Cholesterol and testosterone dynamics in a polycystic ovary syndrome animal model

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder characterized by hyperandrogenism, elevated luteinizing hormone, reduced follicle-stimulating hormone, increased estrogen/estradiol levels, anovulation/oligoovulation, and dyslipidemia, including elevated blood cholesterol levels. Understanding the interplay between hormonal imbalances and metabolic dysregulation in patients with PCOS remains a critical area of research.

This study aimed to identify the impact of testosterone propionate and estradiol benzoate on cholesterol and testosterone levels in a rat model of PCOS.

This study employed a testosterone propionate (TP) and estradiol benzoate (EB) induced female Wistar rat model of PCOS to explore a possible link between cholesterol and testosterone levels in the context of hormonal and metabolic interactions inherent to the syndrome. Six-month-old female Wistar rats (130-150 g) were randomly allocated into three experimental groups: Animals were divided into three groups: NC (corn oil, 100 µl, i.p.), TP (testosterone propionate 100 mg/kg BW, i.p., 12 days), and EB (estradiol benzoate 2 mg/kg BW, i.p., 2 days).

Serum cholesterol and testosterone levels were measured and compared across the groups. Induction with TP and EB did not significantly alter cholesterol levels in the PCOS model compared with the negative control group (p ≥ 0.05). However, while the testosterone levels in the TP group showed no significant difference from the control (p ≥ 0.05), the testosterone levels in the EB group were significantly higher than those in the control (p ≤ 0.05).

The findings indicate that estradiol benzoate, but not testosterone propionate, significantly elevates testosterone levels in this PCOS model, without a corresponding impact on cholesterol levels. These results underscore the differential effects of hormonal induction on androgen production and lipid metabolism, providing insights into PCOS's complex pathophysiology. Further research is required to explore the mechanisms underlying these hormonal and metabolic interactions.