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Angelica Lindén Hirschberg Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.

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Emerging evidence indicates that testosterone, which can increase muscle mass and strength, stimulates erythropoiesis, promotes competitive behaviour, and enhances the physical performance of women. Indeed, the levels of testosterone within the normal female range are related to muscle mass and athletic performance in female athletes. Furthermore, among these athletes, the prevalence of hyperandrogenic conditions, including both polycystic ovary syndrome and rare differences/disorders of sex development (DSD), which may greatly increase testosterone production, are elevated. Thus, if the androgen receptors of an individual with XY DSD are functional, her muscle mass will develop like that of a man. These findings have led to the proposal that essential hyperandrogenism is beneficial for athletic performance and plays a role in the choice by women to compete in athletic activities. Moreover, a recent randomized controlled trial demonstrated a significant increase in the lean mass and aerobic performance by young exercising women when their testosterone levels were enhanced moderately. Circulating testosterone is considered the strongest factor to explain the male advantage in sport performance, ranging between 10 and 20%. It appears to be unfair to allow female athletes with endogenous testosterone levels in the male range (i.e. 10–20 times higher than normal) to compete against those with normal female androgen levels. In 2012, this consideration led international organizations to establish eligibility regulations for the female classification in order to ensure fair and meaningful competition, but the regulations are controversial and have been challenged in court.

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N K Stepto Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science, Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Medicine-Western Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Science, Melbourne University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

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D Hiam Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

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M Gibson-Helm Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia

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S Cassar Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

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C L Harrison Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia

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S K Hutchison Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia

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A E Joham Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia

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B J Canny School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

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A Moreno-Asso Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science, Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

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B J Strauss Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Gastroenterology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK

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N Hatzirodos The Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia

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R J Rodgers The Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia

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H J Teede Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
Diabetes and Endocrine Units, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia

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Objective

Mechanisms of insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) remain ill defined, contributing to sub-optimal therapies. Recognising skeletal muscle plays a key role in glucose homeostasis we investigated early insulin signalling, its association with aberrant transforming growth factor β (TGFβ)-regulated tissue fibrosis. We also explored the impact of aerobic exercise on these molecular pathways.

Methods

A secondary analysis from a cross-sectional study was undertaken in women with (n = 30) or without (n = 29) PCOS across lean and overweight BMIs. A subset of participants with (n = 8) or without (n = 8) PCOS who were overweight completed 12 weeks of aerobic exercise training. Muscle was sampled before and 30 min into a euglycaemic-hyperinsulinaemic clamp pre and post training.

Results

We found reduced signalling in PCOS of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR). Exercise training augmented but did not completely rescue this signalling defect in women with PCOS. Genes in the TGFβ signalling network were upregulated in skeletal muscle in the overweight women with PCOS but were unresponsive to exercise training except for genes encoding LOX, collagen 1 and 3.

Conclusions

We provide new insights into defects in early insulin signalling, tissue fibrosis, and hyperandrogenism in PCOS-specific insulin resistance in lean and overweight women. PCOS-specific insulin signalling defects were isolated to mTOR, while gene expression implicated TGFβ ligand regulating a fibrosis in the PCOS-obesity synergy in insulin resistance and altered responses to exercise. Interestingly, there was little evidence for hyperandrogenism as a mechanism for insulin resistance.

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Carla Scaroni Dipartimento di Medicina, U.O.C. Endocrinologia, Università di Padova, Padova, Italy

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Nora M Albiger Dipartimento di Medicina, U.O.C. Endocrinologia, Università di Padova, Padova, Italy

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Serena Palmieri Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy

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Davide Iacuaniello Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Napoli, Italy

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Chiara Graziadio Department of Experimental Medicine, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy

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Luca Damiani Department of Medical Sciences, Endocrinology and Internal Medicine Section, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy

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Marialuisa Zilio Dipartimento di Medicina, U.O.C. Endocrinologia, Università di Padova, Padova, Italy

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Antonio Stigliano Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant’Andrea Hospital, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy

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Annamaria Colao Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Napoli, Italy

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Rosario Pivonello Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Napoli, Italy

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the Altogether to Beat Cushing’s Syndrome (ABC) study group
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The distinction between pseudo-Cushing’s states (PCS) and Cushing’s syndrome (CS) poses a significant clinical challenge even for expert endocrinologists. A patient’s clinical history can sometimes help to distinguish between them (as in the case of alcoholic individuals), but the overlap in clinical and laboratory findings makes it difficult to arrive at a definitive diagnosis. We aim to describe the most common situations that can give rise to a condition resembling overt endogenous hypercortisolism and try to answer questions that physicians often face in clinical practice. It is important to know the relative prevalence of these different situations, bearing in mind that most of the conditions generating PCS are relatively common (such as metabolic syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome), while CS is rare in the general population. Physicians should consider CS in the presence of additional features. Appropriate treatment of underlying conditions is essential as it can reverse the hormonal abnormalities associated with PCS. Close surveillance and a thorough assessment of a patient’s hormone status will ultimately orient the diagnosis and treatment options over time.

