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A Hyperandrogenic Mouse Model to Study Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
08:20

A Hyperandrogenic Mouse Model to Study Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Published on: October 2, 2018

Pervasive developmental disorders in children of hyperandrogenic women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a longitudinal

Stefano Palomba1, Rosa Marotta, Annalisa Di Cello

  • 1Department of Obstetrics, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy. stefanopalomba@tin.it

Clinical Endocrinology
|May 23, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Children born to mothers with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may face increased risks for pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs). Prenatal testosterone exposure appears to influence these developmental outcomes, particularly in daughters.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroendocrinology
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Reproductive Medicine

Background:

  • Foetal exposure to elevated testosterone is implicated in mammalian brain development and pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs).
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder characterized by hyperandrogenism.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the hypothesis that children born to hyperandrogenic women with PCOS have an increased risk of PDDs.
  • To explore the relationship between prenatal testosterone exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring.

Main Methods:

  • A longitudinal case-control study involving 30 pregnant women with PCOS and 45 healthy pregnant controls.
  • Maternal clinical evaluations and biochemical assays during pregnancy and postpartum.
  • Administration of child versions of Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ-C), Empathy Quotient (EQ-C), and Systemizing Quotient (SQ-C) tests to the children.

Main Results:

  • Children of PCOS patients exhibited higher total AQ-C and communication scores.
  • Daughters of PCOS mothers showed significantly higher total AQ-C, communication, and attention switching subscores.
  • Daughters of PCOS mothers had lower EQ-C and higher SQ-C scores compared to controls.
  • Amniotic testosterone levels significantly influenced AQ-C, EQ-C, and SQ-C scores across all participants.

Conclusions:

  • Daughters of mothers with hyperandrogenic PCOS may be at a higher risk for PDDs.
  • This increased risk is potentially linked to unbalanced prenatal exposure to high testosterone levels.
  • Prenatal androgen exposure is a critical factor in neurodevelopmental trajectories.
Abstract

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