Dysregulation of intra-ovarian theca cell-androgen axis in women with gonadotropin-poor responsiveness and polycystic ovary syndrome

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24592464
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Obstetrics and gynecology
• Research Institution: University of Fukui
• Principal Investigator: ORISAKA Makoto 福井大学, 医学部附属病院, 講師 (80324143)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 莢膜細胞 / アンドロゲン / 卵胞発育 / ゴナドトロピン不応症 / PCOS / 排卵誘発

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Ovarian androgens produced by theca cells induce granulosa cell proliferation and early follicle growth. Dysregulation of theca cell-androgen axis leads to ovarian pathology such as gonadotropin poor-responsiveness (poor responder) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Inactivation of theca cell-androgen axis in poor responder and hyperactivation of theca cell-androgen axis in PCOS can cause downregulation of FSH receptor expression in granulosa cells, resulting in poor response to gonadotropin stimulation. Normalization of androgen levels in ovaries of poor responder and PCOS would contribute the expression of FSH receptor in granulosa cells and the acquisition of gonadotropin responsiveness in growing follicles.

Free Research Field

生殖医学