Expression of CYP19, SOCS3, and HOXA Genes in the Reproductive System of a Rat Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Impaired endometrial receptivity and implantation failure have been reported in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying impaired implantation in women with PCOS remain unclear. In this study, the relative expression of the CYP19 gene in ovarian granulosa cells (GCs), as well as SOCS3, HOXA9, and HOXA11 genes in the uterine tissue (genes involved in the implantation process) were examined in the adult rat model of PCOS compared to controls.

Five milligrams of free testosterone was subcutaneously injected into pregnant rats on the 20th day of pregnancy, and pregnant rats in the other group only received solvent. Female offspring who were exposed to androgen during their fetal life were considered as a rat model of PCOS, and female offspring from the other group were considered as the control group (n=8 in each group). The relative expression of the CYP19 gene in ovarian GCs and SOCS3, HOXA9, and HOXA11 genes in the uterus were measured using SYBR-Green real-time PCR.

A significant decrease in the relative expression of the CYP19 gene was observed in the ovarian GCs of the rat model of PCOS compared to controls (p=0.02). In addition, the relative expression of SOCS3 (p<0/001), HOXA9 (p=0.018), and HOXA11 (p=0.007) genes significantly decreased in the uterine tissue of PCOS rats compared to the controls.

Reduced expression of the CYP19 gene in ovarian GCs, SOCS3, HOXA9, and HOXA11 in the uterine tissue may be one of the molecular mechanisms underlying implantation failure in PCOS subjects.