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Ewa Stogowska Department of Internal Medicine and Metabolic Diseases, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland

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Karol Adam Kamiński Department of Population Medicine and Civilization Diseases Prevention, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland

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Bartosz Ziółko Techmo, Kraków, Poland

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Irina Kowalska Department of Internal Medicine and Metabolic Diseases, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland

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The subject of vocal changes accompanying pathological conditions, although still not well explored, seems to be promising. The discovery of laryngeal receptors for sex hormones and thyroid hormones can strongly support the hypothesis of changes in voice due to various endocrinopathies. On the other hand, the impairment of the proper function of the vocal apparatus can also be caused in the process of the microvasculature complications of diabetes mellitus. This review was a comprehensive summary of the accessible literature concerning the influence of selected endocrinopathies on subjective and objective voice parameters. We analysed a total number of 16 English-language research papers from the PubMed database, released between 2008 and 2021, describing vocal changes in reproductive disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome and congenital adrenal hyperplasia, thyroid disorders in shape of hypo- or hyperthyroidism and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The vast majority of the analysed articles proved some changes in voice in all mentioned conditions, although the detailed affected vocal parameters frequently differed between research. We assume that the main cause of the observed conflicting results might stem from non-homogeneous methodology designs of the analysed studies.

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Hong Tang Departments of Gynaecology and Obstetrics Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China

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Xiaomei Jiang Departments of Gynaecology and Obstetrics Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China

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Yu Hua Departments of Gynaecology and Obstetrics Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China

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Heyue Li Departments of Gynaecology and Obstetrics Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China

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Chunlan Zhu Departments of Gynaecology and Obstetrics Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China

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Xiaobai Hao Departments of Gynaecology and Obstetrics Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China

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Minhui Yi Departments of Gynaecology and Obstetrics Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China

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Linxia Li Departments of Gynaecology and Obstetrics Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China

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Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an androgen disorder and ovarian dysfunction disease in women of reproductive age. The cell death of granulosa cells (GCs) plays an important role in the development of PCOS. However, the mechanism of GC death is still unclear.

Methods

In the current study, NEDD4L was found to be elevated in PCOS GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus) databases and mouse models. The cell viability was analyzed by CCK-8 and FDA staining. The expression of ferroptosis markers was assessed by ELISA and immunofluorescence. The direct interaction of GPX4 and NEDD4L was verified by co-immunoprecipitation assay.

Result

Functionally, results from CCK-8 and FDA staining demonstrated that NEDD4L inhibited the cell viability of KGN cells and NEDD4L increased the levels of iron, malonyldialdehyde, and reactive oxygen species and decreased glutathione levels. Moreover, the cell death of KGN induced by NEDD4L was blocked by ferroptosis inhibitor, suggesting that NEDD4L regulates KGN cell ferroptosis. Mechanistically, NEDD4L directly interacts with GPX4 and promotes GPX4 ubiquitination and degradation.

Conclusion

Taken together, our study indicated that NEDD4L facilitates GC ferroptosis by promoting GPX4 ubiquitination and degradation and contributes to the development of PCOS.

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Xiuhua Liao Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
Fujian Maternal-Fetal Clinical Medicine Research Center, Fuzhou, China
Fujian Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Fuzhou, China

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Suqin Zhu Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China

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Shumin Qiu Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China

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Hua Cao Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China

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Wenwen Jiang Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China

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Huiling Xu Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China

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Yan Sun Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China

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Beihong Zheng Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
Fujian Maternal-Fetal Clinical Medicine Research Center, Fuzhou, China
Fujian Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Fuzhou, China

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This study aimed to investigate the role of mitochondrial-related protein Mfn2 in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its impact on oocyte development. The pathological features of PCOS model mice were confirmed by hematoxylin–eosin staining and immunohistochemistry. The expression of Mfn2 and mitochondrial-related proteins in PCOS oocytes and granulosa cells was detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Mitochondrial quantity was measured by Mito-Tracker staining, and the structure of mitochondria-associated ER membranes (MAMs) was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that Mfn2 was significantly downregulated in PCOS oocytes and granulosa cells, and its expression was inhibited in oocytes at different developmental stages. Moreover, the structure of MAMs was also disrupted. Downregulation of Mfn2 expression led to a reduction in mitochondrial quantity in oocytes and granulosa cells, as well as disruption of MAM structure, while overexpression of Mfn2 had the opposite effect. In conclusion, this study indicates that Mfn2 affects the development of PCOS oocytes by regulating MAMs and may be involved in maintaining the stability of MAM structure and function, thereby affecting mitochondrial quantity and function. These findings provide new insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of PCOS.

