Genetic and Epigenetic Profiles of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and In Vitro Bisphenol Exposure in a Human Granulosa Cell Model

• Published in: Biomedicines 2024-01, Vol.12 (1), p.237
• Main Authors: Sabry, Reem, Gallo, Jenna F, Rooney, Charlie, Scandlan, Olivia L M, Davis, Ola S, Amin, Shilpa, Faghih, Mehrnoosh, Karnis, Megan, Neal, Michael S, Favetta, Laura A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Androgen receptors; Androgens; Biosynthesis; Bisphenol A; bisphenols; Cytochrome; Dehydrogenases; endocrine disrupting compounds; Enzymes; Epigenetic inheritance; Epigenetics; Estrogens; Ethics; Fertility; Follicles; Gene expression; Genes; Genetic aspects; Granulosa cells; Hormones; In vitro fertilization; Infertility; Menstruation; MicroRNA; MicroRNAs; miRNA; Ovaries; Ovulation; Pathogenesis; Pathophysiology; Polycystic ovary syndrome; Stein-Leventhal syndrome; Steroids; Womens health
• ISSN: 2227-9059; 2227-9059
• DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010237

Higher levels of bisphenols are found in granulosa cells of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), posing the question: Is bisphenol exposure linked to PCOS pathophysiology? Human granulosa cells were obtained from women with and without PCOS, and genes and microRNAs associated with PCOS were investigated. The first phase compared healthy women and those with PCOS, revealing distinct patterns: PCOS subjects had lower ( = 0.0217) and ( = 0.0114) levels and elevated miR-21 expression ( = 0.02535), elucidating the molecular landscape of PCOS, and emphasizing key players in its pathogenesis. The second phase focused on healthy women, examining the impact of bisphenols (BPA, BPS, BPF) on the same genes. Results revealed alterations in gene expression profiles, with BPS exposure increasing ( = 0.02821) and miR-21 ( = 0.01515) expression, with the latest mirroring patterns in women with PCOS. BPA exposure led to elevated expression ( = 0.0298), while BPF exposure was associated with higher levels of miR-155. Of particular interest was the parallel epigenetic expression profile between BPS and PCOS, suggesting a potential link. These results contribute valuable insights into the nuanced impact of bisphenol exposure on granulosa cell genes, allowing the study to speculate potential shared mechanisms with the pathophysiology of PCOS.