Ovary stereological features and serum biochemical factors following induction of polycystic ovary syndrome with testosterone enanthate in mice: An experimental study

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder featured by insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism. Testosterone enanthate can induce PCOS in mice models. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the ovary stereological features along with the oxidative stress and inflammatory factors in mice following PCOS induction using testosterone enanthate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve female NMRI mice (3 wk old) were divided into 2 groups (n=6/each): Control and PCOS. PCOS was induced through daily injections of testosterone enanthate (1 mg/100g subcutaneous s.c for 5 wk). Finally, ovaries were studied stereologically. The serum levels of the follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α were measured using ELISA kit. Serum levels of Malondialdehyde and the antioxidant capacity were measured relatively using thiobarbituric acid and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay. RESULTS: The mean total volume of ovary and the mean volume of cortex (p<0.001), volume of oocyte in the preantral (p=0.011) and antral follicle (p=0.015), thickness of zona pellucida (p=0.016), the number of antral follicles (p=0.012), the serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (p<0.001) and the antioxidant capacity (p=0.020) reduced significantly in the PCOS group compared to the control. The number of primary (p=0.017) and preantral (p=0.006) follicles and the serum levels of testosterone (p<0.001), Luteinizing hormone (p=0.002), Malondialdehyde, Interleukin 6 and Tumor necrosis factor-α (p<0.001) showed a significant increase in the PCOS group compared to the control. CONCLUSION: Testosterone enanthate induced PCOS causes stereological features in the ovary, increases the oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in mice.