Texture profile analysis reveals a stiffer ovarian cortex after testosterone therapy: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology
• Biomedical engineering
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Ovarian extracellular matrix and stromal cells are crucial for follicle development.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with an aberrant, rigid ovarian matrix potentially due to testosterone.
• Understanding ovarian tissue mechanics is vital for reproductive health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the textural parameters of ovarian cortex in transgender men after prolonged testosterone exposure.
• To compare these parameters with those of non-exposed ovarian cortex from female oncological patients.
• To assess the impact of testosterone on ovarian tissue physical properties.

Main Methods:

• Texture profile analysis (TPA) was used to measure stiffness, hardness, cohesiveness, and springiness of ovarian cortex samples (5 × 5 mm).
• Ovarian cortex from transgender men (N=10) and oncological patients (N=7) was analyzed.
• Statistical analysis involved mixed models and Spearman rank order correlation.

Main Results:

• The superficial part of ovarian cortex fragments (< 1.4 mm) from transgender individuals was significantly stiffer (6.78 ± 1.38 N/mm) than that from oncological patients (5.41 ± 0.9 N/mm) (p=0.036).
• This is the first study applying TPA to ovarian cortex to evaluate physical properties.
• Prolonged testosterone administration in transgender men was associated with increased cortical stiffness.

Conclusions:

• This study provides objective evidence of increased ovarian cortical stiffness following testosterone administration in transgender men.
• The findings highlight the potential influence of hormonal milieu on ovarian tissue biomechanics.
• This novel approach using TPA may open new avenues for research into ovarian tissue physical properties and their clinical implications.