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Charissa van Zwol-Janssens Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands

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Aglaia Hage Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands

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Kim van der Ham Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands

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Birgitta K Velthuis Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands

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Ricardo P J Budde Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands

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Maria P H Koster Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands

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Arie Franx Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands

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Bart C J M Fauser Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Utrecht & University of Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands

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Eric Boersma Department of Cardiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands

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Daniel Bos Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands

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Joop S E Laven Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands

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Yvonne V Louwers Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands

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the CREW consortium
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the CREW consortium

Besides age, estrogen exposure plays a crucial role in changes in bone density (BD) in women. Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are conditions in reproductive-aged women in which the exposure to estrogen is substantially different. Women with a history of preeclampsia (PE) are expected to have normal estrogen exposure. Within the CREw-IMAGO study, we investigated if trabecular BD is different in these women because of differences in the duration of estrogen exposure. Trabecular BD was measured in thoracic vertebrae on coronary CT scans. Women with a reduced estrogen exposure (POI) have a lower BD compared to women with an intermediate exposure (PE) (mean difference (MD) −26.8, 95% CI −37.2 to −16.3). Women with a prolonged estrogen exposure (PCOS) have the highest BD (MD 15.0, 95% CI 4.3–25.7). These results support the hypothesis that the duration of estrogen exposure in these women is associated with trabecular BD.

Significance statement

Our results suggest that middle-aged women with PCOS have a higher BD and women with POI have a lower BD. We hypothesized that this is due to either a prolonged estrogen exposure, as seen in women with PCOS, or a reduced estrogen exposure, as in women with POI. In the counseling of women with reproductive disorders on long-term health issues, coronary CT provides a unique opportunity to assess both coronary artery calcium score for cardiovascular screening as well as trabecular BD.

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Junhui Zhang J Zhang, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China

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Hongyan Zhang H Zhang, Department of Histology and Embryology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China

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Bao Guo B Guo, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China

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Jun Yang J Yang, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China

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Renxiang Yu R Yu, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China

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Wenxiu Chen W Chen, Department of Histology and Embryology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China

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Muxin Zhai M Zhai, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China

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Cao Yuhan C Yuhan, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China

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Yajing Liu Y Liu, NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China

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Qiang Hong Q Hong, Department of Histology and Embryology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China

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Fenfen Xie F Xie, Department of Histology and Embryology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China

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The elevated level of hepatic oxidative stress (OS) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the important causes of liver abnormalities. Therefore, decreasing the level of hepatic OS in PCOS is beneficial to reduce the risk of PCOS-related liver diseases. Melatonin (MT), recognized as a potent antioxidant. Nevertheless, the efficacy of MT in alleviating hepatic OS associated with PCOS is yet to be established, and the precise mechanisms through which MT exerts its antioxidant effects remain to be fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to explore the potential mechanism by which MT reduces hepatic OS in PCOS. First, we detected elevated OS levels in the PCOS samples. Subsequently, with MT pretreatment, we discovered that MT could significantly diminish the levels of OS, liver triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST),while concurrently ameliorating mitochondrial structural damage in PCOS liver. Furthermore, we identified elevated autophagy levels in the liver of PCOS rats and an inhibition of the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway. Through MT pretreatment, the expression of LC3 was significantly decreased, while the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway was activated. Our study showed that MT could affect the Nrf2 pathway dependent on the P62/LC3 autophagy pathway, thereby attenuating hepatic OS in PCOS. These findings offer novel insights and research avenues for the study of PCOS-related liver diseases.

