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Updated: Dec 12, 2025
Evaluation of Hepatic Glucose Production in a Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Mouse Model
Published on: March 5, 2022
MiRNAs expression profiling of rat ovaries displaying PCOS with insulin resistance
Chunren Zhang1,2, Chuyi Yu3, Zengxian Lin2
1The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510240, Guangdong, China.
Purpose:
The present study established microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles for rat ovaries displaying polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with insulin resistance and explored the underlying biological functions of differentially expressed miRNAs.
Methods:
A PCOS with insulin resistance rat model was created by administering letrozole and a high-fat diet. Total RNA was extracted from the ovaries of PCOS with insulin resistance rats and normal rats. Three ovaries from each group were used to identify differentially expressed miRNAs by deep sequencing. A hierarchical clustering heatmap and volcano plot were used to display the pattern of differentially expressed miRNAs. Gene ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were conducted to explore the potential target genes of the differentially expressed miRNAs and identify their putative biological function. Nine of the differentially expressed miRNAs were selected for validation by Real-time Quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR).
Results:
A total of 58 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified in the rat ovaries exhibiting PCOS with insulin resistance compared with control ovaries, including 23 miRNAs that were upregulated and 35 miRNAs that were downregulated. GO and KEGG pathway analyses revealed that the predicted target genes were related to metabolic processes, cellular processes, and metabolic pathways. Furthermore, qRT-PCR confirmed that miR-3585-5p and miR-30-5p were significantly upregulated and miR-146-5p was downregulated in the ovaries of PCOS with insulin resistance rats compared with the controls.
Conclusion:
These results indicate that differentially expressed miRNAs in rat ovaries may be involved in the pathophysiology of insulin resistance in PCOS. Our study may be beneficial in establishing miRNAs as novel diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers for insulin resistance in PCOS.
Insights
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with insulin resistance in rats shows altered microRNA (miRNA) expression in ovaries. These findings highlight miRNAs as potential biomarkers for diagnosing and treating PCOS-related insulin resistance.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder often associated with insulin resistance.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in regulating gene expression and are implicated in various diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish miRNA expression profiles in rat ovaries with PCOS and insulin resistance.
- To explore the biological functions of differentially expressed miRNAs in this condition.
Main Methods:
- A rat model of PCOS with insulin resistance was induced using letrozole and a high-fat diet.
- Deep sequencing identified differentially expressed miRNAs, followed by Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway analyses.
- Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) validated specific miRNA expression levels.
Main Results:
- 58 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified in PCOS with insulin resistance ovaries (23 upregulated, 35 downregulated).
- Predicted target genes were associated with metabolic and cellular processes.
- qRT-PCR confirmed upregulation of miR-3585-5p and miR-30-5p, and downregulation of miR-146-5p.
Conclusions:
- Differentially expressed miRNAs are implicated in the pathophysiology of insulin resistance in PCOS.
- These miRNAs may serve as novel diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers for insulin resistance in PCOS.
