Morphological and molecular evaluation of a murine model of polycystic ovary syndrome induced by dehydroepiandrosterone injection

• Grant number: 24/17863-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: April 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biology
• Principal Investigator: Rosana Maria dos Reis
• Grantee: Carolina Chicharo Vivas
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex metabolic and endocrine disease that affects many women of reproductive age in Brazil and around the world. This pathology has an impact on many systems, including the reproductive system, where oocyte immaturity is one of the main causes of infertility among women. The genes growth and differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) secrete oocyte secreted factors (OSFs) that are essential for the growth, differentiation, proliferation and metabolism of the follicle, which in turn is vital for oocyte maturity. To date, studies in the literature regarding the expression of these genes and their OSFs in PCOS appear contradictory, so more studies are needed to understand the potential biomarkers of this increasingly common chronic disease in the population. In addition, a better understanding of one of the main causes of infertility among women, which is oocyte immaturity, is essential, since infertility is on the rise worldwide. In order to help clarify these issues, this project aims to induce PCOS in a murine model with subcutaneous application of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), monitoring weight and vaginal cytology throughout animal experimentation. In addition, ovarian histology will be carried out and the expression of the GDF9 and BMP15 genes will be analyzed by qPCR and their respective proteins by Western Blot. This work aims to learn more about the GDF9 and BMP15 genes, as well as their OSFs and proteins in an induced PCOS model. This animal model project is essential for a better understanding of one of the main causes of female infertility.