Chronic hyperandrogenemia in the presence and absence of a western-style diet impairs ovarian and uterine structure/function in young adult rhesus monkeys

AbstractSTUDY QUESTIONDoes chronic hyperandrogenemia beginning at menarche, in the absence and presence of a western-style diet (WSD), alter ovarian and uterine structure-function in young adult rhesus monkeys?SUMMARY ANSWERPhenotypic alterations in ovarian and uterine structure/function were induced by exogenous testosterone (T), and compounded in the presence of a WSD (T+WSD).WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADYHyperandrogenemia is a well-established component of PCOS and is observed in adolescent girls, indicating a potential pubertal onset of disease symptoms. Obesity is often associated with hyperandrogenemia and it is hypothesized that metabolic dysfunction exacerbates PCOS symptoms.STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATIONMacaque females (n = 40) near the onset of menarche (~2.5 years of age) were assigned to a 2 by 2 factorial cohort design. Effects on reproductive characteristics were evaluated after 3 years of treatment.PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODSRhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) were fed either a normal balanced diet (n = 20) or a WSD (n = 20). Additionally, implants containing cholesterol (n = 20) or T (n = 20) were implanted subcutaneously to elevate serum T approximately 5-fold. This resulted in treatment groups of controls (C), T, WSD and T+WSD (n = 10/group). Vaginal swabbing was performed daily to detect menses. After 3 years of treatment, daily serum samples from one menstrual cycle were assayed for hormone levels. Ovarian structure was evaluated in the early follicular pha...
Source: Human Reproduction - Category: Reproduction Medicine Source Type: research