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Bruno Donadille Service d’Endocrinologie et Médecine de la Reproduction, Centre de Référence des Maladies Endocrines Rares de la Croissance, Hôpital Saint Antoine, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Est, AP-HP, Paris, France

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Muriel Houang Service d’Explorations Fonctionnelles Endocriniennes, Centre de Référence des Maladies Endocrines Rares de la Croissance, Hôpital Trousseau, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Est, AP-HP, Paris, France

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Irène Netchine Service d’Explorations Fonctionnelles Endocriniennes, Centre de Référence des Maladies Endocrines Rares de la Croissance, Hôpital Trousseau, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Est, AP-HP, Paris, France
Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France

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Jean-Pierre Siffroi Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
INSERM UMR_S933, Paris, France

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Sophie Christin-Maitre Service d’Endocrinologie et Médecine de la Reproduction, Centre de Référence des Maladies Endocrines Rares de la Croissance, Hôpital Saint Antoine, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Est, AP-HP, Paris, France
Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
INSERM UMR_S933, Paris, France

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Human 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency (3b-HSD) is a very rare form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia resulting from HSD3B2 gene mutations. The estimated prevalence is less than 1/1,000,000 at birth. It leads to steroidogenesis impairment in both adrenals and gonads. Few data are available concerning adult testicular function in such patients. We had the opportunity to study gonadal axis and testicular function in a 46,XY adult patient, carrying a HSD3B2 mutation. He presented at birth a neonatal salt-wasting syndrome. He had a micropenis, a perineal hypospadias and two intrascrotal testes. HSD3B2 gene sequencing revealed a 687del27 homozygous mutation. The patient achieved normal puberty at the age of 15 years. Transition from the paediatric department occurred at the age of 19 years. His hormonal profile under hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone treatments revealed normal serum levels of 17OH-pregnenolone, as well as SDHEA, ACTH, total testosterone, inhibin B and AMH. Pelvic ultrasound identified two scrotal testes of 21 mL each, without any testicular adrenal rest tumours. His adult spermatic characteristics were normal, according to WHO 2010 criteria, with a sperm concentration of 57.6 million/mL (N > 15), 21% of typical forms (N > 4%). Sperm vitality was subnormal (41%; N > 58%). This patient, in contrast to previous reports, presents subnormal sperm parameters and therefore potential male fertility in a 24-years-old patient with severe 3b-HSD deficiency. This case should improve counselling about fertility of male patients carrying HSD3B2 mutation.

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Jan Roar Mellembakken Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway

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Azita Mahmoudan Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway

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Lars Mørkrid Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway

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Inger Sundström-Poromaa Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden

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Laure Morin-Papunen Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Oulu, University of Oulu, Medical Research Centre Oulu and PEDEGO Research Unit, Oulu, Finland

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Juha S Tapanainen Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Oulu, University of Oulu, Medical Research Centre Oulu and PEDEGO Research Unit, Oulu, Finland
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland

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Terhi T Piltonen Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Oulu, University of Oulu, Medical Research Centre Oulu and PEDEGO Research Unit, Oulu, Finland

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Angelica Lindén Hirschberg Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet and Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden

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Elisabet Stener-Victorin Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden

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Eszter Vanky Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, UK
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, St. Olav’s Hospital, Trondheim, Norway

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Pernille Ravn Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark

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Richard Christian Jensen Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark

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Marianne Skovsager Andersen Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark

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Dorte Glintborg Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark

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Objective

Obesity is considered to be the strongest predictive factor for cardio-metabolic risk in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The aim of the study was to compare blood pressure (BP) in normal weight women with PCOS and controls matched for age and BMI.

Methods

From a Nordic cross-sectional base of 2615 individuals of Nordic ethnicity, we studied a sub cohort of 793 normal weight women with BMI < 25 kg/m2 (512 women with PCOS according to Rotterdam criteria and 281 age and BMI-matched controls). Participants underwent measurement of BP and body composition (BMI, waist-hip ratio), lipid status, and fasting BG. Data were presented as median (quartiles).

Results

The median age for women with PCOS were 28 (25, 32) years and median BMI was 22.2 (20.7, 23.4) kg/m2. Systolic BP was 118 (109, 128) mmHg in women with PCOS compared to 110 (105, 120) mmHg in controls and diastolic BP was 74 (67, 81) vs 70 (64, 75) mmHg, both P < 0.001. The prevalence of women with BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg was 11.1% (57/512) in women with PCOS vs 1.8% (5/281) in controls, P < 0.001. In women ≥ 35 years the prevalence of BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg was comparable in women with PCOS and controls (12.7% vs 9.8%, P = 0.6). Using multiple regression analyses, the strongest association with BP was found for age, waist circumference, and total cholesterol in women with PCOS.

Conclusions

Normal weight women with PCOS have higher BP than controls. BP and metabolic screening are relevant also in young normal weight women with PCOS.

Open access