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Progressive obesity leads to altered ovarian gene expression in the Lethal Yellow mouse: a microarray study
John Brannian1, Kathleen Eyster, Mandi Greenway
1Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD 57105, USA. jbrannia@usd.edu.
Journal of Ovarian Research
|August 5, 2009
Summary
Obese mice show altered ovarian gene expression linked to reproductive issues. These changes in gene expression, including those for agouti and leptin, appear with acquired obesity in aging mice.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Endocrinology
- Genomics
Background:
- Lethal yellow (LY) mice develop obesity, metabolic dysregulation, and early reproductive senescence.
- This study investigates ovarian gene expression differences in obese LY mice compared to lean controls.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that obese LY mice have distinct ovarian gene expression profiles.
- To identify specific genes and pathways affected by obesity in the mouse ovary.
Main Methods:
- Gene expression analysis using Codelink Mouse Whole Genome Bioarrays.
- Hormonal suppression and stimulation protocols were applied to 90- and 180-day-old mice.
- Ovarian gene expression was compared between obese LY and lean black mice.
Main Results:
- Fifty-two genes exhibited differential expression (>2-fold, p<0.05) in 180-day-old obese LY mice.
- Elevated ovarian expression of agouti, leptin, and lipid metabolism genes in obese LY mice.
- Altered expression of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase types 1 and 2, with increased corticosterone in aging obese mice.
Conclusions:
- Reproductive dysfunction in aging obese mice is associated with modified intraovarian gene expression.
- Acquired obesity is directly linked to these observed changes in ovarian gene expression.
- Gene expression alterations contribute to the reproductive senescence seen in obese mice.
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