationship between insulin resistance and PGCα in PCOS mice. Results: Western blot and immunohistochemistry showed that PGC1α protein was expressed in the ovary of mice and the expression of PGC1α was negatively correlated with AMPKα in our study. Compared with the control group, the expression of PGC1α in the ovaries of the mice in PCOS group was significantly increased (P < 0.05), after intervention with AMPK agonist AICAR, the expression of PGC1α in PCOS + AICAR group was lower than that in PCOS group (P < 0.05). It is worth noting that the expression of PGC1α in PCOS mice exposed to AMPK inhibitor Compound C also decreased compared with PCOS group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: In ovarian tissue, the insulin resistance-related AMPKα pathway in PCOS mice may be negatively correlated with PGCα.